If a train is leaving a siding and goes back to the main line, is it the responsability of the guy in the caboose to "reset" the turnout so it points in the main line direction, or is it the responsability of the next train that will use the main line ?
Who must "reset" the turnout
- Thread starter Biased turkey
- Start date
Turnouts must always be set for the mainline -at least that's the rule most places I operate. In the yard, and at turnouts "inside" industry trackage, it's either leave them like you found them, or leave it in its last position (i.e. you don't have to "reset" it to any particular route - just leave
).
Andrew
).Andrew
Thanks for that interesting information MasonJar.
It will help me to run realistic operations on my tiny unrealistic 25" by 36" layout
It will help me to run realistic operations on my tiny unrealistic 25" by 36" layout
Switches on the main line can be thrown by the dispatcher or years ago a tower operator..Now in some cases the head brakeman would unlock and open "reverse" the switch and the rear brakeman would close (normalize) and lock the switch.When the train left the passing siding the head brakeman would open the switch.The rear brakeman would close and lock the switch and then would run to catch and swing onto the caboose..I done that several times while using manual crossovers.
Thanks for the detailed procedure about manual switchs operation brakie.
It's not clear to me brakie, but did you ( or are you ) working for a real railroad ?
It's not clear to me brakie, but did you ( or are you ) working for a real railroad ?
I worked on the PRR/PC from 66-69.And the C&O under the Chessie/CSX banner form 78-84.That was my last railroading job.
Because of several incidents caused by switches not "normalled", NS and other railroads now have a form, the Switch Position Awareness Form (SPAF) to be filled out by the crewmember operating the switch, showing the time first reversed and last normalled, and witnessed by the Engineer ! This is, of course, in "Dark Territory" un-signalled track. Manual switches in signalled track will "knock down" the signals approaching the switch if it's not "Lined and Locked Normal" to a "Restricting" indication, and show an alert to the Dispatcher. Some of these also have timers to prevent changing the position for some period to allow a train already by the previous signal to show up or pass the switch. The Dispatcher may allow you to leave a switch reversed in either manual or automatic territory, but you have to ASK, and record it on yer SPAF. Happy Motoring ! Bob c
Adding to want Bob said..The crew can radio the information as well..IE:
L39: To Sandusky Dispatcher.
Sandusky Dispatcher- to L39
L39:The Transco switch is locked and line for the main.
Dispatcher.The Transco switch is locked and line for the main.
L39 That is correct.
Dispatcher Recorded as line and locked for the main.
L39 out.
MOW crews can report the switch is lined and locked to the dispatcher.
The dispatcher records the switch is lined and locked by the reporting party..A electrician can report a power switch is back to power from manual when he completes the require electrical work.
L39: To Sandusky Dispatcher.
Sandusky Dispatcher- to L39
L39:The Transco switch is locked and line for the main.
Dispatcher.The Transco switch is locked and line for the main.
L39 That is correct.
Dispatcher Recorded as line and locked for the main.
L39 out.
MOW crews can report the switch is lined and locked to the dispatcher.
The dispatcher records the switch is lined and locked by the reporting party..A electrician can report a power switch is back to power from manual when he completes the require electrical work.