Operations at Hickory, NC

The railroad's schedule calls for an overtaking meet between the hot-shot express passenger train and the local peddler freight in Hickory, NC, in a few minutes.  The freight train is ahead  of the passenger train, going in the same direction, and must get to Hickory and clear (get off) the main line before the passenger train arrives behind it.  This express passenger train is not scheduled to stop in Hickory and expects to pass the freight on the main track without stopping.  In the scene below you see the freight train entering Hickory (from the far end) and taking the siding track and stopping clear of the main to make way for the passenger train.  Then you will see the passenger train enter Hickory from the same direction, pass through Hickory on the main track, and depart (towards the viewer).  When the passenger train is safely past, the freight will again proceed on its way, this time following the passenger train.  This event was a frequent occurrence on the prototype, and still is where there is passenger service today.   Double-click on image for full screen.