Re: Union Belt of Detroit questions...
The earliest FSUD/Union Belt timetable I have is from 1965. Operation between 15th St and Delray was two track "current of traffic" No 1 westward and No 2 eastward with automatic block signals. Movement against the current of traffic had to be issued by towermen at 6th St or Delray under authority of the Union Belt trainmaster or FSUD stationmaster on a Form S-152. (Don't know exactly what that looked like). Delray to 21st St: "Trains or engines will not foul or enter tracks between Delray and 21st St without first receiving permission from the lead leverman at Delray." It further states that a signal indication at Delray is authority to proceed with the current of traffic. It also shows that 6th St was in charge of movements between 21st St and FSUD, with switchtenders at 21st St who had to get permission from 6th St. Switchtenders used a green flag/lantern for eastward trains, and a yellow flag/lantern for westward trains. Hope this helps!
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