There is a direct link between understanding prototype operations, layout design, and how enjoyable operating our layout is. Richard Paseman’s “Railroad Man” is an absolute clinic on switching operations.
Page 61.
“One night on the Harbor District, we ran cab hop from Watson Yard to Alcoa and kicked the waycar down the spur. The other brakeman and I took the engine and began switching spot cars from the storage tracks. For hours, we worked lining up grimy black tank cars. At a glance, they might all look the same, but the switch list tells which ones are to be spotted and the order they are to be lined up.”
In other words every car spot is, in effect, its own separate industry.
Watson Yard is located just north of the port and is still very active.