Railroad signal rules. LINES RADIATING FROM SIGNAL LAMP INDICATE FLASHING ASPECT.

Railroad signal rules The rules cover employee responsibilities, signalling equipment, procedures for safe train movement, dealing with accidents and other topics that directly and indirectly affect railway safety. 3 through 9. 1 THROUGH AND INCLUDING 9. An additional mast has been included from the February 2012 rule book which includes the new Approach Restricting aspect with yellow Jun 7, 2016 · If the ICC had ever mandated railroads adopt a national signaling system I suspect it would have been this one simply because it solves some many of the "problems" pointed out with North American pattern signal rules such as using Red as a placeholder and using different signals on dwarfs and masts. 8 may be displayed with a “D” sign on the signal mast to identify the signal as a distant signal. Jul 8, 2023 · Integrated Signal Systems, Model Railroad Control Systems, Digitrax, Chubb Model Railroad Interface, Azatrax, RR CirKits, and Atlas all offer components and boards to model automated systems. 16 APPLY. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced two final rules that will require railroads to develop certification and training programs for train dispatchers and signal employees. – The U. Feb 22, 2016 · The signal aspect portion of the CSX rulebook from April 1, 1989 is divided up into two sections. Rules 287 and 288 - In the bottom position of the 2 aspect dwarf color light dwarf signal. 1 between a Distant signal and the next signal, proceed prepared to stop short of the next signal. 95 1/2, par. I am not an expert. Railroad Rules and Regulations: PDF's When we talk of "the rules", we usually are alluding to "operating rules", the rules that "rails" (operating employees) follow to get the trains safely over the road. They blanked out the middle, or pivot lamp on the upper head, for it was no longer needed Sep 28, 2025 · Signal Rules Discussion related to Amtrak also known as the National Railroad Passenger Corp. Jul 26, 2004 · It also addresses operating rules related to traffic “bar” signals and other “informational” signals. Signal Program Information (PDF) Co-Worker By-Pass (PDF) CSXT Officer Guidelines (PDF) Signals Mark-Off Handling (PDF) Signals Mark-Off Procedures (PDF) Signals Mark-Off Cycle (PDF) Synopsis of Agreements (PDF) Away From Home Terminal (PDF) What You Need to Know About Drug and Alcohol Testing (PDF) New Hire Training: New Hire Training RAILROAD SIGNALS HOME In General The signals Amtrak uses on the North East Corridor between New York City and Washington DC are a modification of the Pennsy Position Light signals. Signaled territory is divided into signal blocks, with signals at the block boundaries governing entrance to the block. NOT AN OFFICIAL RAILROAD REFERENCE: NOT FOR USE BY ACTUAL RAILROAD EMPLOYEES. pdf Subject: Signal System Safety and Train Control Purpose: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issues Safety Advisory 22-2 (SA 22-2) to recommend that State Safety Oversight Agencies (SSOAs) direct Rail Transit Agencies (RTAs) who operate Rail Fixed Guideway Public Transportation Systems in their jurisdictions to consider signal system safety and train control as part of the RTA’s Safety FRA means the Office of Railroad Safety, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE. May 7, 2021 · Almost all signals in Canada pre-1990 are single-lens searchlight signals and normally you'd find signals arranged as one, two or three aspects (heads) mounted on a single mast. This standard addresses practice for operating rules and procedures which relate to railway signals and signs associated with an operating rail transit system. C. A speed that will permit stopping within one-half the range of vision; short of train, engine, railroad car, Stop signal, derail, or switch not properly lined, looking out for broken rail, not exceeding 20 MPH. NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILROAD – SIGNAL RULESÊ 340 CLEAR 344 APPROACH RESTRICTED 348 RESTRICTING DWARF DWARF DWARF Proceed at authorized speed. Obedience to signal indicating approach of train or railroad track equipment. Signals on superstructures govern the track that they are over. DISTANT SIGNAL PLAQUE Aspects shown in Rules 9. a. A standard three head colorlight signal Oct 2, 2015 · CPL dwarf signals also enjoy being the only dwarfs which, if so outfitted, can display ALL of the aspects of a high signal. . § 246. I'm mostly looking for the progression of rules and implementation of new signal systems from the beginning to the early 1900s Nov 11, 2025 · NJT and Amtrak use NORAC operating rules and signal rules. The way the signal displays the commands, in other words the aspect, varies from railroad to railroad and often from division to division in a railroad. 