Consolidate Code of Operating Rules - Revised 1959

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GENERAL SIGNAL RULES

243. When stopping at a signal displaying a Stop indication, or a Stop-and-proceed indication, no part of the train or engine shall pass the signal, and when ready to proceed, signal 14 (b) must be sounded.


244. In foggy or stormy weather trains and engines must approach all signals with great care, prepared to respect the indication given. If necessary, stop must be made to determine the indication.


245. When a train or engine has passed a signal permitting it to proceed and is delayed in the block, it must proceed at restricted speed to the next signal or to a point where track is seen to be clear to the next signal.


246. After train or engine has passed a signal displaying a proceed indication, the indication of the next signal may change to Stop, and members of the crew must be on the alert to observe it.


247.
Sand must not be used nor water allowed to run over the movable parts of an interlocking, power operated switch or spring switch.


RULES GOVERNING THE MOVEMENT OF TRAINS IN THE SAME DIRECTION BY BLOCK SIGNALS

251. On portions of the rail road, and on designated tracks so specified in the time-table, trains will run with reference to other trains in the same direction by block signals whose indications will supersede the superiority of trains.

251 (A). The movement of trains will be supervised by the train dispatcher. Oral and message instructions issued by him must be complied with. When necessary to provide single track operation on double track, or to move trains against the current of traffic, or for operation of work trains, train order authority must be obtained.

253. The train dispatcher must be advised in advance of any known condition that will delay the train or prevent it from making usual speed.

254. Except as affected by Rules 251 and 251 (A), all Block Signal Rules and Operating Rules remain in effect.


RULES GOVERNING OPPOSING AND FOLLOWING MOVEMENT OF TRAINS BY BLOCK SIGNALS

261. On portions of the railroad, and on designated tracks so specified in the time-table, trains will be governed by block signals, whose indications will supersede the superiority of trains for both opposing and following movements on the same track.

263. The train dispatcher must be advised in advance of any known condition that will delay the train or prevent it from making usual speed.

264. Except as affected by Rule 261, all
Block Signal Rules and Operating Rules remain
in effect.

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CENTRALIZED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM RULES

Note.—Centra1ized Traffic Control System Rules will be used only in CTC territory specified in the time-table or in Special Instructions.

265. Rules 261 to 264, inclusive, apply in CTC territory and, except as affected by Rules 261 to 273, inclusive, all other Block Signal Rules, Interlocking Rules and Operating Rules remain in effect.

266. Movement of trains and engines will be supervised by the train dispatcher, who may also operate the CTC control machine.
When the CTC control machine is operated by other than the train dispatcher, the train dispatcher will issue the necessary instructions to the control operator.

267. When movement is entirely within CTC limits, sections and extra trains may be authorized by clearance instead of by train order. For example, clearance designating a section must read, "First 3 Green Signals", "Second 3 No Signals", and clearance designating an extra train must read, "Extra 436 west".
Trains or engines must not enter CTC territory unless the governing signal displays a proceed indication or authority is obtained from the control operator.

268. Trains or engines must not foul or enter the main track or a controlled siding at hand operated switches not equipped with electric locks without first obtaining authority from the control operator.

269. When a train or engine has been stopped by a Stop indication, if no conflicting movement is evident, a member of the crew must immediately communicate with the control operator, identify himself, his train and location, and be governed by instructions received. The instructions must be repeated by the employe receiving them to insure correct understanding. Before proceeding, Rule 275 must be complied with.
When the train dispatcher knows there is no opposing train or engine movement involved, he may authorize the train or engine to proceed in the following form: "You may proceed at restricted speed to the next signa1". If the train dispatcher does not positively know there is no opposing train or engine movement involved, he may authorize the train or engine to proceed in the following form: "You may proceed under flag protection to the next clear or approach signal". When flagging from a Stop signal, train must wait ten (10) minutes after flagman has started.

269 (A). When stopped by a Stop indication and communication has failed, train or engine must not proceed, except when not standing between Stop signals at a station, train or engine must move forward under flag protection to a point where they will be between Stop signals at a station, clearing main track when practicable, complying with Rule 275. Further movement must not be made except on signal indication or until authority is received from control operator.

