Communication in railroad operation

The object of this paper is to show the part played by the different means of electrical communication in operating a large railroad system. The telegraph, which was the original and sole means of handling communications requiring immediate attention, has given way largely to the telephone and the printer. The development of the selector was essential to the general use of the telephone for train operation and message work, the train wire being considered the most important circuit in railroad operation. Extensive and special facilities are required in some instances to provide necessary telephone communication with the public. This includes telephones on certain limited trains in terminals. The telautograph is important but limited to local service in terminals and junction points. Same problems in engineering, construction, maintenance and operation as with the commercial telegraph and telephone companies, except that smoke conditions are worse along the railroad and continuity of service is possibly more important. Radio has possibilities as a means of providing information and entertainment to passengers on trains and in the operation of freight trains and tug boats. In handling train orders the train conductor must verify the instructions or orders he receives. The quality and accuracy of radio reception when a train runs through rock cuts, over or under certain types of steel bridges, through tunnels and during certain weather conditions prevents this means of communication from being used at this time for handling train orders. The volume of communication traffic is affected by the seasons, holidays and emergencies. The size of the communication system on some railroads compares favorably with that of some of the large commercial telegraph and telephone companies. An ideal communication system would provide accurate information between any two points on a railroad system or between the public and the railroad company without delay and under all operating conditions.