Second Sections or Extra Trains

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 originated

e-symbol-specific code

Primary Symbol: a-bbbccc1-%%e

Second Section: a-bbbccc2-%%e

Extra Section: a-bbbccc3-%%e

Note that these only apply to manifest trains. Intermodal, vehicle and unit trains not referenced below, while using the same format as manifest trains, do not use the same section numbers. Please refer to the individual TSARs for variations. Locals and yard jobs use a different code entirely as can also be seen in the TSARs.

For some 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. The last letter code is an internal mechanism used by BNSF and the logic behind its use has no place in FYM. Its meaning varies from train type to train type and can mean anything from an alternate routing to what kind of commodity a particular work train could be carrying. 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 "B" is the region "C" is the section. For second or extra sections within 8 hours of departure replace the 1 with 2, 3, etc. For other extras (for example, one in the AM and one in the PM) then replace the initial letter of the symbol with X. Example M34041-XX would become X34041-XX.

Canadian Pacific

Primary Symbol: xxx

Second Section: 2xxx

Third Section, etc - 3xxx

CSX

Primary Symbol: Qxxx

Second Section: Xxxx

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).

Norfolk Southern

Primary Symbol - Extra Symbol

0xx - Rxx 1xx - Mxx 2xx - Ixx 3xx - Wxx 4xx - Xxx 5xx - Yxx 6xx - Zxx 7xx - Qxx 8xx - Sxx 9xx - Oxx

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

Union Pacific

Primary Symbol Extra Symbol tssdd tssddX

Add X after the destination symbol. If starting a train from a terminal other than the expected origin, use the station symbol for the actual terminal of origin rather than the typical origin.

Indiana Harbor Belt

The IHB has a symbol they use for extra sections (they do not run second sections) for road trains only.

Append and 'X' to the alpha part of the symbol (example: BA2 would become BAX2)

Other 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

--change the job number (like CSX)