Is there a specified distance you must stop in front a red board?
That’s it.
Mookie
The simple answer is…yes and no. First, I’m assuming you mean a stop signal, not just a stop and proceed at an intermediate signal. I’m not aware of a minimum distance specified by rule. You do need to make sure you stop clear of the signal and any interlocking devices. Sometimes the trigger for blowing the red board is just in front of the signal, sometimes right at the signal and most times past the signal. It pays to know where it is to make sure you stop in the clear.
Most engineers have had one or more instances where they have had close calls or even gotten by a red board, usually due to signal problems. It is one of the scariest rides you’ll ever have…
LC
Yes - a complete stop.
I am thinking of an overhead line of signals. Seems like some engines stop right in front of the signal and others stop about a block away. This particular part of the track has no switches (yet) and just straight track until you get past the signal. I can see the signal and when the engine gets past it is when it goes from say, yellow to red.
Just seems to be a variation on where the engines stop - so wondered if it was up to the individual engineer or some specified distance depending on some circumstance.
Begs another question - why would they set up a trigger before the signal? Switch placement? And is this another - you know from experience or can see that you need to stop and not get into trouble or is it just trial and error?
Hi, SJ.
First of all, it’s not a “board” any more. That term was reserved for train-order signals, which are now obsolete, or very nearly so. “Signal” will do just fine.
I’ve seen one instance where the engineer stopped short of a red signal at the interlocking, but we couldn’t get things to clear because he was still in the circuit. Another time a crew got in trouble at Proviso for the same thing–could still see the red from the cab, but was showing as occupying the control point plant. I guess you gotta know the territory.
On occasion I’ve seen trains stop a considerable distance back from a red signal to keep an intervening grade crossing open. Probably not required, but a nice gesture, especially if you don’t know how long you’re going to be stuck there.
BC - Driver works on train orders - I order him every Sat/Sun to drive trackside!
[:D]
I doubt if I will ever get the new terminology - and the old terminology was so much more romantic…
SJ
I still get the opportunity to run trains now and then , I take the cautious approach and leave plenty of room between me and the signal. However in interlockings I know you must enter the plant in order to get a signal, some control operators want you right up tight to the light.
Our engineering guys use red boards , you don’t want to run them over !!!
The rule for blue signals states that you cannot leave rolling stock so as to obstruct the blue signal , or 25 ’ from the blue signal.
Randy
Randy -
I think you are wise indeed. A few years ago (pre-MM&A) I was visiting in your neck of the woods (wearing my consulting hat) and had occasion to go for a nice hirail trip over most of what was then the BAR in a 3 man pickup. Our host on the trip , a Roadmaster, apologized to us for the small vehicle. It seems that the suburban we were supposed to be riding had been destroyed in an unfortunate incident a couple of weeks earlier when a foreman driving with an FRA Inspector was impacted by a train that had overrun his track warrant. Luckily, the foreman and G-man were able to jump prior to impact. This was in non-signalled territory, but you get the idea…
LC
The flying types on here might talk about staying well within safe margins. An on the ball engineer might want to give himself some margin, just in case.
Jay
In OCS many times your authority extends from mile post to mile post. you need to be absolutely aware of exactly where you are. this is especially true if the section crew is working on the main track . It’s easy to lose track of where you are, and run into big trouble. As you know LC the scenery here is quite pretty but it is also very much monotonous. I have heard of the incident that you mentioned, pretty scary stuff for sure !!
Randy
You’re right, Randy–I forgot about those red boards, yellow boards, and yellow-red boards. Mudchicken and you will have to fight over which one’s going to have my head for that.
At places where you may meet or be passed by other trains your supposed to stop at least 400 feet from the signal (or clearance point etc), if length permits.
Otherwise, stop must be made before any part of a train passes the block signal requiring the train to stop.
Jeff
The key at a red board is stopping short which means do not get by it if you do you are out of service. Now lets say the train that I am running enters the block on a clear (green signal) and I come around the curve and the signal is red as per rule I do not have to put the train in emergency how ever I must bring the train to a controled stop and notify the ds and get permission to proceed from my location, when they grant permissino to proceed I must do so at restricted speed until leading wheels pass the next signal.
Rodney
Bear with me - my GCOR is at home - what is Rule 1?
I am still confused as to why you would enter a block with a green signal and then suddenly hit a red one. Accident? Rail problems? If train ahead of you still in block, would it be red or yellow? And is this a “local” dispatcher or one in say Texas and you are in Nebraska?
Mookie I work for BNSF and dispatched from Fort Worth TX if I enter the block on a clear I am doing max authorized speed and the signal at the control point is red as per rule I do not have to put the train in emergency because the signal is improperly displayed just bring the train to a controled stop warn other trains by radio and notify the dispatcher. Now heres is what usualy happens traffic stops signal maintainers check the signal system out, I get permission to proceed from where the train stands in the direction authroized by the dispatcher now I must operate at restricted speed looking out for broken rail until my leading whells pass the next signal. Rules 9.4, 9.5, 9.5.4, 9.10 & 6.27. Don not be confused mook any questions ask we in the operating department will help.
Rodney