TRAIN RULES The American Railway Association has adopted a uniform code of train rules which have been accepted by the railroads of the United States. These rules, briefly stated, are as follows:
All trains are designated as regular or extra and may consist of one or more sections. An engine without cars in service on the road is considered a train.
All trains are classified with regard to their priority of right to the track.
A train of an inferior class must in all cases keep out of the way of a train of a superior class.
On a single track all trains in one direction specified in the time table have the absolute right of track over trains of the same class running in the opposite direction.
When trains of the same class meet on a single track, the train not having the right of track must take the siding and be clear of the main track before the leaving of the opposite train.
When a train of inferior class meets a train of a superior class on a single track, the train of inferior class must take the siding and clear the track for the train of superior class five minutes before its leaving.
A train must not leave a station to follow a passenger train until five minutes after the departure of such passenger train unless some form of block signaling is used.
Freight trains following each other must keep not less than five minutes apart unless some form of block signaling is used.
No train must arrive at or leave a station in advance of its scheduled time.
When a passenger train is delayed at any of its usual stops more than — minutes, the flagman must go back with a danger signal and protect his train, but if it stops at any unusual point, the flagman must immediately go back far enough to be seen from a train moving in the same direction when it is at least —feet from the rear of his own train.
When it is necessary to protect the front of the train, the same precautions must be observed by the flagman. If the fireman is unable to leave the engine, the front brakeman must be sent in his place.
When a freight train is detained at any of its usual stops more than — minutes, where the rear of the train can be plainly seen from a train moving in the same direction at a distance of at least — feet, the flagman must go back with danger signals not less than — feet, and as much farther as may be necessary to protect his train but if the rear of his train cannot be plainly seen at a distance of at least — feet, or if it stops at any point which is not its usual stopping place, the flagman must go back not less than —feet, and if his train should be detained untd within ten minutes of the time of a passenger train moving in the same direction, he must be governed by rule No. 99.
Rule No. 99 provides that when a train is stopped by an accident or obstruction, the flagman must immediately go back with danger signals to stop any train moving in the same direction. At a point — feet from the rear of his train, he must place one torpedo on the rail. He must then continue to go back at least —feet from the rear of his train and place two torpedoes on the rail ten yards apart (one rail length), when he may return to a point —feet from the rear of his train, where he must remain until recalled by the whistle of his engine. But if a passenger train is due within ten minutes, he must remain until it arrives. When he comes in, he will remove the torpedo nearest to the train but the two torpedoes must be left on the rail as a caution signal to any train following.
When it is necessary for a freight train on a double track to turn out on to the opposite track to allow a passenger train running in the same direction to pass, and the passenger train running in the opposite direction is due, a flagman must be sent back with a danger signal as provided in Rule No. 99 not less than — feet in the direction of the following train and the other train must not cross over until one of the passenger trains arrive. Should the following passenger train arrive first, a flagman must be sent forward on the opposite track with danger signals as provided in Rule No. 99, not less than —feet in the direction of the overdue passenger train before crossing over. Great caution must be used and good judgment is required to prevent detention to either passenger train. The preference should always be given the passenger train of superior class.
If a train should part while in motion, trainmen must use great care to prevent the detached parts from coming into collision.
Regular trains twelve hours or more behind their scheduled time lose all their rights.
All messages or orders respecting the movement of trains or the condition of track or bridges must be in writing. Passenger trains must not display signals for a following train without an order from the Superintendent, nor freight trains without an order from the Yard Master.
Great care must be exercised by the trainmen of a train approaching a station where any train is receiving or discharging passengers.
Engine men must observe trains on the opposite track awl if they are running too closely together, call attention to the fact.
No person will be permitted to ride on an engine except the engineman, fireman, and other designated employes in the discharge of their duties without a written order from the proper authorities.
Accidents, detentions of trains, failure in the supply of water or fuel, or defects in the tracks or bridges must be promptly reported by telegraph to the Superintendent.
No train shall leave a station without a signal from its conductor. Conductors and engine men will be held equally responsible for the violation of any rules governing the safety of their trains and they must take every precaution for the protection of their trains even if not provided for by the rules. In case of doubt or uncertainty, no risks should be taken.
Table of Contents; Page 163; Page 168; Index
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