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About double track main lines: Most US and Canadian lines were and are single tracked. Some very important and well-known lines were double tracked (or even triple or quadruple tracked) to increase capacity. Operating rules were developed to address multiple tracks long ago. While still using timetable-and-train-order rules, it's pretty easy to apply that regimen to double tracks. Just specify that the two tracks are to be operated with a particular "current of traffic" on each track, and designate which rules are to pertain to double track territory, and you're pretty well set. Capacity can further be enhanced by adopting block signal rules (e.g., Rule 251) to supercede other rules of train superiority on double tracked lines for trains operating in the same direction; or better yet, by adopting Centralized Traffic Control Rules (e.g., Rule 261) for trains operating in both directions on both of the double tracked lines. Sophistication of the signalling systems will dictate whether block signalling or CTC wil be utilized. Even on double tracked lines that do not have CTC, it's possible to operate trains on the "wrong main" (or against the current of traffic) by issuing appropriate train orders. A Form "D-R" train order might be issued in this format: "No 1 has right over opposing trains on eastward track C to F." Trains can also use the "wrong main" within yard limits to pass other trains in the same direction (i.e., by appropriately clearing the times of opposing First Class trains).
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