Standard Blocking Instructions 1956

[trainsignguy]

I will be uploading scans from Frisco Standard Blocking Instructions from 1956. This should be of interest to those involved in real or model railroad operations. The booklet includes about 60 pages, so please be patient as I post a few pages as time allows.

Comments or input would of course be greatly appreciated. Especially anything about the Clinton Sub operations which are not covered in this instruction book.

Dale Rush
Blair Line Model RR Products
modeling Clinton Sub 1970's N scale

[trainsignguy]

Train 31 - St. Louis blocking

[trainsignguy]

Train 37 - St. Louis blocking

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Train 437 - St. Louis blocking

[trainsignguy]

Train Advance 835 or Extra ahead 835 out St. Louis

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Train 835 - St. Louis blocking

[trainsignguy]

Train 30 - Springfield blocking

[trainsignguy]

Train 31 - Springfield blocking

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Train 32 - Springfield blocking

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Train 37 - Springfield blocking

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Train 131 - Springfield blocking

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Train 133 - Springfield blocking

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Train 134 - Springfield blocking

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Train 135 - Springfield blocking

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Train 136 - Springfield blocking

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Train 138 - Springfield blocking

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Train 437 - Springfield blocking

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Extra Trains South out Springfield blocking

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Precision Extra East - Springfield

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Train 30 - Monett blocking

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Train 31 - Monett blocking

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Train 1/32 - Monett blocking

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Train 2/32 - Monett blocking

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Train 131 - Memphis blocking

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Train 133 - Memphis blocking

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Train 134 - Memphis blocking

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Train 135 - Memphis blocking

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Train 136 - Memphis blocking

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Train 138 - Memphis blocking

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Train 235 - Memphis blocking

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Train 834 - Memphis blocking

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Train 836 - Memphis blocking

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Train 134 - Birmingham blocking

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Train 136 - Birmingham blocking

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Train 138 - Birmingham blocking

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Train 33 - Kansas City blocking

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Train 39 - Kansas City blocking

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Train 131 - Kansas City blocking

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Train 133 - Kansas City blocking

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Train 135 - Kansas City blocking

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Train East 30 - Tulsa blocking

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Train North 30 - Tulsa blocking

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Train 31 - Tulsa blocking

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Train 32 - Tulsa blocking

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Train 33 - Tulsa blocking

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Train 37 - Tulsa blocking

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Train 38 - Tulsa blocking

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Train 39 - Tulsa blocking

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Train 437 - Tulsa blocking

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Train 637 - Tulsa blocking

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Precision Extra East - Tulsa

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Train 32 - Oklahoma City blocking

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Train 430 - Oklahoma City blocking

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Train 437 - Oklahoma City blocking

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Train 30 - Sherman blocking

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Train 33 - Sherman blocking

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Train 37 - Sherman blocking

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Train 38 - Sherman blocking

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Train 732 - Ft. Smith blocking

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Train 632 - Enid blocking

[w3hodoug]

Dale, thank you, thank you, thank you. Doug

[TAG1014]

Are these "blocking" documents a systemwide scheme or were they for use at a particular location? In other words, were they used to make up a train or used by switch crews along the line to locate the block or cuts of cars?

Thanks, Tom

[yardmaster]

WOW

I should note that I don't use palindromes lightly.

Thank you Dale!

[TAG1014]

How were these blocking documents used on the RR? Who would have been using them?

Tom

[w3hodoug]

How were these blocking documents used on the RR? Who would have been using them?

Tom

Tom, they directed the order of blocks of freight cars in each train.

You don't want to switch in (or out) a block to (or from) the middle of the train - only the front, if switched by the road power, or rear, if switched by yard crews.

[TAG1014]

I understand what they were used for, I was trying to figure if it was a systemwide document (as a rule book would be), OR, since it was only typed list, was it just a "local" set of instructions for use at a particular point along the line. Seems if it was "Standard," it would be more permanently printed in a (employee) timetable or rule book.

[trainsignguy]

It looks to be a systemwide document. It was issued in a binder with screw type binding so it could be easily updated. I took it apart so I could scan and post it. The pages appear to be printed by offset press and not typed as you would expect of a local or temporary document.

If you read my first post you will see it has a directive that it is to be used systemwide without deviation and is signed by L.W. Menk, who at that date was General Manager.

Dale Rush

[trainsignguy]

Hey Chris,

I had to look up palindrome to see if that was a compliment! Thanks. Hope these instructions help out with your modeling operations.

Dale Rush

[TAG1014]

Thanks Dale fo the scans and the clarification. (Edit) Sorry dale, I didn't see the blocking document cover and cover sheets (and the first several pages of sheets you posted)--That answered all my questions.

Tom

[slsfrr]

Dale

Thanks for taking the time to post the blocking instructions. I found them very interesting, especial the live stock and perishable blocks. How things have changed.

As info, the blocking instructions where sent out by the Transportation Department to insure some order of switching at terminals for cars in route to other terminals. They were more of a directive than an operating rule, thus did not need to be put in the timetable or rule book. Also, but not stated in the blocking instructions, the terminals had local blocking per union agreements. As example locals originating at Oklahoma City for Tulsa would be made up according to stations in route. Craig being the first station would have cars on the head end and so forth. If the cars were not in station order then the local crew would be entitled to a penalty payment.

Again thanks,
Jerome