Here’s a another attempt to answer the original post, in regard to the GCOR (don’t know about east of the Mississippi.) Forms A, B and C give the most recent information to a train crew about operating conditions on a main track - they are in the track bulletin. The forms will usually state the limits of the restrictions (mileposts or stations), operating speed through limits, flags displayed, etc. Operating crew usually has the track bulletin before departure - these forms could be given or modified to a train already en route. These forms most often used in conjunction with Track Warrant Control (crew must have their warrant or some kind of authority to operate on main track.) As stated earlier Form A gives info on temporary speed restrictions, crossing signals malfunctioning, etc; Form B is men and equipment - may contain contact info for a foreman or employee in charge for permission to come through work limits; Form C is pretty much what has been stated earlier, although sometimes used for men and equipment that are not employees of the RR. Track bulletins can supersede information given in a general order or timetable, since they are the most up to date. Conductor is responsible for informing the engineer on what is in the bulletin (even though the engineer has his/her own copy.) I don’t know if there is a standard form for all of this, but the GCOR does give example forms which can be used by RR’s, or modified to their needs. There’s some variety of paper and procedure from railroad to railroad, but I think this is pretty close.
Under GCOR, the use of forms A, B and C is independent of what type of authority is given on the main track. Doesn’t matter if its CTC or TWC (or DTC, etc)… They are used to communicate track conditions, work areas and other conditions, and those can occur on any track regardless of what system is used to authorize the use of the main track.
While the forms may have different names and there are some differences in format, issuance and use between the eastern and western halves of the country, it you gave a engineer in LA a Form D and asked him what it meant or gave an engineer in Pittsburgh a track warrant and asked him what it meant, I would be willing to bet that both would understand the forms and the limits of authority.
paul this is about as close as anyone can get to describe me, trust me i am a nice guy ( or so some say) in the younger years i was probley a foamer but not a vandal. i try more to help than anything. this is why i understand both sides of the fence, and the side i am on now has to many off
psst: Just leave old Wabbo’s locomotive mirrors alone and he’s a pussycat.[:-^][(-D][swg]
I bet that ole Wabash is a big loveable teddy bear!!