Timetable: Union Belt of Detroit - Main Line - Detroit to Delray

The Union Belt of Detroit was a four track line from Delray east to Fort Street Union Depot near the river at Fort and Third streets. It was jointly owned by the Pere Marquette, Wabash and Pennsylvania railroads.

Key: BB=Bascule Bridge | C=Coal | CS=Car Shop | D=Open > Day | DN=Open Day and night | DS=Dispatcher | DT=Double Main Track | EH=Engine house | F=Diesel Fuel | HI=Half Interlocked Crossing | I=Interlocked Crossing | J=Junction | LB=Lift bridge | N=Open at night | P=Passing Track w/40' car capacity | Q=Quarry | RH=Roundhouse # stalls | RT=Railroad Resort | S=Scales | SB=Swing bridge | St=Switch tender | T=Turntable | TC=Telegraph call | Tm=Trainmaster's Office | To=Telegraph Office | W=Water | X=Crossing | xo=Crossover | Y=Wye | Yard=Yard

References: [FSUD and Union Belt Joint Time Table 132, 4/25/1954] + other sources.

Notes

#1 main track is designated as westbound. #2 designated as eastbound main track. These are the center tracks. There was also unsignaled freight tracks on either side of the main tracks for most of the distance.

Passenger main tracks had a system of dwarf directional automatic block signals proceeding with the current of traffic. Speed limit from FSUD to Delray was 30 mph, and 15 mph against the current of traffic. The entire Union Belt was within yard limits. meaning that trains had to proceed with the ability to stop in time of any obstructions.

In 1954, there was apparently no "dispatcher". 6th Street tower controlled from FSUD to 21st Street engine house. Delray Tower leverman controlled from 21st Street engine house to Delray interlocking. Any train wishing to enter the passenger mains from the freight tracks were required to receive permission from Delray.

The Union Belt had its own superintendent and trainmaster. The trainmaster had his office at West End.

Passenger trains were required to obtain permission from the Station Master at FSUD before leaving. Each track on the train shed had permissive lights for the particular track and train. A "red" light was lighted five minutes before scheduled departure. A "blue" light indicated that the train had permission to leave.

Time Line