Operating Procedures

At the commencement of each session, operators are given a number of cards. These cards tell the operator what is to be done and in what sequence. Drivers are given one white card which lists the trains to be given and a number of yellow cards that details the operation of each of those trains. Yardmasters also receive cards detailing their duties. The Principal Operator also has a number of cards that lists which operators are expected to perform tasks.

Down the left hand side of each card is a column of numbers ranging from 0 to 95. These are the sequence numbers. The Annunciator also shows the numbers ranging from 0 to 95. When the number on the Annunciator corresponds to the number on the left hand side of the operator's cards, the operator is to perform the task listed by that number. When an operator has completed the task assigned to that number, he is to advise the Principal Operator who will record this on his panel. When all operators have completed their tasks the Principal Operator will advance the Annunciator to the next number and the procedure is repeated.

It is important that operators advise the Principal Operator promptly when they have completed their tasks. Failure to do so will lead to unnecessary delays and cause frustration to other operators.

Operators must NOT commence a task before their number comes up unless specifically instructed to do so by the Principal Operator. To do so will invariably lead to conflicts, derailments and crashes.

Sydney Yard Operation

At this time all points are hand operated and there is no signalling. Thus everything has to be done manually.

In general it is important to keep the arrival track (SydArr) and its associated run around track clear so as to be able to accept as many trains as possible.

Locomotive hauled passenger trains

As a rule an arriving locomotive hauled passenger train follows the following sequence:-

1. route is set for arrival at SydArr (if required)
2. a train arrives at SydArr and stops over uncoupling ramp
3. locomotive uncouples and moves forward to the locomotive escape road
4. locomotive escape crossover is set and the route set to the loco facility
5. locomotive sets back around its train and turns on the turntable if required
6. route is reset from the turntable to SydArr
7. locomotive backs onto the down end of its train
8. route is set for departure from SydArr
9. train shunts ahead onto departure road and stops
10. route is set for appropriate siding
    • Syd-2 - South Coast Mail or Melbourne Express
    • Syd-4 - Illawarra Passenger
    • Syd-1 & Syd-3 – any other passenger train
11. route is reset for arrival of next train to SydArr
12. Train sets back onto its siding and shuts down

Notes.

• All passenger trains depart from their storage siding and their locomotives are stored with them on the siding. Locomotive changes only occur if there is a locomotive failure.
• Wherever possible, locomotives are to be shut down (press F7 six times) to minimise excess noise.

Railmotors

As a rule an arriving railmotor follows the following sequence:-

1. route is set for arrival at SydArr (if required)
2. a railmotor arrives at SydArr and stops
3. route is set for departure from SydArr
4. railmotor shunts ahead onto departure road and stops
5. route is set for Syd-4
6. railmotor shunts onto Syd-4 and shuts down

Notes.

• Railmotors depart from their storage siding.
• Wherever possible railmotors are to be shut down (press F7 six times) to minimise excess noise.

Goods Trains

As a rule an arriving goods train follows the following sequence:-

1. Route is set for arrival at SydArr. (The goods sidings may be used if SydArr is unavailable, but the locomotive will not be able to be released until its train has been removed by the shunter.)
2. a train arrives at SydArr and stops over uncoupling ramp
3. locomotive uncouples and moves forward to the locomotive escape road
4. locomotive escape crossover is set and the route set to the loco facility
5. locomotive sets back around its train, proceeds to loco facility and shuts down
6. shunter now draws train out of SydArr and, using unmarshalling rules breaks up train onto the goods sidings.

Kangaroo Valley Operation

The mainlines (Up, Down and Up Loop) are controlled by a 30-lever mechanically interlocked frame. Signals are lower quadrant.

KV Yard points (#41 to 46) and the Meatworks points (#51, 52 & 53) are controlled by “ground thrown” levers (actually DCC controlled) which are normally operated by the crew of the train using them. The KV Yardmaster also has access to blue switches and can operate the KV Yard points.

Mt Hope Mine points (# 21, 22 & 23) are similarly able to be operated by train crews or by blue switches on the Mine control panel.

The two electric uncouplers on the mainlines at KV station are controlled by DDC (#31). #31+ and #31- operate the up and down uncouplers respectively. Once triggered each will operate for 5 seconds giving drivers time enough to move away from their train.

Down Main Line

When approaching KV from Sydney one first meets a Landmark signal that warns of the approaching controlled district. Drivers are required to bring their trains under control and reduce speed to a maximum of 25mph.

The Down Home signal is next. If the signal is at danger or the indication not clear the train must stop prior to entering the controlled district. The driver may signal the station master ,if necessary, by sounding a long blast on the trains whistle.

On entering the controlled district one passes a trailing crossover and then approaches the three passenger car length #1 platform followed immediately by a level crossing and then the Down Starting signal with an auxiliary Shunt Ahead arm.

The down uncoupler is operated by #31-.

The Down Shunt Ahead signal permits train movements at reduced speed as far as the KV stockyard.

There is no direct entry into the Up Loop from the Down Main. To enter the Up Loop the train must Shunt Ahead of the Down Starting signal and then set back across both the Down Main Crossover and the Down Loop Crossover. Alternatively a Driver may uncouple from his train at the station, run around and then propel the train past the Down Starting signal before dragging the train into the Up Loop. This latter method is preferred if the train is later to return to Sydney.

Just prior to the KV Stockyard is a Distant signal warning of the Nowra branch facing crossover and (imaginary) turnout. (In fact Nowra is reach by briefly running wrong road on the Up Main line while in the tunnel.