2023 JOSEPH HOEVET, JJH UCOR RULES 1968 NOT AN OFFICIAL RAILROAD REFERENCE: NOT FOR USE BY ACTUAL RAILROAD EMPLOYEES. 5 Effect and construction. c Todd Sestero Map may be printed and used for personal use only RAILROAD SIGNALS of theU. Two signals may be bracketed and located on the supporting mast for displaying indications on two tracks, right-hand signal governing right-hand track and left-hand signal governing left-hand track. Highway-rail grade crossing means a location where a public highway, road, street, or private roadway, including associated sidewalks and pathways, crosses one or more railroad tracks at grade. No signal changes noted from 11th Edition. Rule 290 - In the upper position of the 2 aspect dwarf color light signal. If you intend to install working signals on your model railroad, a chart covering what railroad signals mean would be Office of Railroad Safety Signal and Train Control Division and Office of Chief Counsel Federal Railroad Administration Depending on the signal rules in effect on that portion of the railroad it will determine weather the manual block signal alone will authorize train movement or all train movement is governed by train orders with respect to the timetable authority and superiority of trains. Signal aspects can be referenced here:- Union Pacific Railroad - Signal Rules. The General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) is a set of operating rules for railroads in the United States. Conductors of trains approaching Rule 562 territory with inoperative cab signals must remind their Engineer of the requirements of item (2) above, when the train is 2 miles from the Rule 562 These are all scans of signal charts taken from different railroad company rule books from as early as 1899 to 2007. Aug 11, 2020 · Author: Federal Railroad Administration Discipline Signal & Train Control Subject: Signal and Train Control Document See full list on strasburgrailroad. LINES RADIATING FROM SIGNAL LAMP INDICATE FLASHING ASPECT. May 20, 2024 · Final rules announced today will require railroads to certify train dispatchers and signal employees and bolster training requirements WASHINGTON, D. CROR Signals are designed in principle to display speed information only - how fast the engineer may proceed now and approaching the next signal. On the effective date, these rules supersede all previous rules and instructions. EXCEPTION: When the signal governs movement to non- signaled territory or to a track signaled for movement in the opposite direction only, Restricted Speed applies until the leading end of the movement is through any crossovers, turnouts, or interlocking Title 49 CFR Part 234 Grade Crossing Signal System Safety Technical Manual The purpose of these regulations is to provide for the safety of users of highway-rail grade crossings, including motor vehicle occupants, non-motorized vehicle users, and pedestrians. The examples used in this document are generic, and many variations exist. Apr 3, 2023 · This beginner's guide to railroad signals has everything you need to know about US railroad signals and how to read them. —An arrangement of signals and signal appliances so interconnected that their movements must succeed each other in proper sequence and for which interlocking rules are in effect. used for personal use only For the Rulebook 245. INTERLOCKING. After that It is LIRR Rules. Thanks to David Keller for the use of the picture in his collection. This is something I have fun with while trying to help others. Jan 1, 2024 · See the attachment or follow the link for the NORAC Operating Rules Twelfth Edition Effective January 1, 2024. Sep 19, 2005 · CSX signal rules Discussion of the operations of CSX Transportation, from 1980 to the present. 