March 10, 2010
Railroads not only send the highest priority stack train across the country or manifest freights from industrial city to industrial city, they wheel and deal locally. The "Local" or "Job" is rail service to an area or business.   Compared to regional or transfer railroads, Class 1s operate "Jobs" to a lesser extent. Yet, small, regionally-based railroads almost provide better service to individual businesses. These transfer services - from large yards of national railroads to industry or business, not easily served by semi traffic - are the lifeblood of smaller railroads.   Undoubtedly, the best aspect of the railroad "Job" is the unique power which is used. Newer, high horsepowered 6-axle units are kept on the mainlines, while older, 4-axled workhorses mosey about the older rails of the inner city.   At any rate, whether you want to find a "Job" to see the rare power, photograph an operation in certain city settings, or just to watch switching exercises, MilwaukeeRoadMatt has compiled information of all types regarding Locals & Jobs. Enjoy!
Duties Definitions
  • Yard Switching:These trains work within the 'Yard Limits" building/disassembling trains
  • Hump Service:These jobs classify cars in the yard by using the "hump"
  • Local Service:More than just serving businesses along the mainline, these trains bring and return trains to an originating yard
  • Road Service:These trains deliver singe or multiple cars to businesses along the mainline and retrieve empty or full cars as needed
Frequency Definitions
  • As needed:Only when businesses have a delivery or pick-up.
  • Daily:On a scheduled, daily basis.
  • Multiple times a day:Operates through several shifts a day.
  • Once a day:Is a one-time run, start time may vary.
  • Bi-weekly:Typically every other week on an as-need basis.
  • Monthly:Once a month or very infrequently.