Description: Train dispatching is a complex, essential, and often misunderstood part of North American railroad operation. Fundamentally, the train dispatcher performs the functions of scheduler, manager, and traffic controller. Service reliability, operating efficiency, and capacity utilization are dependent upon the skill of the train dispatcher. Elements of Train Dispatching Volume 1 is an introduction to train dispatching and to the fundamental knowledge necessary to a train dispatcher. It begins with a history of train dispatching and a detailed discussion of the activities and responsibilities of train dispatchers. Subsequent chapters explain the fundamentals of track, signals and traffic control, engines and cars, and railroad operation.