Connecting Cars/Trains/Destinations
Quote:
The only indication on a wheel report or switchlist that a car needs to be transferred to another train to reach its ultimate destination is a note in the margin next to the car in the list (e.g. "xfer to HDX-7 at East Haddam"). But this is just an aid for the crew that I include. A prototype/qualified crew that has a car in its train (or picks up a car in a town along the way) that is destined for an industry in a town that its train doesn't visit would know 1) what train *does* visit the destination town, and 2) where its train interchanges with that train. The crew would know to leave that car there. But, as the layout owner/host I do what I can to help - thus the margin note
Multi-part answer...
As Dave said in a previous reply, the only reason cars would be set off to transfer to another train isn't so much (from the perspective of the train making the set off) about which train is going to pick up those cars, it's that the cars' destination is not on the route of this train, and this is the place where cars for that destination are set off.
E.g. Your train runs from A to B to C. At B is a junction with another line to D. If you have any D cars in your train when you get to B, chances are* the layout operations will have you setting those D cars off at B. You don't specifically need to know which branchline train will take them from B to D.
*There are a lot of possible exceptions to this based on the layout design and train schedule/operational plan. Maybe the local to D runs out of C, or B doesn't have the yard space, so D cars are hauled to C and set out in the yard there instead of B, etc. Just using this as a simple example.
If you're using switch lists, the program if it's set up correctly should identify the different route and junction point and the generated switch list should specifically tell you to set off those cars in a yard track at B and there should be nothing to question. No margin notes required. Switch list says set off in yard, you set off in yard. As far as your work on that particular train is concerned, you're done with those cars once set off in the yard. Any connecting cars for C from a previous branchline train should similarly be on your switch list to lift from the yard. Grab whatever's on the list and continue on.
If you're using CC+WB, the waybill will show the cars' destination as D. You know that D is not on your route. Layout map or other references (see also next para.) show D to be on the branch that connects at B. The waybill can also include a "route" line that can show this car moves "via B". Thus you would "know" to set off any D cars at B for the branch. (see also next para.)
The other potential piece that's not specifically part of CC+WB (or any other routing system) itself, but is very relevant here, is providing adequate "work instructions" to trains. Like a train information sheet that details what train train does, where it runs, and what work it performs.
An example train instruction sheet for the train described above:
No. 10
Local train
Operates A to C
Max cars: 15
At A:
- Train originates.
- Obtain assigned engines from shop track and follow yardmaster's instructions to build train.
At B:
- Switch local industries. Lift cars for C.
- Set out cars for D in yard track [to connect to branchline local to D - optional text].
- Lift cars for C from yard.
At C:
- Train terminates.
- Yard train per yardmasters instructions and park engines at shop track.
Vary instructions as necessary based on layout specifics. If no yardmasters, provide any specific information train may need for yarding, etc. If there's any unique or peculiar oddities to a particular location that's relevant to a particular train, this can be noted. If there's any work a train needs, or almost as importantly *doesn't* need to do at a location (maybe B has an assigned industry switcher, so no. 10 only sets off cars in the yard and doesn't do the switching. Or maybe no. 10 does do this switching but you also have a no. 12 that's an A to C straight shot that doesn't handle anything for or at B. etc.)
The waybills, car tabs, etc. tell you where the car's ultimate destination is. The train instructions help crews understand their work.
A proper/good "train paperwork" packet includes:
- layout schematic map showing locations and routes so an operator can always orient themselves to your layout geography
- train information/instructions sheet (above)
- car paperwork (CC+WB or switchlist; not required if using some alternative system like tab-on-car where there is no paperwork)
- track warrant or clearance forms (if you use that type of dispatching system)
- any other helpful "reference sheets" unique to your setup