Saw-By

[NW Modeling List]

That's why we buy DCC. ;)

Jeff Cornelius
Two Blocks from the N&W Valley Line


-----Original Message-----
From: NW Mailing List <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
To: NW Mailing List <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
Sent: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:15 pm
Subject: Re: Saw-By




There were two types of saw-bys; one used when only
one of the trains was too long for the siding, the other when both
were.





The longer train, say the westbound, pulled
down to stop in the clear at the west end of the siding, either on the
main or in the siding, whichever was specified.  The shorter eastbound
pulled on in to clear the west end, after which the
longer westbound pulled on out.  Then when the westbound cleared
the east end, the eastbound could go.





The double saw where both trains were too long
practically guaranteed the crews would make a lot of overtime, if not go on the
hours of service law - it was that time consuming.





One train, say the westbound,  pulled in
the siding (or down the main if specified) and cut off what the siding wouldn't
hold clear of the switch at the east end, leaving his excess on the main
beyond the switch.  The eastbound would pull in and out the east
end, coupling to the westbound's rear and, shoving it ahead of him, would
clear the west end.  The westbound would then pull his front
portion a full train length (the length of the eastbound plus a few cars for
safety)beyond the siding, allowing the eastbound to back up, leaving
the westbound's rear end between the switches, to the west end and
then pull through the siding and out.  Then the westbound could back
up to the siding, couple to his rear, and go.





Try this on a model layout some time and see how
long it takes.





Ed King