1962 Uniform Code of Operating Rules – Electric Staff Block System Rules
ELECTRIC STAFF BLOCK SYSTEM RULES
301. On portions of the railway so specified in the time table, or by special instructions, the use of the main track will be governed by the electric staff block system. Possession of a staff supersedes superiority of trains for train movements.
302. The movement of trains will, unless otherwise provided, be supervised by the train dispatcher who will issue instructions as required to operators or conductors.
303. Special instructions as may be necessary to govern this method of operation will be issued. Except as affected by such instructions and Rules 301 and 302, all Operating, ABS and Interlocking Rules remain in force.
It is with heavy hearts that all of us at the WRMRC wish to honour and say farewell to James ‘Jim’ Robinson, a cherished member of our club who passed away peacefully on 14 November 2025. Jim, who also affectionately went by the nickname ‘Skid’, was our club treasurer and also served in that capacity on the board with the Waterloo Railway Expo.
Skid aboard a caboose on the Waterloo Central Railway
Before moving in retirement to Waterloo, Jim was a longtime Sudbury resident and a former accountant with INCO, and he applied the same commitment and accuracy to our club as he gave on the job. A self-described ‘numbers nerd’, Skid was drawn to operations on our Sudbury Division layout, and studied the real-life CP Rail freight procedures manuals to apply them in miniature form. From this Jim helped to set up paperwork and stage trains before WRMRC operating sessions, and successfully learned the Sudbury Yardmaster position (no small feat).
Jim was also a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, and loved to share his adventures on the road which, when coupled to his zest for life, gave us stories that both entertained and lifted us all. But above all, Skid was a genuine people person—quick with a word of encouragement, endlessly patient, and always ready to lend a hand. He welcomed every member, or potential members at train shows, and made our club feel more like a family. We will miss his dedication, his generous spirit, and the spark in his eye when he spoke about his many experiences and tall tales.
We wish to extend our sympathy and commiseration to his family, and his many close friends. We honour Skid’s memory by supporting one another, and by keeping his stories and adventures alive.
