Switch Transfer off the Mainline Pueblo in Tales of the Jointed Track

I was forced to Pueblo Colorado working the yard. The C&S 77 came up the main-line. No pick up at Pueblo, but had shorts . “Shorts” are cars, coming off destination ( ie; Denver ). 77 ran up the main and had the last 20 cars, to set-out at Pueblo. These 20 cars were Rio Grande transfers.

We, the yard crew were told, to grab the rear end set out. Simple, call the DS ( Dispatcher ), get authority to occupy the main, and hand line switches into the Transfer tracks at the Rio Grande. The yardmaster, had co-ordinated the move, and barked out our orders.

We ease into the caboose, buckled the hoses, but waited for the field man to make the cut. Air was cut in and separated from 77.

We shoved into the transfers, can’t remember, probably track one or two, and back to 77. Placed the caboose back to the train. “Thanks for not roughing us up kid, get your ass back up in Denver”. “Will do, when my seniority holds”. Wow, was that a compliment, from an old seasoned Conductor.

We are back into the yard, The Field man and Switch foreman line and lock the main-line and the yard transfer switches. The yardmaster is called, that we are clear and off the main, all switches restored and locked. 77 did a quick set and release and they are off to Denver.

We the switch crew will do other chores then tie up. Miss those days, but time has rolled on.

Last updated January 09, 2019