Dunmore, Alberta: 12 OCT'82
Inside the CPR depot, the train order operator has his radio in front of him (I think that's what it is!) as well as train orders that have been pre-printed for conditions that exist to all the trains that will pass this way. Additional train orders that will govern meets between trains or other changing conditions will be written out at the direction of the train dispatcher, and after the train order signal in the appropriate direction is set to notify the train it will receive orders here, by the use of those levers, they will be copied within strict standards of clarity and form, tied with that string to order forks or hoops, and either handed up to the engine crew and caboose crew, either when moving or stopped (depending on the train order signal indication), OR put in a "rack" where the train orders can be snatched without the operator flinching (there are stories….) Also there is a "standard clock" by which operating employees can set their watches, and a card that notifies all those "whose duties are herein prescribed" just how deviant the clock is from Greenwich time. The railroad has in its employees' timetable where these standard clocks could be found, and instructions were clearly given to maintain one's watch within 30 seconds of the time given on those clocks. Watches were to be inspected by a railroad approved jeweller (also listed in that timetable) at least once - maybe twice - a year. Even as a summer employee on the Rock Island, I recall being requested at least once by a company officer to present my watch card. Once he ascertained that my watch had been inspected in accordance with the rules, I was okay to go.
Dunmore, Alberta: 12 OCT'82
Inside the CPR depot, the train order operator has his radio in front of him (I think that's what it is!) as well as train orders that have been pre-printed for conditions that exist to all the trains that will pass this way. Additional train orders that will govern meets between trains or other changing conditions will be written out at the direction of the train dispatcher, and after the train order signal in the appropriate direction is set to notify the train it will receive orders here, by the use of those levers, they will be copied within strict standards of clarity and form, tied with that string to order forks or hoops, and either handed up to the engine crew and caboose crew, either when moving or stopped (depending on the train order signal indication), OR put in a "rack" where the train orders can be snatched without the operator flinching (there are stories….) Also there is a "standard clock" by which operating employees can set their watches, and a card that notifies all those "whose duties are herein prescribed" just how deviant the clock is from Greenwich time. The railroad has in its employees' timetable where these standard clocks could be found, and instructions were clearly given to maintain one's watch within 30 seconds of the time given on those clocks. Watches were to be inspected by a railroad approved jeweller (also listed in that timetable) at least once - maybe twice - a year. Even as a summer employee on the Rock Island, I recall being requested at least once by a company officer to present my watch card. Once he ascertained that my watch had been inspected in accordance with the rules, I was okay to go.