270. If any part of a train or engine overruns a Stop indication, front of train or engine must be protected immediately as prescribed by Rule 99 and member of crew must communicate with control operator and be governed by his instructions.

271. Within CTC limits, trains or engines may occupy a track or tracks within specified limits and between specified times to perform switching or other work when authorized to do so by the control operator in the following form; " (train or engine) may use (track or tracks) between _______ and _______ (or at____________) ______m until ______m”.

When requesting track and time limits, conductor will give his name, location, train or engine number, and specify time and work limits and track or tracks to be used. When such authority is granted, the instructions must be repeated to the control operator. No movement may be made under this rule until the engineer has received and understands the track and time limits granted.
After the train or engine has entered the specified limits, the control operator must block all signal and switch levers controlling movements into the specified limits and must not permit any other train or engine to enter the limits during the period track and time limits are in effect. Blocks must not be removed until track and time limits have expired unless conductor reports the train or engine clear of the track or tracks specified or work completed.
During the period track and time limits are authorized, the track or tracks specified may be used in either direction without Hag protection. This does not modify requirements for proper observance of signal indications.
Trains and engines must be clear of the track or tracks specified or work completed, switches restored to normal position before expiration of the time specified, and control operator so advised. If not clear by the time specified, protection must be provided as prescribed by Rule 99. If additional time is required, authority must be secured from control operator before previously authorized time expires.

When two or more trains or engines are given the same or overlapping track and time limits, the control operator must inform the conductor of each train or engine of the fact and such trains or engines must protect against each other and move at restricted speed within such limits.

272. When an employe’s call light is illuminated, any employe observing it, except those on moving trains, must immediately communicate with the control operator.

273. When CTC operation is interrupted or suspended, trains and engines must be governed by instructions from the control operator or proper officer.

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DUAL CONTROL SWITCHES

275. When a train or engine is stopped by a signal governing movement over a dual control switch, if no conflicting movement is evident, a member of the crew must immediately communicate with the train dispatcher or operator and be governed by his instructions. Such instructions must include information as to the route to be used. The instructions must be repeated to insure correct understanding.
When authorized to proceed, or when unable to communicate with the train dispatcher or operator, movement must not be made until after selector lever has been taken out of "power” position and placed in "hand" position.
Hand throw lever must be operated until switch points are seen to move with the movement of hand throw lever. Switch must then be lined for the route to be used. Selector lever may be restored to “power" position and locked as soon as leading wheels of engine or car have moved onto the switch points.

275 (A). When necessary to perform switching over dual control switch, the switch may be operated manually by a member of the crew after authority to do so has been obtained from the train dispatcher or operator. The period of time the switch may be used must be clearly stated and understood.
Selector lever must be placed in “hand" position and left in that position until all movements over the switch have been completed.
Hand throw lever must be operated until switch points are seen to move with the movement of the hand throw lever. Indications of stop signals governing movements over the switch may be considered suspended while selector lever is in "hand" position, but movements must be made at restricted speed.
After final movement has been made over the switch, selector lever must be restored to "power" position, locked and train dispatcher or operator notified.

ELECTRIC LOCKED SWITCHES

280. Instructions for operation of electric locks are posted at or near electric lock and must be complied with.

281. When indication is received showing lock has released, lock and switch may be operated and train or engine may proceed without waiting three minutes as required by Rule 513.

282. Authority to use an electric locked switch which is under control of the control operator, must be given verbally to member of crew by control operator. The period of time the switch and track may be used and designated limits must be clearly stated and understood.

283. Seal on emergency release of electric lock must not be broken, or emergency release operated, without authority from the train dispatcher or control operator, except when communication has failed.
When necessary to release electric lock by use of emergency release, and movement is to be made to a main track, member of crew must wait three (3) minutes after release has been operated before changing main track switch. Train or engine may then proceed being governed by signal indication, or where there is no signal, when preceded by a flagman to the next Clear or Approach signal.
Train or engine must wait ten (10) minutes after flagman has started.
When release seal is broken, or found broken or missing, report must be made promptly to the superintendent, and the control operator.


THE FOLLOWING RULES 300 (A) TO 373 (A) INCLUSIVE APPLY ONLY ON THE
C. M. St. P. & P. RAILROAD.

