 The freight train was scheduled to enter the Benalla crossing loop at 6.15 a.m.However, at 6.30 a.m., McDonnell observed that both the "Southern Aurora" and the goods train were running behind schedule, and so he decided to have the trains pass each other at Violet Town instead.The driver of the goods train was instructed to prepare for a "running cross", under which the freight train would be diverted into the loop line at slow speed, while the "Southern Aurora" continued on the main line.