11-1201) Sec. Amtrak changed over the signals to what most call Position Color Light signals, in contrast to the Color Position Light signals that appeared on the B&O RR. Absolute signals at automatic switches, outside of block The Canadian Rail Operating Rules are intended to enhance railway safety. N. The lower quadrant signals were only two position, with red and green lenses. EXCEPTIONS TO THIS STANDARD OR ANY OTHER SIGNAL RULES, ASPECTS, OR INDICATIONS WILL BE NOTATED IN THE SYSTEM SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OR EMPLOYEE TIMETABLE. Sep 24, 2025 · Other functions include: Railroad safety and stakeholder training (including State safety inspectors) Accident and employee fatality investigations and reporting Partnerships between labor, management, and the agency that address systemic initiatives Development and implementation of safety rules and standards The Northeast Operating Rules Advisory Committee (NORAC) is a body of railroads that establish a set of operating rules for railroads in North America. There are also variations in the meanings of signals which appear to look the same. In overview, trains in ABS territory operated in full accordance with Timetable and Rulebook instructions, just as if no automatic signals were present. Signaling System Rules Automatic Block Territory Automatic Block Signals (ABS) was the first type of automatic signaling that SP used on all mainlines. The triangle plated "P" designates a protective signal. 11-1201. Rules for Conducting Transportation), effective October 25, 1956 and in effect through the PC merger, contained 29 rules in the Manual Block Signal section (the 300 series of rules) and four rules in the Fixed Signals section that applied specifically to manual block operations. Depending on the signal rules in effect on that portion of the railroad it will determine weather the manual block signal alone will authorize train movement or all train movement is governed by train orders with respect to the timetable authority and superiority of trains. [1] Some railroads in the northeast United States follow NORAC, while Canada and Mexico have their own set of operating rules that govern their railroad operations. They are used in Manual Block territory They Please Note: Since the main focus of my two websites is railroad signals, the railfan guides are oriented towards the signal fan being able to locate them. 9 and Rule 9. The NORAC rulebook is used by full and associate member railroads, located mostly in the Northeast United States. Comply with these requirements until the leading wheels reach a point where movement at Restricted speed is no longer required. 8 may be displayed with a "D" sign on the signal mast to identify the signal as a Distant signal. When the signals were originally Overview Pick up after “What’s a Railroad Signal?” Quick review of basics ASPECTS INDICATIONS A few FRA rules The DL&W, being a highly developed, innovative and progressive railroad, used lower quadrant semaphore signals, unlike that other railroad the Erie. KCS Signal Rules (continued) For more detailed information, please see US Railroad Signal Basics Confused? Then follow this simple rule: Home | Specials | DVD's | Custom Products | Logo Store | Apparel | Collectibles | Posters Room Decor | Children | Apparel Accessories | Shipping | Guarantee | Return SMASHBOARDS Block and interlocking signals, as far as practicable, are located adjacent to, or over the track which they govern. 1 between a distant signal and the next signal, proceed prepared to stop short of the next signal. Rulebooks, most of which contain signal aspects for the territory they cover, are interesting reading. Judging from the thick manual, it appears to cover mostly the signals that are different from what the engineers are used to on their own tracks. Baltimore and Ohio Railroad color position lights on bracket masts at Magnolia, West Virginia North American railroad signals generally fall into the category of multi-headed electrically lit units displaying speed-based or weak route signaling. Observe all slower speed restrictions. Most North American railroads have standardized on the General Code of Operating Rules. Lundsten’s Guides on North American Signaling Practices Eric Haas’s Photography Site featuring several signal collections The Signal Page – World-wide Signaling Resources How U. Dark signal heads are usually not acceptable except as listed on aspect charts. In addition to wayside signals, they also provide the reader with hand signals, whistle signals, and the rules that govern the operation of the railroad. S. PTC WILL TRANSITION TO ACTIVE STATE AFTER MOVING APPROXIMATELY 30 FEET AND IMME PL Signals The Pennsy, in 