Mainline through Salida, Gunnison, Crested Bute and Monarch
If a main is within yard limits, the Yardmaster is allowed to utilize
the main for switching moves, hostler moves, etc, without requesting
permission from the dispatcher. Within Yard Limits, movements on the
main only need to clear the main for first class trains. For second,
third and extras, the yard crew is allowed to block the main. Any
second, third or extra train coming through on the main must limit their
speed through the yard limits to yard speed. Yard speed is defined as
the maximum speed that the train can be going but still be able to stop
in half of the sight distance. This means if two trains are going in
opposite directions, they can stop before they have a head-on.
The Yardmaster pretty much becomes the person in charge of the mainline
within Yard Limits. For Salida, The mainline panel could be mounted in the center and the
Yardmaster runs the panel. Whoever is running the SG switcher runs the
SG panel. Whoever is operating the NG switcher runs the NG panel. The
hostler runs the hostler/service track panel. The Barrel crew runs the
Barrel panel.
When any of these operators want to use the mainline, they ask the
Yardmaster, who will be standing within 10 feet of them. No radios
needed. Yardmaster looks at the schedule, notes if there are no 1st
Class trains due to arrive soon, and gives permission for a limited
period of time. Or, the Yardmaster makes them hold until the 1st Class
train passes.
At Gunnison, the Yardmaster will operate the mainline panel as per the description
given above. At Crested Butte, the same will be true when a Yardmaster is present.
The Monarch branch will necessarily require the main during all switching operations
and remain available to the active crew.
