UNDERSTANDING THE RULES
NOTE: CTC rules & other selected rules not pertinent to “Timetable/Train Order” ops are not included below.
Where a rule is prefixed by an “S” this designates that the rule applies to single track (S-83), where “D” is used, double track (D-83) where no prefix is used the rule applies equally under all conditions. Many of the rules overlap, in their heading, as an example, rule 305 and 362 of the Manual Block Signal System Rules applies equally to Interlocking Rules. To assist in understanding the meaning of certain rules, an explanation has been provided immediately following the rules and is printed in bold type.
“Unless otherwise provided” is a term that will be noted in various rules. These three words provide the rules with the flexibility that is needed in certain cases. The following illustrations are hypothetical and not all of the meanings have been presented because of the many variations possible.
D-97: In this case a work extra may run against the current of traffic if he has train orders to do so.
D-152: Train orders or pre-arranged detours would be “otherwise provided”.
305: Train orders would apply here.
320: Train dispatcher may issue instructions to do otherwise.
365: When a train such as a work extra has train orders to work on various tracks within a specified area, permission may already be given in the form of the order.
A train order is a written message conveying important information relating to the movement of a train or trains. It is used in conjunction with the Operating Rulebook, and by virtue of the Rulebook, supersedes the superiority of such trains. They may be used on any portion of the railroad and must be followed through to the letter. Such orders are issued by the Train Dispatcher, over the signature or initials of the Superintendent or other designated official, as operating conditions warrant to insure a smooth flow of traffic consistent with safe operation.
A variety of “standard” forms exist and the dispatcher should make every effort to use these standard forms when practicable. The personnel to whom the orders are addressed should do exactly as instructed by the order and should not expand or guess on their contents and/or meaning.
Two types of train order are in use. The “31” order is issued whenever a restricting order is needed, i.e. when one train must be held to let another train run against the current of traffic. The “19” order is used to cover any situation as described under Forms Of Train Orders, including the restricting order. To simplify operation, some railroads are discontinuing the use of the “31” order, using exclusively a single form designated only as a train order. Most model operators will also wish to do so.
In conjunction with the train order, a Clearance Form is issued informing the train crew in writing of what orders, if any, are being held by the operator for them. If no orders are being held the word “none” is written on the form. When there are orders being held, the number of orders as well as the individual train order number will be listed on the form. On certain railroads all trains departing an initial station must be issued a Clearance Form, whether orders are held for them or not.
The word “Right” relates to train order authority. “Right” can only be conferred by train order and is superior to ALL other forms of train movement authority. No train possesses any authority to proceed that cannot be taken away at the discretion of the train dispatcher. In examining Rule S-71 it will be noted that the sentence which confers on the train dispatcher the authority to regulate the movement of trains is “Right Is Superior To Class Or Direction”.
GENERAL RULES
RULE G
Railroad employees are prohibited from working while intoxicated (any blood alcohol level greater than 0.0 is a violation of this rule). In addition to prohibiting the use or possession of drugs and alcohol, this rule also provides for “reasonable suspicion”, wherein a rail carrier may require an employee to submit to a breathalyzer or urine test if he is suspected of being under the influence. A refusing employee is considered to be in violation and may be suspended or terminated with no further procedure. Employees are not prohibited from alcohol use while off-duty, but, must ensure their blood alcohol level is at zero before reporting for duty.
RULE 14
Whistle and horns shall be sounded per the following table (North American RR Whistle Code):
Succession of short sounds Used for an EMERGENCY – or – if persons or livestock are on the track.
Sequence Meaning
– When train is stopped. The air brakes are applied and pressure is equalized.
– – Train releases brakes and proceeds.
o o Acknowledgment of any signal not otherwise provided for.
o o o Stopped train: Backing up. Or, acknowledgment of hand signal to back up.
o o o o Request for a signal to be given or repeated if not understood.
– o o Warning that a second section of a timetabled train is following.
