SOLUTION TO PUZZLE #1

Note:  A move starts when a loco begins moving, with or without cars attached. The move ends when the loco stops.
Num0
Here is the position at the start. Eastbound train has one coal car. Westbound train has two cars, a gondola and a boxcar.

Num1
Move 1. Westbound loco heads into the spur, leaving cars on
the main.
Num2
Move 2. Eastbound loco moves past the switch and pushes the cars  farther along the main.
Num3
Move 3. Westbound loco returns to the main and couples to the coal car.
Num4
Move 4. Westbound loco pulls coal car past switch.  Move 5. Eastbound loco goes to spur.
Num5
Move 6.  Westbound loco reverses back past switch and couples to all three cars.
Num6
Move 7.  Westbound loco pulls cars past switch and stops.
Num7
Moves 8 and 9. Eastbound loco pulls out onto the main, stops, and backs onto the cars.
Num8
Move 10. Eastbound loco pulls all three cars forward and clear of the switch.
Num9
Moves 11 and 12. Eastbound loco backs coal car into spur, stops  and returns to main.  Move 13. Westbound loco backs onto cars.
Num10
Move 14. Westbound train pulls away and proceeds on its journey.
Num11
Move 15. Eastbound loco backs into spur.
Num12
Move 16. Eastbound train, once again intact, pulls away and continues on its journey.

Close Window