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Train Order Issued at Benton Harbor, Michigan, 1936

 

The timetable and the train order were the standard means of controlling train operation on the PM prior to the installation of block signals.

This order, dated September 10, 1936, instructed northbound train #8, the Shoppers' Special, led by steam locomotive #715 to take the siding at New Buffalo, Michigan and not proceed until southbound train #5, the Chicago Limited pulled by steam locomotive #720, passed it on the main line.

This is the copy prepared by the Benton Harbor operator for train #5. A copy of this order was also prepared at a train order station somewhere between Chicago and New Buffalo for train #8. This train order would supercede any instructions printed in the Employee Timetable regarding where the two trains were to meet.

Once all of the orders for a given train were prepared, a clearance form would be prepared, listing which orders (by number) were being issued to that train at that station.

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