Train Priority

[blueriver]

Hi all,

With all the different consists of trains, what is the priority list?
If there is a Unit Coal train, Unit Autorack train, Unit Container train,
Mixed freight, Passenger train, an excursion train, and an Engineer/Inspection train, who has priority when it comes to the main line?
I know the situation in a localized area is that the through trains have priority over local trains but I don't know about the main line. Any responses will be appreciated.

Thanks

blueriver

[Anonymous]

well, I guess you will get a lot of answers, but I can say that in the "old days" of train orders, there was a rule, published in the timetable, regarding the priority of trains. usually starting with numbered first class passenger trains, working down from there(second class,third, etc.) Sometimes, for example, west bound trains are superior to east bound trains of the same class, or vice versa. In modern times, It's usually up to the dispatcher to decide. I know that when I worked for the Santa Fe, the dispatcher almost always gave amtrak prioity. Next I would say the 991-199 train to-from chicago. All the rest were just about the same, priority wise. (as least out here on the west coast!)
Also understand that by the railroads definition, a "train" is only such when occuping the "main" line. If equipment is not on the main, it's not a train!

[ndbprr]

Passenger trains and perishables get the first priority followed by trains based on service agreements with shippers and receivers. Coal and other minerals are about the lowest in priority.

[orsonroy]

First class trains: virtually all passenger trains, as well as some specialized freights. The IC ran meat train express freights from Dubuque to Chicago that took priority over ALL other traffic, including passenger trains!

Second class trains: mixed passenger trains, mail trains, milk trains, and most scheduled through freights.

Third class trains: some scheduled freights and all extras.

Trains operating in multiple sections have the same priority and run off the same nominal schedule, even if their real departure times are 2-3 hours apart. Scheduled trains have right over the mainline for 12 hours after their scheduled time. All railroads also have one direction that's dominant, so when trains of the same class meet, everyone will know which train gets to go first.

Pick up an employee time table and a copy of Tony Koester's new Kalmbach book on model RR operations. The two will give you a pretty good idea on how trains used to operate. Modern radio communications and track warrants have completely changed train movements.

[dehusman]

A modern list:

Amtrak and commuter
Piggyback trains
Stack trains
Auto rack/parts trains
Priority manifest
Regular manifest
Coal (with exceptions)
Animal feed grain trains
Export grain trains

Dave H.