1918, simplified the Tombstone signal to pretty much the design that exists today on Amtrak and the Norfolk Southern, although Amtrak started the transition to colorized versions in 1988, eliminating the center lamp. Feb 22, 2016 · The majority of signals between New York City and Washington DC are what used to be Position Light signals inherited from the Pennsylvania Railroad. It may be operated manually or automatically. The only one I ever saw so configured was at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore. For those of you into the modeling aspect of our hobby, my indexa page has a list of almost everything railroad oriented I can think of to provide you with at least a few pictures to help Rule: 290 Name: Restricting Indication: Proceed at Restricted Speed until entire train clears all interlocking or spring switches and leading wheels have 1) passed a more favorable signal or 2) entered non-signaled territory. There may be additional differences on other railroads. For those of you into the modeling aspect of our hobby, my indexa page has a list of almost everything railroad oriented I can think of to provide you with at least a few pictures to help A speed that will permit stopping within half the range of vision, short of train, engine, obstruction, railroad car, men or equipment fouling track, Stop signal, derail, or switch lined improperly, and looking out for a broken rail, but not exceeding 20 MPH. My webpages reflect what I find on the topic of the page. pdf NORAC 12th Transition Guide Final. RAILFAN GUIDES HOME RAILROAD SIGNALS HOME Please Note: Scans are courtesy D. Each had its own practices which help to identify the railroad and make the scene look "right". One might say that the Chessie System merger was a marriage of two equally odd signaling systems, equally odd in two completely Jul 8, 2023 · Integrated Signal Systems, Model Railroad Control Systems, Digitrax, Chubb Model Railroad Interface, Azatrax, RR CirKits, and Atlas all offer components and boards to model automated systems. SPECIAL ASPECTS ROUTE SIGNALS ARE IN EFFECT BETWEEN: SOUTHWARD BLOCK SIGNALS 433-1 AND 433-2 AND NORTH LIMIT CP LICK. For those of you into the modeling aspect of our hobby, my indexa page has a list of almost everything railroad oriented I can think of to provide you with at least a few pictures to help General Signal Rules Signal Rules preceding the signal indication section - some of the sheets are additions. k. Their system is loosely based on practices developed in the United Kingdom during the early years of railway development. ABSTRACT Wayside railway signaling practice in the U. Typically, a signal might inform the driver of the speed at which the train may safely proceed or it may instruct the driver to stop. Upon observing or having advance knowledge that a block signal may require Restricted speed due to Yard Limits, if entering or within Yard Limits ROADWAY WORKER: Any employee of a railroad, or of a contractor to a railroad, whose duties include and who is engaged in the inspection, construction, maintenance or repair of railroad track, bridges, roadway, signal and communica-tions systems, electric traction systems, roadway facilities or roadway maintenance machinery on or near the track Standards for North American railroad signaling in the United States are issued by the Association of American Railroads (AAR), which is a trade association of the railroads of Canada, the US, and Mexico. 4 days ago · Norac rules are in effect until the easterly limits of harold, which is just west of Woodside Station. Still, the hazard analysis involved in any railroad system design aims to achieve as close to “zero risk” as possible. 23 through 218. SIGNAL ASPECTS AND INDICATIONS RULES 9. Timetable subdivision special instructions apply on the subdivision listed. 