MANUAL BLOCK SYSTEM RULES AND FORMS

(To be used as designated in the time-table).

305. Block signals govern the use of the blocks, but, unless otherwise provided, do not supersede the superiority of trains nor dispense with the use or the observance of other signals whenever and wherever they may be required.

306. When a block station is open at an irregular hour, trains must be notified, when possible, by train order.

307. A train having entered a block on other than a proceed indication or Clearance Form A showing block “clear” must not accept a proceed indication at any intermediate block station which was closed when such train entered the block, without receiving Clearance Form A.

308. When Clearance Form A is used information will be shown as to condition of block "clear” or “occupied”. If block is occupied, train will proceed prepared to stop short of train ahead.

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OPERATORS

311. Signals must be kept in the position displaying the most restrictive indication, except when displayed for an immediate movement.

312. Appliances must be operated carefully and only by those charged with that duty. If any irregularity affecting their operation is detected the signals must be displayed to give their most restrictive indication until repairs are made.

313. Operators must observe, as far as practicable, whether the indications of the signals correspond with the positions of the levers.

314. Operators must not make nor permit any unauthorized repairs, alterations or additions to the apparatus. Any defects in the appliances must be promptly reported to the superintendent.

315. A block record must be kept at each block station on the prescribed form, beginning at 12:01 a.m. daily, showing the time all trains enter and clear the block, communicating code signals, and the time they are given and received.

316.                COMMUNICATING CODE

1.—Keep block signal in stop position for opposing train.
13.—I understand.
2.—Block clear.
5.—Block not clear of train other than passenger.
56.—Block not clear of passenger train.
38 —Opening block station. Answer by 2, 5 or 56.
39 —Closing block station, followed by 2.

If the block is clear, to be answered by 13, followed by 2. If the block is not clear, to be answered by 5 or 56.
When two or more tracks are used in the same direction, operators in using the communicating code must also specify the track.
Note.—When telephone is used, the code will be used without the numerals.

317. On single track, to admit a train to a block, the operator must examine the block record, and if the block is clear of opposing trains and preceding passenger trains, give "1 for ___” to the next block station in advance.
If it is proper for the train to be admitted, the operator in advance will reply “2 for____” or “5 of _____.”. The operator at the entrance of the block must then display the proper signal in indication.
A train must not be admitted to a block which is occupied by an opposing train or by a passenger train, except as provided in Rule 333 or by train order. A train may be permitted to follow a train other than a passenger train into a block under Clearance Form A, when so directed by train dispatcher.

317 (A). To admit a train to a block to meet opposing trains at a closed block station or a siding between two open block stations, by train order, the operator must examine the block record, and if the block is clear of all but the train or trains to be met, give "1 for ____except ____”, to the next block station in advance.
The operator receiving this signal, if there is no train in the block except the train or trains to be met, must display Stop indication or 19 order indication and then reply “13 for ______except _____”. The operator at the entrance of the block must then display Stop indication or 19 order indication.
The approaching train will then be admitted to the block with a Clearance Form A reading, "Block clear except ______Stop indication or 19 order indication is displayed for____ to meet ____as per order number ____”.
The authority of an operator for the issuance of such clearance will be the receipt of a copy of the order to be repeated and signed by him and completed by the train dispatcher.

317 (B). To admit a train awaiting the arrival of an opposing train or trains to a block, the operator must examine the block record and if the block is clear of all but the expected train or trains, give “1 for _____except _____” to the next block station in advance.
The operator receiving this signal, if the block is clear of all but the train or trains to be met, must display Stop indication and then reply "13 for _____ except ____”. The operator at the entrance of the block must then display the proper signal indication.
The train must be brought to a stop and may then be given Clearance Form A reading, "Block clear except . Stop indication is displayed for ____ to meet ,”. A train receiving such clearance must not leave until the opposing train has arrived.

317 (C). In case a train has left an open block station expecting to reach the next open block station for an opposing superior train and fails to do so, and there are one or more closed block stations or sidings between the two open block stations, the train dispatcher, after holding the superior train five (5) minutes or more beyond its schedule leaving time or train order waiting time, may authorize the release of the superior train with a train order in the following form:
“______left _____at_____ and has not arrived at ________Operator ___________ will
release No ____.”. Clearance Form A will then be issued reading: "Block clear except _____ Stop indication is displayed for Order No ____”.

