Sections or Extra Symbols

It is necessary to use a second or extra section symbol on a train. For these cases, edit the symbol (free text) according to the information on this page. The system varies by railroad. In no case should you append a letter to the end of the symbol.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe

Symbols are a-bbbccc#-%%e:
a-train type
bbb-origin
ccc-destination
#-section ID
%%-date
e-symbol-specific code

For unit trains, BNSF uses a serial number instead of #-%%, starting with 0-01. FYM simulates this by using day-of-year as a default, but you may change it. Increment this serial number by one for each extra train.

Manifest train originating at intermediate points are typically section 4, but may also use section 3.

The last letter is not a section code. Last-letter codes follow no set pattern and can say something about, for example, train contents (“B” can mean empty intermodal containers, for example) or crew changes (“L” can mean extra distance between changes). Please use the section # field for extra trains, not this last-letter code.

Canadian National

CN symbols are of the form CN AxxxBC-NN (e.g. M30131-29), where “C” is the section symbol. For second or extra sections replace the 1 with 2, 3, etc.

Canadian Pacific

For extra sections of unit trains or yard jobs, select a new job number. Typical choices are to increment the number by one (U243 becomes U244) or substitute 9 for the first digit of the job (Y102 becomes Y902).

Kansas City Southern
Insert a “2” after the main symbol and before the date. For example, second IDAAT is IDAAT2

Norfolk Southern

For locals, select a new job number. For example, second A31 could be A99.

Union Pacific

Prepend numbers to the primary symbol

Shortlines and Regionals

For shortlines and regional railroads, choose your own system. Suggestions:
–prepend “2-” (like CP)
–prepend “second ” (like “second local job”)
–insert a 2 at the end of the symbol but before the date (like KCS)
–change the job number (like CSX)