Section (rail transport)

In rail transport, a section could refer to: a portion of a train that may be operated independently[1] and/or combined with other sections to operate as a single unit;[2] or a portion of railway line designated for signalling[3][4][5] or maintenance;[6] or an interior portion of a sleeping car made up of two double seats during daytime that convert to two double berths during nighttime.[7]

Trains could be split into multiple sections for reasons including: an abundance of freight or passengers requiring the use of a second train to cover a route;[8] two or more routes with a common start point but multiple destinations on separate lines. Where multiple trains are used on the same route to convey an excess of freight or passengers, the trains will be defined as "first section", "second section", "third section", etc. to differentiate the vehicles for dispatching. Although it was not always the case that the first section travelled first, this naming and travel sequence was generally followed by convention. Each section prior but not the last would display green classification signals in the form of either flags or lamps at the head end.[9][10]

  1. ^ Koester, Tony (2003). Realistic Model Railroad Operation: How to Run Your Trains Like the Real Thing. Waukesha, WI: Kalmbach Books. p. 64. ISBN 0-89024-418-9 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Pinkepank123 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Returns of Accidents and Casualties as Reported to the Board of Trade by the Several Railway Companies in the United Kingdom. London: Darling & Son. 1898. p. 137 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Pigg, James (1897). Railway "Block" Signalling: The Principles of Train Signalling and Apparatus for Ensuring Safety. London: Biggs & Co. p. 35. ISBN 9785877460263 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ Francis, J.D. (2007). An Entry in the Train Register. J.D. Francis. p. 137. ISBN 978-0-9514636-1-1 – via Google Books.
  6. ^ "Section-Foremen". Eastern Railroad Co. General Rules and Regulations. Boston: Franklin Press; Rand, Avery & Co. June 1882. p. 40 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ Car Builders' Cyclopedia of American Practice. Vol. 6. New York and Chicago: The Railway Age Gazette. 1909. p. 153 – via Google Books.
  8. ^ Stilgoe, John R. (2007). Train Time: Railroads and the Imminent Reshaping of the United States Landscape. Charlottesville and London: University of Virginia Press. p. 97. ISBN 978-0-8139-2668-1 – via Google Books.
  9. ^ "Locomotive classification lights | Trains Magazine". Trains. 18 August 2019. Retrieved 2022-05-21.
  10. ^ "Forum of Train Rules: Sanford, Fla". The Railway Conductor. XXXVIII (4): 229. April 1921 – via Google Books.