– o o o Instruction for flagman to protect rear of train.
– – – – Flagman return from the west or south.
– – – – – Flagman return from the east or north.
– – o – Train is approaching public grade crossing(s). ( Rule 14L).
– o Inspect brake system for leaks or sticking brakes.
LEGEND (Horn & Whistle Duration)
“o” = short & “-” = longer (sounds)
RULE 17
Engineers must dim headlights when:
in a siding
approaching stations
on yard tracks
RULE 19
Signals will be displayed to the rear of every train, as markers, to indicate the rear of the train:
Nighttime: Red light showing rearward & amber showing to the side and front
Daytime: Green flag displaying on rear of last car
RULE 20
Lead locomotives operating on a timetable schedule shall carry a green classification signal, flag or light, high up on right, if there is an additional section following on the same schedule.
Otherwise, trains operating on timetable schedule require no signal
RULE 21
Lead locomotives pulling an extra train shall display two white classification signals, flags in daytime or lights at night, high up each side.
RULE 27
A signal imperfectly displayed or the absence of a signal at a place where a signal is usually shown, must be regarded as the most restrictive indication that can be given by that signal except when the day indication is plainly seen it will govern.
The most restrictive indication of most signals is to stop or stop and proceed: however, with semaphore signals, the position of the blade provides a secondary means of presenting the indication.
SUPERIORITY OF TRAINS
RULE S-71
A train is superior to another by right, class or direction. Right is superior to class or direction. Direction is superior as between trains of the same class.
When a train has no train orders it has no rights. Extra trains are inferior to regular trains unless made superior by “right”. Superiority may be conferred by timetable, but a train never has “timetable rights”. The timetable may specify which direction or class is superior. On two or more tracks, there is no superiority by direction, only right and class.
RULE 72
Trains of the first class are superior to those of the second; trains of the second class are superior to those of the third: and so on.
RULE S-72
Trains in the direction specified by timetable are superior to trains of the same class in the opposite direction.
RULE 73
Extra trains are inferior to regular trains.
MOVEMENT OF TRAINS
RULE 82
Timetable schedules, unless fulfilled, are in effect for twelve hours after their time at each station. Regular trains more than twelve hours behind either their regular arriving or leaving time at any station lose both right and schedule, and can thereafter proceed only as authorized by train order.
RULE D-83
A train must not leave its initial station on any division, or subdivision, or a junction until it has been ascertained whether all superior trains due, have left.
RULE 84
A train or engine must not start until the proper signal is given.
RULE 85
When a train of one schedule is on the time of another schedule of the same class in the same direction, it will proceed on its own schedule.
When a train (A) is so late it is running on the time of another train (B), the first named train (A) will follow its (A) instructions as to meets and station stops as set forth in the timetable.
RULE 86
Unless otherwise provided, an inferior train must clear at the time a superior train in the same direction is due to leave the next station in the rear where time is shown.
When an inferior train must be in the clear of a superior train whose time is shown in the timetable, the inferior train must be clear of the main track at the time the superior train is due to leave the previous station.
RULE S-87
An inferior train must keep out of the way of opposing superior trains. Extra trains must clear the time of opposing regular trains by not less than five minutes unless otherwise provided, and will be governed by train order, with respect to opposing extra trains.
An inferior train must not be on the same track a superior train is to use at a specified time. The inferior train must pull or back into a siding when necessary.
RULE S-88
At meeting points between trains of the same class, the inferior timetable direction train must clear the main track before the leaving time of the superior train. At meeting points authorized by train orders, the train with the inferior timetable direction must take the siding unless otherwise provided.
RULE S-89
At meeting points between trains of different classes the inferior train must take the siding and clear the superior train not less than five minutes.
The five minutes will be from the time the superior train (A), is due to leave the next station in advance of the inferior train (B).
RULE 91
Unless some form of block signal system is used, trains in the same direction must keep, not less than ten minutes apart, except in closing up at stations.