1. , Washington, DC 20590. • • Light colors/signal heads must be displayed in the order displayed, from top to bottom. Proceed, approaching Aug 29, 2024 · Amtrak, BNSF, CN, CSX, NORAC, NS, and UP practice signal tests c Todd Sestero Map may be printed and Thanks to Lin B. For those of you into the modeling aspect of our hobby, my indexa page has a list of almost everything railroad oriented I can think of to provide you with at least a few pictures to help These rules govern operations on the railroad subsidiaries of Norfolk Southern Corporation. Conrail in some locations substituted red lenses for the stop aspect (sans the middle lamp, also called the "pivot" lamp), keeping the center lamps for May 7, 2021 · Disclaimers: I love trains, and I love signals. Jovet’s Signal Rules Sheets Al Krug Railroad Signals Explanation (Archive) Carsten S. OVERHEAD SIGNALS This sign identifies the start of Yard Limit restrictions. It is the policy of the Federal Railroad Administration to promote voluntary compliance with these minimum Oct 11, 2000 · The railroad had to have the "P" on these signals to differentiate positive/absolute signals from intermediate signals since the drgw had numbers on all signals. 261. Each color of the signal indicates one procedure, Red = stop, yellow (or amber) = caution, green = proceed. Absolute signals at automatic switches, outside of block Railroad car • Stop signal • Derail or switch lined improperly Crew must keep a lookout for broken rail and not exceed 20 MPH at any time. § 218. pdf A speed that will permit stopping within one-half the range of vision, short of train, engine, railroad car, obstruction, men or equipment fouling track, Stop signal, derail, broken rail, or switch lined improperly, but not exceeding 15 MPH. A train or engine entering the block between signals must be protected as required by the rules, and must proceed at restricted speed to the next signal unless track is seen to be clear to the next signal and such signal indicates proceed. The C&O section rules, although dated 1969, are the same as the rules from the 1958 C&O rulebook I have here. • Definition: An arrangement of signal and turnout controls interconnected to prevent conflicting movements through tracks at crossings, junctions, and crossovers. May 12, 2007 · The aim of this document is to give the reader a overview of the basic types of North American railroad signal systems. com Where signaling devices are provided or a flagman is on duty, the employee in charge and assisting employees must try to determine whom, among the witnesses, can testify whether the signaling devices were functioning properly or if the flagman was performing his duties properly. JMRI: UP-2008 Signalling Definition This system contains signalling definitions corresponding to the Union Pacific Railroad rules effective November 2008 as described by Joseph Hoevet. 9 or Rule 9. Jan 30, 2016 · The Chesapeake and Ohio color light signal aspect set is the crazy uncle of eastern US speed signaling, From a distance they look perfectly respectable, carrying on like all the other railroads, but upon closer inspection some major deviations pop out at you. Maloln for taking the time to make these scans for me. Absolute signals at automatic switches, outside of block The homepage for signal charts and rules for a variety of North American railroads, which can each be downloaded in PDF format and/or printed for personal reference. Railway Signals Canada, Canadian train signals, Canadian Railway Operating Rules. Much of the “vocabulary” involved is extremely curious and counter-intuitive, a result of the long historical evolution of this field and of the industry. Some speed terms are associated with just signals, and others are used in instructions by the dispatcher The following terms are taken from a Southern Rwy rulebook and a Conrail signal card. FIRST SUSPE1DED SIGNALS FOR MOVES ON TRACK E TO 15 MPH OR LESS, CUT IN PTC, AND PERFORM A TRACK SELECTION. Example semaphores may be shown in assorted styles. It would appear that the other railroads absorbed into CSX have been converted over to one of those two systems. ROADWAY WORKER: Any employee of a railroad, or of a contractor to a railroad, whose duties include and who is engaged in the inspection, construction, maintenance or repair of railroad track, bridges, roadway, signal and communica-tions systems, electric traction systems, roadway facilities or roadway maintenance machinery on or near the track Jan 17, 2025 · Signal malfunction or design errors are increasingly rare. Restricted Speed, when required by signal indication, must be observed until the leading end of the movement reaches the next signal. A massive thanks to solicitr for sending all these links Signal design The "Signal Basics" document describes the basic functionality of signaling, advance signaling and some solutions where irregular signaling is required. For those of you into the modeling aspect of our hobby, my indexa page has a list of almost everything railroad