Middle Track Operation on the N&W

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-EXAMPLE of the Use of a Middle Track: Extra 2042 West, a tonnage train, leaves Elliston on the Westbound Main Line not far ahead of No. 25's time. Making a slow run up Christiansburg Mountain, the crew of Extra 2042 West pulls into the Arthur Middle Track and lets No. 25 proceed around them without delay. 

Abe:
Recalling an incident from the 1950s -- between Suffolk and Bridge 7, the line was
double track, automatic block, signaled in the direction of traffic only.  There was
a middle track at Juniper.  On No. 22 one morning, a coal train held the main track, and
its crew lined the turnouts to the middle track.  No. 22 reduced speed, traveled the
middle track, and came out the east end.  Coal train's crew lined turnout for main track
movement, so there was no need to stop and realign the turnouts.  What ?  Put a first
class train in the middle track for a coal train ?  According to Louis Newton, that was
standard practice.  Something about a "just in case" the coal train snatches knuckle
and ties up both the main track AND the middle track.      Harry Bundy

  

 

 
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