Hey railroader guys and gals, would someone discuss the rules, etc., for the caboose being used in reference to backing moves? I just saw a pic of a bay window caboose being used in such operation and made me wonder about it.
In the past (not very recent though) I have seen employees standing on the platform as a back up move was taking place. Also is there a difference between a back up move of a caboose and a passenger car?
You have an:
-operable brake pipe handle
-operable whistle (in the air line)
-operable light/flag
-operable radio
go!, just like any other reverse move, except now you have a safer platform to stand on.
I remember the whistles on the cabooses of the C&O and GTW when I was growing up in Michigan. C&NW waycars, however, didn’t have whistles. I was protecting a backup move on a freight once, and found that out the hard way…by dumping the air!
In working on the RR there are thousands of rules and regulations that guides one through the daily routines of just getting from point a to point b.
Reverse movements, backing moves, wheather in a yard or on the main lines are strictly governed. Before you can reverse you must check with the powers to be, yardmaster, train dispacher & others involved in your reverse move. You must also have the items mentioned by mudchicken. John 4449er on west coast S.J. Div.
On CSX what were once known as Cabooses are refered to in the rules as ‘Shoving Platforms’.
Their is actually one of those CSX baywindow that is used for reversing movements daily here in Athens, GA. I posted pics of it not to long ago.
It really is nice to see them still in service![;)]
Thry all need whisles going backwards
DOGGY
GO KENTUCKY
Doggy, email me please.
I thought I would bring this back for one more go around. Hopefully we can get a few more comments and learn a little more.
In addition to the eqipment already reviewed and, aside from the rules governing, Some bay widowed cabs had the “Conductors valve” by the bay wondow. This is a means of making a service application of the air for braking however; once used to stop, the air must be dumped and the handle reset to continue. For passenger cars and for long distance backing without a caboose on freight, there is a backup hose. These are usually 6-15 ft. long and attach to the rear hose on the car, angle **** opened and when in a safe position to ride can be used to reduce the air and make a brake application. Backup hoses also have a whistle.[:-^]
Now, do I call the mispelling the “Doggy” effect? CSX Syndrome? Or, what it is. I missed my mistakes until after I clicked submit. Typo-man misstrikes again!