This question has likely been asked and answered before, but I will ask it again anyway…when I hear on my scanner a crew member making a cut of cars and advising the head end he/she is going between the cuts of cars the head end answeres with a “set and centered”…what does this mean exactly? Thanks to all.[:)]
that menas that the air brakes are set and the reversor is centered to try to make sure the train goes not move
Roger that Ed. Not nessicarily the train brake, but the locomotive brake is 100% and the reverser is centered.
Its a major rule on all roads Iam guessing you live near the BNSF or listen to them a lot. If I am going to go between I have ot have protection. A trainmaster catches you turning an angle***or lacing the air without it and its so long charlie!. Some roads call it red zone ( ICE and NS I think are two of them) NS requires ( this is off a poster in their yard office in Des Moines) set full independent center reverser AND throw the PCS switch.If the crew is running silent ( hand and lantern signals) the engineer will give a short blast on the horn to let you know hes “set and centered”
Its better then the old days where you took the risk and just went between listening for the slack to run.
Thanks guys, and in answer to route_rock’s question, YES, I live about three miles from the BNSF triple track raceway from Aurora, IL to Chicago and am over there just about every weekend railfanning.
Another question, Jim:
Are you fully recovered? Hope so.
Too bad you weren’t out there Tuesday morning, when I picked up Chris May (“CopCarSS”) from the lot south of the tracks along McClure Road. Would have enjoyed meeting you.
[:D] Hey CShaveRR, thanks for asking, and YES, I am pretty much fully recovered from what I hope will be a “one time only” experience in my life. I was out at the McClure Road site yesterday afternoon for about three hours but very few others were there (no doubt due to the cold weather…about 20F at the time. I appreciate your asking and hope to meet you some day. I am currently driving a black Pontiaca Grand Prix and shoud be keeping it until about May or June (company car due for trade in about then). Please keep an eye out for me so we can meet. Jim
Well sir I hope to see you out there! I am debating taking a road job ( better money) and Chicago is one of the choices I have.But I dont know if that or Creston would be better ( oh decisions decisions)Ill give a shout on if when and where I am going ( hopefully soon ) and I will be sure to wave at you all.