I was crossing BNSF’s junction onto the Avard sub out of Cherokee Yard in Tulsa the other day. On the main right next to the tracks there was a square placard that was yellow on the top half and red on the bottom half. What does this mean?
GCOR Form “B” Limits, 2 miles (or less) ahead…
What he said…
What Mudchicken said.
Rodney
RED = Blood. YELLOW = Guts. That red/yellow sign means that maintenance of way forces are working on or near the track up ahead, or a contractor (maybe it’s one laying fiber optic cable) is working very close to the tracks. Either way, the nature of their work could result in a train/equipment collision and train/worker fatality if proper precautions are not followed. The General Code of Operating Rules spells out the responsibilities of trainmen, engineers, and trackman whenever they display (m.o.w.) or see (the train crew) a red-yellow board.
5.4.3 Display of Yellow-Red Flag
A. Restriction Specified in Writing
Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. Yellow-red flags warn a train to be prepared to stop because of men or equipment. To make sure the train is prepared to Stop at the right location, employees must display a yellow-red flag 2 miles before the restricted area.
Less Than Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. When the restricted area is close to a terminal, junction, or another area, employees will display the yellow-red flag less than 2 miles before the restricted area. This information will also be included in the track bulletin, track warrant, or general order. 
B. Restriction Is Not Specified in Writing
When a yellow-red flag is displayed and the restriction is not specified by a track bulletin, track warrant, or general order, crew members must be prepared to stop short of a red flag 2 miles beyond the yellow-red flag. If a red flag is displayed, proceed as outlined in Rule 5.4.7 (Display of Red Flag or Red Light). If no red flag is displayed:
- Move at restricted speed.
- Increase speed only after:
- a. A crew member has received permission from the employee in charge.
- b. The rear of the train has passed a green flag.
- or
- c. The rear of the train has traveled 4 miles beyond the yellow-red flag, and the train dispatcher has verified that no track bulletin or track warrant protecting men or equipment is in effect at that locafion.
5.4.4 Authorized Protection by Yellow or Yellow-Red Flag
On subdivisions where maximum speed does not exceed 40 MPH, and it is authorized by special instructions, yellow or yellow-
What Ed Just said!
(You get in my Form B without my permission, I’m not a happy camper and hope you have job insurance! [:(!][:(!][V])
No Ed and Mudchicken I did not get in your form “B” because the both of you did not give me instructions through your form “B”, and yes my job insurance is paid up to date all 201$ of it(lol).
Rodney
[(-D]
Mookie!
Note the first line in part 5.4.4…
Two clarifiers to the rule…“On subdivisions where the speed limit does not exceed 40 mph, and it is authorized by special instruction”…
This is the reason every conductor should read and copy the General Orders and General Notices, along with the terminal special instructions at the beginning of his or her shift.
They should make sure they have all slow orders and form Bs in effect, and know who has “ownership” of the form B.
I really appreciate everyone’s responses. I had a feeling it had to do with a MOW, but I wasn’t sure. It’s nice to come here and be able to get detailed answers to questions. Thanks!