I have a question for anyone who can help. The other day. I was driving around. and when i crossed a set of tracks, i noticed a sign up the track. and I can not find any info on what it means. so here is the best description I can give about it.
It is a Square Sign, Yellow background., with a thin black boarder. and in the middle. there is a Red Slash running from Top right to Bottom left. it also has a black boarder around the red slash.
I have never seen a track side sign like this before. I hope someone can help me figure this one out. I have gone crazy trying to find it online and in all sorts of books i can get my hands on. (I am a HO Model Railroader)
It is a flag to protect men and equipment that may be fouling the track, see below from the GCOR.
Several versions of the flag exists, from the striped one you see to one with Xs…
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: