Dispatcher’s tools of the trade: a trainsheet (dispatchers record of movement of trains) along with MBS clearance forms. Not shown is a radio (to communicate with crews), a schematic reference of the dispatcher’s territory mounted on the board above the desk, along with a magnetic strip to pin active clearances (actual trains in motion over the line).

The picture shows a trainsheet ‘in progress’ sometime between 07:30 – 08:00 of a modelled day. Active now is Extra 8477 West, the Little Current Turn, which cleared Nairn at 07:33 and is somewhere between there and the junction with the Little Current Sub at McKerrow. The dispatcher is no doubt hoping X8477W clears McKerrow soon, as passenger train 427 (the SOO Budd car) has reported at Sudbury station at 07:30 with a scheduled 08:00 departure.