Superiority of trains was determined by RIGHT, CLASS, and DIRECTION.

RIGHT > was conferred by Train Order (issued by the Train Dispatcher, copied by the station telegrapher who delivered it to the train, or trains, addressed).

CLASS > was conferred by timetable ... the were 3 classes of trains...
1st Class > scheduled passenger trains
2nd Class > scheduled through freight trains
3rd class > scheduled local freight trains

Extra Trains (not shown on timetable) were authorized to run by train order only..

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This has all changed since I retired and now trains are run on authority of the train dispatcher who communicates with the crew via radio and controls all signals and switches.