Initial call
Crew
“Flagstaff Dispatcher, FV-1.”
Dispatcher / Yardmaster
“FV-1, Flagstaff Dispatcher, go ahead.”
FV&N OPERATIONS · CREW COMMUNICATIONS
Radio Guide
Short, precise calls for a small railroad where everybody still needs to know exactly who owns the main. The dispatcher identifies on the radio as Flagstaff Dispatcher.
1 · Call them2 · Identify yourself3 · Give location4 · State request
A permissive indication and dispatcher authority are both required unless the session briefing establishes another method of operation.
Phraseology
Standard calls
These are models, not scripts. Keep the information and adapt the wording to the actual movement.
Request authority
Crew
“Flagstaff Dispatcher, FV-1 at Flagstaff, ready north for Coconino.”
Dispatcher / Yardmaster
“FV-1, authority Flagstaff to Coconino. Hold at Coconino.”
Required readback
“FV-1 has authority Flagstaff to Coconino, holding at Coconino.”
Foul the main
Crew
“Flagstaff Dispatcher, FJ-1 requesting permission to foul the main at Flagstaff for switching.”
Dispatcher / Yardmaster
“FJ-1 may foul the main at Flagstaff. Clear and report.”
Required readback
“FJ-1 may foul the main at Flagstaff, clear and report.”
Report clear
Crew
“Flagstaff Dispatcher, HP-1 clear of the main at Coconino. Switch restored normal.”
Dispatcher / Yardmaster
“Dispatcher copies HP-1 clear at Coconino, switch normal.”
Yard departure
Crew
“Flagstaff Yardmaster, FV-1 on the departure track, ready to depart.”
Dispatcher / Yardmaster
“FV-1, yard route is lined. Contact Flagstaff Dispatcher for the main.”
Emergency stop
Crew
“STOP. STOP. STOP. FV-1 stop your movement. Switch lined against you at Coconino.”
Dispatcher / Yardmaster
“FV-1 stopped. Dispatcher copies emergency traffic.”
Priority transmission
Emergency stop
Any person observing an imminent collision, derailment, fouled route, or other immediate danger may make the call.
“STOP. STOP. STOP.”Then identify the train or location and state the hazard.
- Affected movements stop immediately.
- Unrelated radio traffic stops.
- The hazard and location are identified.
- Movement resumes only after the condition is understood and proper authority exists.