RULE 92
A train must not leave a station in advance of its scheduled leaving time.
RULE 93
Within yard limits the main track may be used, clearing the time of first class trains at the next station where time is shown. Protection against second and third class trains, extra trains, and engines is not required. Second and third class trains, extra trains and engines must move within yard limits at yard speed unless the main track is known to be clear.
RULE 95
Two or more sections may be run on the same schedule. Each section has equal timetable authority. A train must not display signals for a following section without train order authority.
Trains will be identified by the number of the lead engine unit.
RULE S-97
Extra trains must not run without train orders except where Rule 261 is in Effect.
RULE 99
When a train stops under circumstances in which it may be overtaken by another train, the flagman must go back immediately with flagman’s signals a sufficient distance to insure full protection, placing two torpedoes (explosive noisemakers that detonate under wheels) and, when necessary, in addition, displaying lighted fusees (flares). When recalled and safety to the train will permit, he may return, leaving the torpedoes and a lighted fusee.
RULE 104
Switches must be left properly lined after having been used. Employees lining switches must see that the points fit properly.
RULE 105
Cars must not be left on a passing siding when possible to avoid it. When a passing siding is obstructed, notice will be sent promptly to the train dispatcher.
RULE 107
When a passenger train is receiving or discharging traffic on the side toward a station, a train or engine must not pass between it and the station.
RULE 201
For movements not provided for by timetable, unless otherwise provided, train orders will be issued by authority and over the signature of the Superintendent and only contain information or instructions essential to such movements. They must be brief and clear: in the prescribed form, and without erasure, alteration or interlineation. Figures in train orders must not be not be surrounded by brackets, circles or other characters.
RULE 202
Each train order must be given in the same words to all employees of trains addressed.
RULE 203
Train orders must be numbered consecutively each day, beginning at midnight.
Where more than one dispatcher is employed in a single office having control over different parts of the railroad, or different divisions, a different series of numbers will be used, i. e. 201, 401, 501. etc
RULE 204
Train orders must be addressed to those who are to execute them, naming the place at which each is to receive his copy.
RULE 205
Additions to train orders must not be made after they have been repeated.
RULE 206
In train orders, regular trains will be designated by numbers as “No 10”, and sections as “Second 10”, adding engine numbers if desired. Extras will be designated by engine numbers and the direction as “Extra 798 East or West”. Work extras will be designated by engine numbers, as “Work Extra 798”. For a movement of an engine of another company the initials will precede the engine number. When two or more engines are coupled and a designation is made by engine number, the number of the leading engine will be used in train orders.
If a helper engine is coupled on the head end for a short help, the number of the through engine is used. As a rule, helper engines cut back in a train are not mentioned in train orders. When two or more diesel engines are coupled for multiple unit operation, the order will be addressed to the lead unit.
RULE 208
A train order to be sent to two or more offices must be transmitted simultaneously to as many of them as practicable.
RULE 209
Operators receiving train orders must write or typewrite them during transmission. They must retain a copy of each train order. The word “complete”, the time, and the signature of the operator must be in his handwriting.
RULE 210
When a train order has been transmitted, operators must repeat it at once from the copy in the succession in which the several offices have been addressed. When the order has been repeated correctly by an operator, the response “Complete” and the time, with the initials of the Superintendent will be given by the train dispatcher. The operator receiving this response will then write in the space provided the word “Complete”, the time and his last name in full.
RULE 213
“Complete” must not be given to a train order for delivery to an inferior train until the order has been repeated by the operator who receives the order for the superior train.
RULE 218
When a train is named in a train order by its schedule number
alone, all sections of that schedule are included, and each must have copies delivered to it.
If an order is addressed to, No 22, and there happens to be four sections of No 22, then each section must have a copy of the order. If the order states “No 22 meet No 21 at D”, then first, second, third, and fourth No 22 will meet No 21 at D.
Model Train Operations 