oriented I can think of to provide you with at least a few pictures to help Dec 11, 1997 · NORAC Signal Rules Please Be Patient! This is a graphics-heavy page. [1] The driver interprets the signal's indication and acts accordingly. OPTIONAL PER RAILROAD: Unless required to clear a switch, crossing, controlled location, or spotting passenger equipment on station platforms, a train or engine not authorized by Rule 564 must stop at least 300 feet in advance of the STOP signal. All movements entering or moving within Yard Limits must be made at Restricted speed unless operating under a block signal indication that is more favorable than Approach. INTERLOCKING LIMITS. Although the general application of signals was much the same on all railroads, the details, such as the type of hardware applied on each signal mast, varied from railroad to railroad. This section covers the signal aspects of the member railroads. Norac 12th Edition 1-1-2024. For those of you into the modeling aspect of our May 2, 2023 · This Conrail signal aspect chart from 1988 shows how different signal aspects could appear on the different kinds of signals an engineer might have encountered on Conrail’s system. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, a total of 11 signals-related train collisions occurred along commuter or freight rail tracks between 2014-2023. But on any large railroad, the numbers of operating department trainmen, enginemen, towermen, dispatchers and the like are typically dwarfed by the droves of employees who work in dozens of Sep 20, 2020 · Disclaimers: I love trains, and I love signals. Where signals are located on a bracket post to display aspects for two tracks, the right hand signal governs the track to the right, and the left hand signal governs the track to the left. Disclaimers: New format 10/26/23: Please check out my disclaimer page for my standard dribble and contact info here. However, North American practice diverged from that of the United Speeds There are a number of "speed" terms associated with signals and the rules. Absolute signals at automatic switches, outside of block RAILFAN GUIDES HOME RAILROAD SIGNALS HOME Both rulebooks below are divided into two signal sections. INTRO: Introduction to Special Instructions The General Code of Operating Rules, Air Brake and Train Handling Rules, and Safety Rules apply system wide unless modified by System Special Instructions. The right-hand signal governs right-hand track, and left-hand signal governs the left-hand track. Jan 27, 2021 · The Signal, Train Control, and Crossings (STCC) Division promotes an understanding of and compliance with the various Federal regulations related to signal and train control systems, highway-rail grade crossing active warning systems, and the hours of service laws applicable to signal employees. Each railroad may prescribe additional or more stringent requirements in its operating rules, timetables, timetable special instructions, and other special instructions. Unlike Standard PRR Hand Signals and Rules These pages are from a PRR rulebook dated April 26, 1925. The exact rules vary from railroad to railroad, and ABS, CTC, and Interlockings are governed by different rules, but the placement of the block boundaries and the signals is fairly standard. The GCOR is used by Class I railroads west of Chicago, most of the Class II railroads, and many Short-line railroads. Official site can be found here: CSXT. 2) Limited Speed: A Jul 27, 2021 · PART 236—RULES, STANDARDS, AND INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES One of the things I like about this chart, as compared to the traditional rulebook presentations, is the way the indications are grouped according to routes and speeds. When a "D" sign is displayed, if train is delayed per Rule 9. Nov 7, 2025 · The Dispatcher must inform the Dispatcher of the connecting dispatching district, division, or railroad of the train with inoperative Cab Signals. railroad crossing signals should flash, viewed from above: The Signal Inspection Act authorizes the Secretary to promulgate rules, standards, and instructions for the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of systems, devices, and appliances covered by the Act; serve them on the railroads, and make them obligatory for each railroad. 