Grade Crossing Logic in Canada

[CPPedler]

Is it the same as the U.S. or do they ring the bell in conjunction with the ditch lights

[Anonymous]

I believe the crossings are the same as the U.S. The only difference is the crossbuck sign.

[BentnoseWillie]

Short Version:
The bell is not required to be rung at crossings unless the horn is malfunctioning (in which case a speed restriction is in effect until the train fully occupies the crossing) or a published whistle ban is in effect for that crossing. The headlight and ditch lights are required to be on, and alternating ditch lights may be used in alternating mode. This equipment is not, however, common on Canadian locomotives - the only locomotives built with alternating ditch lights for a Canadian railway have so far been the VIA P42's.

Long Version:
Rule excerpts are taken from Canadian Rail Operating Rules, available online at http://www.tc.gc.ca/railway/Rules/CRORindex.htm. All bold type is my emphasis, and italicized text indicates my notes within the quotation.

From Rule 13, "Engine Bell":

QUOTE:
The engine bell must be rung when:

(iv) one-quarter of a mile from every public crossing at grade (except within limits as may be prescribed in special instructions) until the crossing is fully occupied by the engine or cars. When engine whistle signal 14 (l) is sounded, the engine bell need not be rung.

From Rule 14, "Engine Whistle SIgnals":

QUOTE:
l) __ _ _ __ o __ _ (two longs, one short, one long)
(ii) At least one-quarter of a mile from every public crossing at grade, (except within limits as may be prescribed in special instructions) to be prolonged or repeated according to the speed of the movement until the crossing is fully occupied by the engine or cars.

Fom Rule 17, "Headlight":

QUOTE: (a) The full power of the headlight in the direction of movement must be used approaching each road crossing until the crossing is fully occupied.

From Rule 17.2, "Ditch Lights":

QUOTE: (a) A train must have ditch lights displayed continuously in the direction of travel when the headlight is required to be displayed full power.

While the last passage specifies continuous operation of ditch lights at crossings, the few Canadian locomotives equipped with alternating ditch lights use the automatic alternating mode (activated by the horn) at crossings. I presume this constitutes continuous operation for the purposes of Rule 17.2.

[ndbprr]

This is totaly unrelated but the topic reminded me that many years ago in the quote section of Trains a guy was driving in Canada (probably too fast for conditions) came around a bend and ran smack dab into the side of a train. As I recall it was in Ontario but it was definitely Canada. The train proceeded to drag him in his car for some distance that was something like forty miles before it finally let go of him. His comment was, "There should be a sign or something to warn people don't you think?".

[CPPedler]

Many Thanks, BentnoseWillie.
I have been fitting some Soundtraxx decoders into a few locos and trying to figure out how to get the ditch lights to flash alternately , at least I won't need to do any more.

[BentnoseWillie]

Only if you're modelling VIA's new P42's or something on a shortline...

[CPPedler]

Hi BentnoseWillie,
I,m modelling the Keith Yard just west of Calgary ,so mostly C.P.Rail with a bit of everything else that might venture there, including SOO Line.
Many thanks PenLocoSuper