The KV Stockyard point is a facing point. This point is controlled by the 30-lever frame. The point must be appropriately set and the Facing Point Lock engaged before the Down Starting signal or the Down Shunt Ahead signal can be cleared.

Normal speed may be resumed after passing the Nowra branch crossover.

Up Main Line

When approaching KV from either Melbourne or Nowra one first meets a Landmark signal that warns of the approaching controlled district. Drivers are required to bring their trains under control and reduce speed to a maximum of 25mph.

The Up Home / Up Loop Home bracket signal is next. If the signal is at danger or the indication not clear the train must stop prior to entering the controlled district. The driver may signal the station master ,if necessary, by sounding a long blast on the trains whistle.

Just past the bracket signal is a trailing point to the meatworks. This point is normally locked and drivers must get the key from the KV Yardmaster to operate the point.

After the meatworks is a double slip point. Straight ahead is a level crossing followed by #2 platform of KV Station. The trailing branch of this point is the Down Main Crossover. The facing branch of this point provides entry into the Up Loop and #3 platform of KV Station.

From the Up Loop a train may proceed northward to Sydney or take the switchback branch line to Mt Hope Mine. Entry into KV Yard and Loco is off the southern end of the Up Loop.

The up uncoupler is operated by #31+.

At the up end of #2 platform is the Up Starting signal and with an auxiliary Shunt Ahead arm.

The up Shunt Ahead signal permits train movements at reduced speed as far as the tunnel mouth.

At the up end of #3 platform is the bracket signal holding the starting signals for the Up Main and Mt Hope Mine Branch Line.

Normal speed may be resumed on clearing the Up Starting signal.

Mt Hope Mine Branch Line

This short branch line starts at #3 platform at KV Station. It is extremely steep (1:30) with very tight curves. Normal locomotive power is a Shay or a Climax. A CPH railcar can make it slowly. A 79 class locomotive may be used but no other classes of locomotive are authorised to operate on the line.

A maximum load of 4 CCH hoppers, 3 4wh wagons or a single CCA is permitted. All wagons and cars must be propelled up the hill. A powder van (PV) must be taken up by itself with an empty S wagon between it and the locomotive.

Two switchbacks (points #21 and #22) are made before entering either the Mt Hope Coal Loader or the Mt Hope platform via point #23. Only CCH hoppers may enter the loader. All other traffic must terminate at the platform.

KV Yard and Loco

KY Yard has 4 short sidings, a goods shed, an ash pit, a coal loading platform and locomotive watering facilities. There is also a single track engine shed.

Entry into the yard is south from #3 platform at KV Station. On permission from the lowest arm of the three arm signal at the down end of the platform.

Sidings 'a' & 'b' (points #42 & #43) are normally reserved for CCH coal hoppers operating between Mt Hope Mine and Sydney. Siding 'c' (point #43) is normally reserved for wagons waiting to be picked up by an up pick-up goods. Siding 'd' (point #45) is normally reserved for wagons waiting to be picked up by the a down pick-up goods.

KV Loco services the Shay, the Climax, the bank locomotive and the X200.

Nowra Yard Operation

Nowra is a small terminus consisting of a short platform that can hold a railcar and trailer or a small locomotive (eg 30 class) and single carriage, a goods siding and runaround and short stub siding. The goods siding can hold a maximum of six 4wh wagons. The stub siding can hold four 4wh wagons.

Nowra also is the terminus for the long coal drags. These are the only trains normally operated on a 'loop' basis and are held on the NowThUp and NowThDn tracks.

There is no yardmaster at Nowra and all points are operated by the train crew. Point numbers are #81 to #86.

Melbourne Yard Operation

At this time all points are hand operated and there is no signalling. Thus everything has to be done manually.

In general it is important to keep the arrival track (MelArr) and its associated run around track clear so as to be able to accept as many trains as possible.

Locomotive hauled passenger trains

As a rule an arriving locomotive hauled passenger train follows the following sequence:-

1. route is set for arrival at MelArr (if required)
2. a train arrives at MelArr and stops over uncoupling ramp
3. locomotive uncouples and moves forward to the engine escape road
4. ocomotive escape crossover is set and the route set to the Loco
5. locomotive sets back around its train and turns on the turntable if required
6. route is reset from the turntable to MelArr
7. locomotive backs onto the up end of its train
8. route is set for departure from MelArr
9. train shunts ahead onto departure road and stops
10. route is set Mel-1 or Mel-2 as required
11. route is reset for arrival of next train to MelArr
12. Train sets back onto its siding and shuts down

Notes.

• All passenger trains depart from their storage siding and their locomotives are stored with them on the siding. Locomotive changes only occur if there is a failure.
• Wherever possible locomotives are to be shut down (press F7 six times) to minimise excess noise.

Goods Trains

As a rule an arriving goods train follows the following sequence:-

1. Route is set for arrival at MelArr. (The goods sidings may be used if MelArr is unavailable, but the locomotive will not be able to be released until its train has been removed by the shunter.)
2. a train arrives at MelArr and stops over uncoupling ramp
3. locomotive uncouples and moves forward to the locomotive escape road
4. locomotive escape crossover is set and the route set to Loco
5. locomotive sets back around its train, proceeds to Loco and shuts down
6. shunter now draws train out of MelArr and, using unmarshalling rules breaks up train onto the goods sidings.