babylon yard

I always hear the babylon yard master say "spot it on the 'ub' or 'uv' " what/where is the ub or uv?

The last Babylon map I have of the Yard area is Emery 1958: http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/babylon/mp36-37.jpgEmery map MP 36-37 1958 Collection: Dave Keller

In reviewing the 1966 LIRR maps: http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/freightsidings.htm page 34 is Babylon by Deer Park Ave. and the next map is Bay Shore page 35. As this is the LIRR FREIGHT STATIONS & PRIVATE SIDINGS 1966 that would be correct.

The Track profile map I have is from 1982 and is a "stitched" composite of maps from Babylon to Patchogue
http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/lirrtr ... ilemap.jpg
Babylon to Patchogue Composite Map updated 1982 Archive: John Fusto Creation: Steve Lynch
It indicates the passenger storage tracks are numbered, as prior in 1958.

Anyone with 1958+ track maps of this yard area?

I admit that "spot it on the 'ub' or 'uv' " may not be within this yard area, please clarify. Thanks folks.

UB stands for utility brakeman. Other names include switch tender and utility assistant conductor. The UB is responsible for lining the switches so that trains can go into and out of the proper tracks and also for giving trains the signal to proceed.

inthebag wrote:UB stands for utility brakeman. Other names include switch tender and utility assistant conductor. The UB is responsible for lining the switches so that trains can go into and out of the proper tracks and also for giving trains the signal to proceed.

Thank you "inthebag" Is this language LIRR specific, as slang, or in general rail usage?

It's common to hear the Yardmaster tell a train he "has it in with the signal and the UB". Translation is: train has permission into the yard with the proper signal and a hand sign from the UB.

Thanks that makes a lot more sence. Im used to hearing the amtrak sunnyside yardmaster say spot it on the cobra so it was making me think ub was some kind of crossing or other physical characteristic in the yard I guess i was hearing it wrong.

emfinite wrote:It's common to hear the Yardmaster tell a train he "has it in with the signal and the UB". Translation is: train has permission into the yard with the proper signal and a hand sign from the UB.

Thanks!