How the System Operates,

The operation of the system may be described as follows:—The Train Controller has before him a train diagram on which is represented in ink drawing the ordinary service (express, passenger, mixed, and goods trains) that have to adhere to some particular schedule. On this diagram he notes in pencil, the movements of all trains as he receives arrival and departure times by telephone from the various stations, and alters crossings, by crossing order when rule demands, but usually by verbal direction. He also varies the work of trains as he may consider necessary to secure the best results in the matter of punctuality.

The completed diagram thus becomes a visual record of the day's working, and from it can be detected delays arising out of faulty scheduling.

The Chief Train Running Officer examines each morning the previous day's diagram, and, if necessary, enquires further into any matter he may consider requires attention. Train delays are dealt with over the telephone, and the time required at stations for shunting purposes or other station duties, is usually discussed with the Controller, who may fix a limit for such work as he thinks advisable. Particulars of delays are noted on the diagram. Any items that cannot be satisfactorily dealt with at once are, of course, brought under the notice of the Chief Train Running Officer to be dealt with as circumstances determine.

Another interesting aspect of the work of the Controller concerns the expeditious movement of traffic on the lines. He has particulars supplied (in the first instance by the tonnage officer) of all tonnage offering each day for transport. He verifies the information in detail with stations as the day progresses, and it is his duty to see that this tonnage receives the best possible despatch.