318. On double or three or more tracks to admit a train to a block, the operator must examine the block record, and display proper signal indication.
A train must not be admitted to a block which is occupied by a passenger train, except as provided in Rule 333 or by train order.
A train may be permitted to follow a train other than a passenger train into a block under Clearance Form A when so directed by the train dispatcher.

319. When a train enters a block, the operator must give train number and time to the next block station in advance. When the rear of the train has passed 250 feet beyond the block signal, he must give the record of the train to the next block station in the rear. This information must be entered on the block records.

319 (A). When a train, other than a passenger or a mixed train, is inside the outer switches at certain block stations indicated by time-table or special instructions, it may be reported as arrived provided the operator has seen the markers or is notified by the conductor that all of his train is inside the switches. Following trains may be given a proceed indication or a Clearance Form A showing block “clear”, except that if a first class train is to enter the block it must have a train order and a Clearance Form A showing block “occupied”. Trains, other than first class trains accepting and moving under proceed indication or Clearance Form A showing block "clear”, must approach the designated station at restricted speed.

320. Unless otherwise provided, operators must not ask for the block until they have received a report of the train from the next block station in the rear.

321. Operators must, as far as practicable, observe all passing trains and note whether they are complete and in order, and the markers properly displayed.

322. Should a train pass a block station with any indication of conditions endangering the train, or a train on another track, the operator must immediately notify the operator at the next block station in advance, and each must display Stop indications to all trains that may be affected, and must not permit any train to proceed until it is known that its track is not obstructed.

325. An operator informed of any obstruction in a block must immediately notify the operator at the other end of the block and each must display Stop indications to all trains that may be affected and must not permit any train to proceed until it is known that its track is not obstructed.

326. When a train or engine takes siding or otherwise clears the main track the operator must know that it is clear of the block before giving "2" or displaying a Clear indication for that block.
The operator must obtain control of the block before permitting a train or engine to re-enter the block.

327. To permit a train or engine to enter a block or foul the main track, or to cross from one main track to another, the operator must examine the block record, and if all the blocks affected are clear of approaching trains he must provide or arrange for block protection before permission is given, and until movement is completed and the block clear, trains will not be admitted to the block except under Clearance Form A.
All cross-over movements must be entered on the block record.

328. When coupled trains are separated, as prescribed by Rule 364, the operator must regard each portion as an independent train.

329. When necessary to stop a train for which other than a Stop indication has been displayed and accepted, the operator must give hand signals in addition to displaying the Stop indication.

333. When, from any cause, an operator is unable to communicate with the next block station in advance, he must stop all trains approaching in that direction. Should no cause for detaining a train be known, it may then be permitted to proceed with Clearance Form A, provided ten (10) minutes have elapsed since the passage of the last preceding train.

334. Hand signals must not be used when the proper indication can be displayed by the block signals, except as prescribed by Rule 329 or 343. When hand signals are necessary they must be given from such a place and in such a way that there can be no misunderstanding as to the signals, or as to the train or-engine for which they are intended.

Note.—Hand signalling includes the use of flag, light, torpedo and fusee signals.

335. Block signals for a track apply only to trains moving with the current of traffic on that track. Operators will use train order or home signal for blocking trains moving against the current of traffic.

336. Operators are responsible for the care of the block station, lamps and supplies; and, unless otherwise provided, of the signal apparatus.

337. Lights in block stations must be so placed that they cannot be seen from approaching trains.

339. If a Stop indication is disregarded, the fact must be reported to the next block station in advance and then to train dispatcher.

340. To open a block station, the operator must give “38” to the next block station in each direction and record the trains that are in the extended block.
When trains, which were in the extended block when the block station was opened and which had passed his block station before it was opened, clear the block in advance he must repeat the record to the block station in the rear.

