Trains November 2012

How Railroads Work: Freight Scheduling
By Steve Ryan
See how railroaders in the service design department find ways to route trains across a giant system

How Railroads Work: Dispatching
By David Lustig
BNSF dispatchers keep California trains moving

How Railroads Work: Ticketing
By John W. Diers
Find out how railroads sold coach seats and berths to thousands of travelers a day, in an age before computers, cell phones, or Travelocity

How Railroads Work: Power
By Bob Johnston
Follow three Amtrak engines for a whole year on the road

How Railroads Work: Hump Yards
By Sayre C. Kos
A monstrous operation stretches to the horizon as cars weave their way from one end to the other. All in the name of ‘feeding the Beast.’

How Railroads Work: Amtrak Scheduling
By Bob Johnston
The challenge of coming up with realistic timekeeping combines art, science — and negotiation

How Railroads Work: Signaling
By Brian Solomon
For safe operation, railroaders must thoroughly know both the language and the rules

In My Own Words: Loving a Dangerous Job
By Alan Byer
The life of a Pennsy electrician was adventuresome, fulfilling, and filled with hazards