To avoid tying up valuable track space by having to switch locomotives from the head of a newly arrived train, the railroads devised an efficient solution called the “flying switch.” An inbound train speeded up, a brakeman uncoupled the engine from its cars, the locomotive accelerated further and was switched onto a siding, while the passenger cars coasted into the station with brakemen controlling their speed by hand brakes, bringing the cars to a gentle stop. This procedure was used without mishap for decades. It is a tribute to the opposites of freedom and order working beautifully together, because the rigid and orderly rules governing this method made for the freedom of trains moving swiftly, reliably, and safely.