341. A block station must not be closed except upon authority of train dispatcher.

342. Unless otherwise provided, a block station must not be closed until the block in each direction is clear of all trains.
To close a block station, the operator must give “39” followed by “2” to the next block station in each direction and when he receives “13” followed by "2” enter it on his block record, with the time it is received from each block station.
The block signals must then be secured in the proceed position, all lights extinguished, and the block wires and, when necessary, circuits arranged to work through the closed block station.

343. When a block station is open at an irregular hour, operators must use hand signals, in addition to block signals, to give the required indications until all trains have passed which have not been notified by train order that the block station is open.

343 (A). When weather conditions obscure the view, operators will promptly report to the train dispatcher, who will decide if an absolute block of all trains must be maintained.

344. Operators must not permit unauthorized persons to enter the block station.

ENGINE AND TRAIN CREWS

361. Block signals for a track apply only to trains moving with the current of traffic on that track. A Train order or home signal will be used for blocking trains moving against the current of traffic.

362. Trains must not pass a Stop indication or 19 order indication without receiving Clearance Form A.

362 ( A ). Where train order signal is also used as block signal, a train may pass such signal at Stop indication or 19 order indication to make a station stop, to take fuel or water, or to enter the siding in advance of the signal, provided the track is known to be clear, and under protection as prescribed by Rule 99.

363. Trains must not proceed on hand signals as against block signals.

364. Unless otherwise directed, when two or more trains have been coupled and so move past any block station, they must be separated only at a block station and the operator notified.
365. When a train or engine takes siding or otherwise clears the main track, unless the switch involved is operated by the operator, conductor or engineer must so report to the operator. A train or engine must not enter a block or foul the main track, or cross from one main track to another, without permission of the operator.
A train or engine having passed beyond the limits of a block must not back into that block without permission of the operator.

365 (A). Trains must not go to a closed block station or a siding between two open block stations to meet a train or trains without a train order, and in addition will receive Clearance Form A at the nearest open block station reading, “Block clear except______ Stop indication or 19 order indication is displayed for____to meet _____ as per Order No_____”.

365 (B). Trains must not go to a closed block station or a siding between two open block stations to be passed by other trains without a train order.

365 (C). To permit a train to go to a closed block station or a siding between two open {block stations to be passed by other trains, the following form of train order must be used:
"No ______ may enter the block at _______ ahead of No .______”. The trains receiving this order will run according to the rules

365 (D). When a train is passed by another train at a closed block station or a siding between two open block stations, it may, after waiting ten (10) minutes, proceed on its right or schedule, prepared to stop short of train ahead.

370. When there is an obstruction between block stations, notice must be given to the nearest operator.

371. When a train is stopped by a home or block signal, the conductor or engineer must, when practicable, immediately ascertain the cause.

372. Conductors must report to superintendent any unusual detention at block stations.

373. A block station must not be considered as closed, except as provided for by time-table or special instructions.

373 (A). When a train receives a Clearance Form A filled out as shown in Rule 317 (B), it must not leave that station before the opposing train mentioned in the clearance has arrived.

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RAILROAD RADIO RULES

General

The following rules and requirements cover use of railroad radio systems, and govern employes using such systems.

400 (A). DEFINITIONS A Railroad Radio Communication System is one employing radio for the transmission of intelligence between moving equipment, between moving equipment and a fixed point, or between fixed points.

400 (B). Radio communication systems are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission. The Railroad Company and its employes are governed by the Commission’s Operating Rules. Violation is a Federal offense for which severe penalties are provided.

400 (C). In order to operate a radio transmitting set, a railroad employe must read and study the following rules and pass an examination thereon. Such examinations will be given by railroad examiners. Operating Rules ‘

401. All employes, except those specifically authorized to do so, are prohibited from making any adjustments to a railroad radio set. Employes so authorized must carry their FCC operating license or verification card when on duty. If it appears that a radio transmitter is not operating properly, its use shall be discontinued and the superintendent notified as soon as possible.

402. No employe shall knowingly transmit any false distress communication, any unnecessary, irrelevant or unidentified communication, nor utter any obscene, indecent or profane language via radio.

403. No employe shall divulge or publish the existence, contents, purport, effect or meaning of any communication, (distress communications excluded), except to the person for whom the communication is intended, or to another employe of the railroad whose duties may require knowledge of the communication, The above applies either to communications received direct or to any that may be intercepted.

