I know that CTC, and Track Warrant is the current communication on railroading. (If you follow me on this forum you know I model the modern era of 1987-89 “CR” and 1998-2007 “BNSF & UP.”)
How do I compress it on a model railroad for 2 to 3 people and still have fun. Do I have to worry about ABS/ATC?
I like to have real operating sessions. One more thing. Does everyone know how a Track Warrant works and is there other paperwork I have to know about?
a partial answer is that a track warrant may be issued by cell phone, or radio, etc. It is authority from higher (safety) authority to use a certain stretch of track for a defined period of time. e.g. "train 123 is authorized east main between Bowmanville and Port Hope to set out defective car on siding 435 between 1630 and 1700. Report when clear. Authorizing name
This would be a special warrant.
A regular warrant would authorize from Keele Street Yard to Kingston (200 + km). with signal lights warning of hazards and telling dispatcher where the train is section of track by section.
Hope this helps.
Dave
Track warrant control can be compatible with ABS, but CTC would normally override it, since signal indications alone govern train movements under CTC. Track warrants can certainly be used in block signal territory not under CTC. They can also be used in unsignaled territory. But also, entire branches can be within yard limits, with different rules for avoiding opposing traffic. A short line can be run by an “operations manager” or someone with a similar title who directs traffic by driving along the line in person, or by cell phone or radio, on a more informal basis than track warrants.
Is it the same way with Crew Call and Crew Sign-out sheets?
Crew call is the list the caller used to call you…In today’s railroading you call a computer give it your employee number and it tells you what train you are called for and the report time…
Example: Train Q283-3 0300hrs September 3rd.-some say 3 AM September 3rd…
You sign in on a time sheet with train symbol.Your sign out sheet is when you complete your day’s work.
Thanks for the information.
Where does Amtrak go/fall in. In all of this? And how does it work?
Freight and passenger trains would be governed equally by CTC, ABS and/or Track Warrant rules.