2024 JOSEPH HOEVET, JJH GCOR RULES APR/1986 NOT AN OFFICIAL RAILROAD REFERENCE: NOT FOR USE BY ACTUAL RAILROAD EMPLOYEES. Please note that there are many other rules that are specific to a particular railroad. [citation needed] Signals may be of the searchlight, color light, position light, or color position light types, each displaying a variety of aspects one-half the range of vision, short of train, engine, railroad car, obstruction, men or equipment fouling track, Stop signal, derail, broken rail, or switch lined improperly, but not exceeding 20 MPH. 1) Normal Speed: The maximum authorized speed. RULES APR/2023 NOT AN OFFICIAL RAILROAD REFERENCE: NOT FOR USE BY ACTUAL RAILROAD EMPLOYEES. 30 of this part. RAILFAN GUIDES HOME RAILROAD SIGNALS HOME NEW 2/20/2024 Last Modified 20-Feb-2024 Whichever signaling protocol is used there is a basic set of signal indications and meanings. 9. Timetable and train orders were the rule of the day. This section requires that each railroad issue rules requiring that its employees report malfunctions of highway-rail grade crossing warning systems to a designated railroad employee or employees, and that such reports shall be made by the quickest means of communications available. May 21, 2024 · The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued two Final Rules on May 21, 2024, requiring all dispatchers and signal employees of railroads in the general system of transportation, including commuter railroads, to be certified as meeting minimum federal safety standards. SOME SIGNAL ASPECTS IN THIS CHART DEPICT SEMPAHORE ARMS, BUT COLORLIGHT SIGNALS SHOWING THE SAME COLOR(S) INTEND THE SAME MEANINGS WITHOUT SEMAPHORE ARMS. New 21JAN2010, 11/29/2016. [1] A speed that will permit stopping within half the range of vision, short of train, engine, obstruction, railroad car, men or equipment fouling track, Stop signal, derail, or switch lined improperly, and looking out for a broken rail, but not exceeding 20 MPH. 2022 JOSEPH HOEVET, JJH CALTRAIN RULES OCT/2019 NOT AN OFFICIAL RAILROAD REFERENCE: NOT FOR USE BY ACTUAL RAILROAD EMPLOYEES. For the whistle signals from this rulebook, click HERE. When a “D” sign is displayed, if train is delayed per Rule 9. On portions of the railroad and on tracks specified in the timetable, 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. This part prescribes minimum requirements for railroad operating rules and practices. For those of you into the modeling aspect of our Supersede all previous versions of CSX Transportation Operating Rules & Signal Aspects and Indications. (625 ILCS 5/11-1201) (from Ch. The homepage for signal charts and rules for a variety of North American railroads, which can each be downloaded in PDF format and/or printed for personal reference. REVISION #0 – 05112022 Dec 20, 2007 · The railroad signals of North America can be broken down into three basic types of signals. COM. Union Pacific Signal Rules Union Pacific RR System Timetable #6, May 15, 1988. Thanks to Michael Watnoski for loaning me his PRR rulebook. Once the rules were changed so that only intermediate signals could have numbers on them the square plate "P" became obsolete. Also see the 12th Edition Transition Guide. One for the former Seaboard Systems signals, and one for the B&O/C&O system signals. Red signal head “placeholders” are not acceptable except as listed on aspect charts. —The tracks between the home signals of an interlocking. Williams Disclaimers: New format 10/26/23: Please check out my disclaimer page for my standard dribble and contact info here RAILFAN GUIDES HOME RAILROAD SIGNALS HOME NEW 12/22/2023 Last Modified 22-Dec-2023 Oct 20, 2025 · Does anyone have a good knowledge of when certain rules and types of signals were implimented on the LIRR? It's interesting to see how we've progressed from a basic railroad with very basic rules, to a complex railroad with pretty complicated rules and signal systems. Signals start on page 81. It outlines the wide variety of signal systems and the requirements for rules pertaining to their operation. Check out earlier B&O Railroad signal aspects at: B&O 1969 - The Baltimore and Ohio RR Check out the (g) Any railroad employee who is not assigned to a train or yard crew, or authorized to work with a crew under the conditions set forth by paragraph (b) of this section, is a worker required to be provided blue signal protection in accordance with §§ 218. (a) FRA does not intend, by use of the term signal employee in this part, to alter the terms, conditions, or interpretation of existing collective bargaining agreements that employ other job classification titles when identifying a person who is engaged in installing, troubleshooting, testing, repair, or maintenance of railroad signal systems and signal A railway signal is a visual display device that conveys instructions or provides warning of instructions regarding the driver's authority to proceed. 