January Operator-Agent Post

For this first Operator-Agent Post of 2026 Larry talks about the telegraph procedures used when receiving a train order from the dispatcher.

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Enjoy

You can start from the beginning of Larry's series with Part 1 here.

The job of the Train Order Operator 

and

Timetable and Train Order Operations

by Larry Isenor

Part 4

Receiving Train Orders:

Procedures are in use to ensure that train orders are delivered in a proper fashion and to prevent any confusion. As we are only doing this as a demonstration, the train orders have no effect but they demonstrate the method of train control during the park’s time frame.

The dispatcher will first send the station code to the receiving station:

MN for Midnapore

R for Laggan

SA for Shepard

BO was originally used for Bowell but this office was closed before WW1

Station addressed will reply with the station code

Dispatcher will give type of order and number of copies:

19 West cpy 5 - 19 order West 5 copies (for engineer, conductor of 2 trains and operator)

If 3 copies are required number of copies is not necessary as 3 is assumed.

The operator will set train order signal to stop (we only have 2 aspect signals)

and reply SDR West - signal displayed red west

The dispatcher will then dictate the order - for example:

ORDER NO 13

TO EXTRA 2023 WEST AT MIDNAPORE

EXTRA 2023 WEST MEET EXTRA 2024 EAST AT SHEPARD

EXTRA 2024 EAST TAKE SIDING

KWA

The initials are those of the dispatcher.

The operator will repeat the order back to the dispatcher who will reply with

COM 1245 KWA

Operator will write complete, the time and their signature on the bottom of the order.

A clearance should also be started for the train listing the orders. The clearance will be requested from the dispatcher as the train approaches:

MH CLEAR EXTRA 2023 WITH ORDER 13

The dispatcher will reply OK with the time and his initials:

OK 1145 KWA

The operator will enter this on the clearance with the last train ahead and staple the clearance to the train orders.

The train orders will be attached to the train order hoops and delivered to the engineer and conductor as the train passes.

The time of passing should be noted and added to the train register once returning to the station.

If no further orders are held for delivery the train order signal can be set to proceed. (We usually leave it at stop as we try to hoop up orders to each train. If no orders are needed a clearance with nil can be issued.

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Next month will a massive post dealing with the infamous "Rule Book" that every Operator-Agent needed to be familiar with.