Rural Shortline Operations

[Anonymous]

Anyone with any info on rural shortline operating practices or scheduling I would like your input. I can be reached at [e-mail]. Thanks, Mike

[thirdrail1]

What information do you need? Most rural shortlines follow standard railroad operating practices and have a standard rulebook. Scheduling depends entirely on a short line's customers and connections, since most are far more service oriented than the big railroads.

[Anonymous]

Gregg, I need just what you said. Where do I get a standard rulebook, what are standard practices? How can I spice the operations up a little without making it seem like a mainline? In what way are they more service oriented? As you can tell I'm on the bottom end of the learning curve here,laugh at me if you will but I would appreciate any help on these questions. Thanks, Mike

[thirdrail1]

Rulebooks are generally pocket sized three ring binders these days, so that pages may be replaced as rules and conditions change. Employees are required to sign for them and are charged if they are lost. A few railroads will sell theirs, usually for around $20., but I don't know who might be doing this currently. Aside from the normal standard operating and most importantly, safety, rules, rulebooks will contain such things as speed limits for various segments of line and city and county ordinances against horn blowing, blocking crossings, etc. By more service oriented, I mean that for example, a short line train will depart when its major customers have finished loading for the day and departure will be delayed if the customer is delayed in loading.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, I have a shortline near me and will see if they will sell me a rule book or photocopy one. They don't do much freight however but it's probably a good place to start. Thanks for the info, Mike

[Anonymous]

Mike,

There is an operating short line in/near Staunton VA called the Shendoah Valley Railroad (SVRR). It runs north/south near Rte 11 on the north edge of Staunton up to the next community called Varina. I have only seen one loco and a few old freight cars. The loco is a switcher with the cab located in the center so it looks somewhat symetric. There was an article on it in Model Railroader or Railroad Model Craftsman about five or more years back. You could write them and see if they have what you want. I think they use an old piece of C&O right-of-way, but I'm not sure. I'll check some older maps when I have occasion.

Good Luck. - Ed

[Anonymous]

Thanks Ed