Train Brief

 On the AIR a train brief is the form in your train packet that tells you what the train does on its run. If you were at a fixed position I’d call it a job brief.

On AIR1 my train briefs simply took you from starting point to finishing point telling you what work you had at each town, or simply listed the town name and read, “No work”. These train briefs were the same width as a waybill, but were folded so when unfolded they could be a foot long, if there was that much information on it (There wasn’t). This way they fit into the card pocket of the engine card.

Your train brief dovetailed with each Yardmasters blocking instructions so if you pulled into a yard you could know you set-out LR cars and picked-up WF and WS cars. At the same time the Yardmaster knew the same information plus where in your train to insert these blocks.

I did not include basic TTTO information, but I just received a copy of Al Daumann’s new train brief format and he does include TTTO instructions. Al has included things like: Once you have arrived at Able contact the DS and OS your arrival. Or, Before departing Baker junction sign the register.

I had a TTTO “Cheat sheet”, a copy of which anyone could pick up and carry with them, but I did not include these instructions on the train brief. 



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