404. Before transmitting, any employe operating a radio transmitting set shall listen a sufficient interval to be sure that the circuit is not already in use, particularly for distress traffic.

405. A distress call will be preceded by the word “Emergency" repeated three times. Such calls shall be used only to cover initial reports of derailments, storms, washouts, fires, obstructions to tracks, or other matters which would cause serious delay to traffic, damage to property, injury to employes or the traveling public, and shall contain as complete information thereon as possible. All employes shall give absolute priority to communications from another station in distress, and except in answering or aiding a station in distress shall refrain from sending any communications until there is assurance that no interference will result to the station in distress.

406. The Railroad Company is required to answer an official notice of violation of the terms of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, within three days from receipt of notice, and any employe receiving inquiry concerning any violation shall answer such inquiry within 24 hours after receipt of notice.

407. Any employe shall permit inspection of the radio equipment in his charge and all FCC documents pertaining thereto, by a duly accredited representative of the Federal Communications Commission at any reasonable time.

408. Employes, except in yard operation, shall identify the radio station from which they are calling by prefacing their call with the railroad name, for example:

"ABC (Railroad) caboose train 92 calling engine";
"XYZ (Railroad) caboose train 92 calling
engine train 89";
"Main (Railroad) engine 547 calling caboose 1402".

408 (A). Employes in yard operation shall
identify the radio station from which they are calling by prefacing their call with the railroad name, for example:

"ABC (Railroad) Yardmaster calling ABC
(Railroad) engine 547"; .
“ABC (Railroad) engine 492 calling ABC
(Railroad) Yardmaster Dover (Station)";
“ABC (Railroad) engine 492 calling ABC (Railroad) engine 547"; etc.

409. In certain cases at crossings, junctions, or paralleling tracks, some interference may develop with another railroad. In such cases, especial care in making identification shall be used, and the employes concerned shall cooperate in handling their business by alternating calls and being as brief as possible.

410. If any communication from a station other than another railroad radio station interferes with railroad radio service, the railroad employe shall endeavor to ascertain the identity of such station, and report the occurrence as soon as possible through authorized channels, to the superintendent, giving the exact time, nature of the communication and identity of the station, if possible.
Internationally, the word “MAYDAY" indicates a distress message, the word "PAN" an urgent message, and the word "SECURITY” a safety message. Railroad employes may hear such messages sent by aircraft, or, in coastal areas, by boats. Railroad employes hearing such messages must report them immediately through authorized channels to the superintendent, in addition to taking such appropriate action to relieve the distress as may be possible.

411. When hand signals cannot be given and radio is used in connection with switching movements, specific instructions as to movement must be given. For example: "Engine 547 back up 5 car lengths" rather than "Back up".
In case of radio failure, or if radio contact is interrupted, movement must be stopped at once. Further movement must not be made until communication is made by words, or radio contact is restored.

412. Information that a train to be met or passed is in clear on siding must not be transmitted from head to rear end of train unless positive identification of the train to be met or passed has been made.

413. Train orders must not be transmitted by radio between head and rear end of train.
Note.-Conversation between head and rear and of train relative to fulfillment of train orders in their possession is permitted.

414. Information must not be passed between head and rear end of train as to indication of train order signals. Employes on trains must not ask and employes at stations must not advise the indication of any train order signal or other Fixed signal, nor the contents of any train orders affecting their train or any other train.

415. Except in emergency, or where specifically authorized, radio must not be used by the train dispatcher in the transmission of train orders. When so used, the rules covering train orders transmitted by telephone must be complied with.

416. Railroad radio must not be used for transmitting when located less than 250 feet from the scene of blasting operations, account hazard of detonating dynamite charge where electric caps are used.
The train dispatcher will, upon advice from the foreman in charge, notify all trains operating in that territory the location of such blast- ing operations.

417. When using railroad radio there may be times when employes are not able to contact, or get response from another train or wayside station. If necessary to transmit important in- formation, it should be transmitted regardless of whether or not an acknowledgment is received. When such information is transmitted, and no acknowledgment is received, necessary action must be taken based on the belief that the information was not received.

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