1. Click here for the above pages in a PDF version, around 950kB in size. These scans are from pages 15 through 17. LIRR Engineers and Conductors are Norac qualified in Zone A, Harold Through Penn Station. is a nightmarish web of operating rules, signal types, aspects, aspect names, and indications, differing between the different roads and even their individual divisions and locations. Consult your favorite railroad's employee handbook or timetable for information. For those of you into the modeling aspect of our hobby, my indexa page has a list of almost everything railroad oriented I can think of to provide you with at least a few pictures to help Jun 16, 2022 · This thread is full of signal rules, with diagrams, for the US railroads that appear in TSW. (a) Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing where the driver is not always required to stop, the person must exercise due care and caution as the existence of a railroad track across a highway is a warning of danger Nov 29, 2016 · RAILROAD SIGNALS HOME I would like to thank David P. This document will use this to describe how to design signals for the model railroad, and will use this technique to "reverse engineer" prototype interlocking diagrams. Please Note: Since the main focus of my two websites is railroad signals, the railfan guides are oriented towards the signal fan being able to locate them. In doing it this way, you can easily see how the B&O system was pretty easy to interpret, despite their use of 10 indicating devices - the four main indications and six marker lamps. DISTANT SIGNALS Aspects shown in Rules 9. RAILROAD SIGNALS of theU. Signal Family Tree All non-PL or non-CPL signals shown as searchlights, But can be colorlight, tri-light, or semaphore type signals. Click here for the above single-sheet reference chart in a PDF version. Here is a good link with signals and their descriptions (the signal page is the same one that we use, just on a laminated piece of paper) and for all you hard-core wannabe railroaders, there is even a sample test (actually it looks like every question and rule in the NORAC book) but The PRR Book of Rules (a. However, I don't know if the signal before it came to the museum was originally in this form, or if it was put together just for display. The first section deals with signals found on the old C&O divisions, and the second section covers signals on the B&O divisions. Nov 17, 2025 · LIRR Operating Rules / Signals Discussion of the past and present operations of the Long Island Rail Road. 1 Purpose. Adirondack Railroad Alstom Transportation (Maryland Area Rail Commuter, MARC) Alstom Transportation (River LINE) Amtrak Bay Colony Railroad Belfast and Moosehead Lake Belvidere and Delaware River Railway Berkshire and Eastern Railroad Berkshire Scenic Railway Cape Cod Central Railroad Cape May Seashore Lines Connecticut Southern Railroad The reasoning behind this effort to update and replace is simple -- cost. How to interpret Canadian Railway Signals. Amtrak removed the center lamp, and replaced the remaining lenses with color lenses, making it look similar to a B&O CPL (color position light) signal from a distance. RM A SOFT CUT OUT BEFORE ENTERING THE SIGNAL SUSPENSION LIMITS. One or more tracks intervene between the signal and the track governed by the signal. Those signals you see out east with the red and yellow lights are called block limit signals, they indicate the Limit of a Block. Jul 26, 2004 · Abstract: This Rail Standard provides guidance for the development of rail transit system (RTS) operating rules and procedures pertaining to signals. 2. Color - The 5 colors used are,red, yellow, green, white (used as a modifier) and sometimes blue and purple. 2024 JOSEPH HOEVET, JJH NYC RULES 1937–1951 NOT AN OFFICIAL RAILROAD REFERENCE: NOT FOR USE BY ACTUAL RAILROAD EMPLOYEES. When more than one track intervenes, the number of signal mast bracket markers, with or without blue lights, is increased accordingly. mlfrqlso jtsvuvh agk ekfys kunt zzadx zixb tzzdt alliu cnu gnsojdv yulmut eazmkp fufbq tljnb