System Operating Plans General Instructions for High Reliability Trains 901,902,921,949,951,952,953,965

System Operating Plans General Instructions for High Reliability Trains 901,902,921,949,951,952,953,965

The objective with these trains is to place all cars on schedule at the
consignee’s siding. The minimum goal will be on-time placement of 85% of the
Group “A” traffic (Pool, Piggyback, Containers, Perishables and Automobiles
as specified for each train). The measurement is made weekly and on an annual
basis by comparing daily placements of cars with the scheduled placement times.

Marketing and Sales and Operating personnel will ensure that shippers are
informed that cut-off times must be met if scheduled delivery is to be consistently
achieved.

The plan of operation covers movement from dock to dock (or to interchange point).
Terminal operations must be planned to provide car handling at origin and destination
within the established car schedules.

In order that these measurements can be made, daily reports are to be telephoned
to the System Operations Centre from Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Thunder
Bay, Toronto, Montreal and Saint John giving the following car placement data for
Group “A” traffic:

  • Total cars placed
  • Total cars placed late
  • Time of placement of late cars only
  • Reason for late placement

Time of placement will be defined as time that first car or cut of cars is placed.

The power-to-weight ratio must not fall below that specified.

Train symbols must not be changed enroute. If sections are required the first
section must be the through train.

Detailed operating and marshalling instructions will be issued by the Chief of
Transportation as required.

These trains must operate to the requirements laid out in the detail pages.

NOTE: No changes are to be made to the operating plans detailed herein without
the authority of the Chief of Transportation.

Traffic

For Group “A” traffic the individual commodity priority list for above mentioned
high reliability trains indicate the order of preference to be given commodities.
(The first item in the list has highest priority). Where more traffic is available
than authorized capacity, first reduction should be made to other than Group “A”
traffic. Where Group “A” traffic exceeds the car limit, reduction will be made by
first considering the blocks of cars in origin/destination blocks (long haul has
preference). Secondly, within each reduction by origin/destination, traffic should
be given preference in the order listed in the individual commodity priority lists.
Where marshalling procedures permit, loads should be given preference.

Recent Posts

In Memorial: Jim ‘Skid’ Robinson

It is with heavy hearts that all of us at the WRMRC wish to honour and say farewell to James ‘Jim’ Robinson, a cherished member of our club who passed away peacefully on 14 November 2025. Jim, who also affectionately went by the nickname ‘Skid’, was our club treasurer and also served in that capacity on the board with the Waterloo Railway Expo.

Skid aboard a caboose on the Waterloo Central Railway

Before moving in retirement to Waterloo, Jim was a longtime Sudbury resident and a former accountant with INCO, and he applied the same commitment and accuracy to our club as he gave on the job. A self-described ‘numbers nerd’, Skid was drawn to operations on our Sudbury Division layout, and studied the real-life CP Rail freight procedures manuals to apply them in miniature form. From this Jim helped to set up paperwork and stage trains before WRMRC operating sessions, and successfully learned the Sudbury Yardmaster position (no small feat).

Jim was also a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, and loved to share his adventures on the road which, when coupled to his zest for life, gave us stories that both entertained and lifted us all. But above all, Skid was a genuine people person—quick with a word of encouragement, endlessly patient, and always ready to lend a hand. He welcomed every member, or potential members at train shows, and made our club feel more like a family. We will miss his dedication, his generous spirit, and the spark in his eye when he spoke about his many experiences and tall tales.

We wish to extend our sympathy and commiseration to his family, and his many close friends. We honour Skid’s memory by supporting one another, and by keeping his stories and adventures alive.

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