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Blank (apparently) Yellow sign?

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Blank (apparently) Yellow sign?
Posted by xABD on Friday, January 16, 2015 4:15 PM

I'm just wondering what this sign is for. It was spotted on a long, high-speed passing siding about 15 miles north of a small BNSF yard in Marion, AR. First time I passed by, there was a maintenace truck near some signal equipment. About three hours later, could not see the truck, but the signs were still there, about 3/4 north of the signal equipment and the end of the siding and the other turnout.

I'll be attaching two images, hopfully! If not, the two signs appeared to be on the far outside of the two tracks. Could not tell if they were double sided, but looking at the images, they may not even be metal! Maybe just cardboard and a very temprorary "post".

Single sign

Single sign

 

Both signs

Both signs

 

Thanks!

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Posted by edblysard on Friday, January 16, 2015 6:40 PM

It is a visual signal to inform crews they are entering a restricted area, it is used where MOW forces are conducting repairs or where a temporary track condition requires it.

 

From the GCOR...

(the BNSF amendment is the usual amendment used by most carriers)

 

 

5.4.2 Display of Yellow Flag

A. Restriction Specified in Writing

Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. Yellow flags warn trains to restrict movement because of track conditions or structures. To make sure train movement is restricted at the right location, employees must display a yellow flag 2 miles before the restricted area.

Green Flag 2 Miles Restricted Area Resume Speed Flag Yellow [Diagram A.]

Less than Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. When the restricted area is close to a terminal, junction, or another area, employees will display the yellow flag less than 2 miles before the restricted area. This information will also be included in the track bulletin, track warrant, or general order.

BNSF Amendment—The paragraph "Less than Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area", is changed to read: Less than Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. When the restricted area is close to a terminal, junction, or another area or if restriction is on a siding, employees will display the yellow flag less than 2 miles before the restricted area. This information will also be included in the track bulletin, track warrant, or general order.

Green Flag 1-1/2 Miles Restricted Area Resume Speed Flag Railroad Junction Yellow [Diagram B.

23 17 46 11

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Posted by Rader Sidetrack on Friday, January 16, 2015 6:57 PM

More BNSF Flagging details can be found in this BNSF MOW Rules document. See section 5-3 for flagging rules and some diagrams.

http://www.bnsf.com/employees/safety/pdf/MWSafety2004.pdf

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Posted by mudchicken on Friday, January 16, 2015 8:17 PM

Say "hello" to Mr. Slow Order on your track Bulletin Form A, most likely.

Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
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Posted by Norm48327 on Saturday, January 17, 2015 7:48 AM

mudchicken

Say "hello" to Mr. Slow Order on your track Bulletin Form A, most likely.

 

That's what I was thinking but the ones we see around here are a square with yellow over red.

Norm


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Posted by jeffhergert on Saturday, January 17, 2015 8:26 AM

Norm48327
 
mudchicken

Say "hello" to Mr. Slow Order on your track Bulletin Form A, most likely.

 

 

 

That's what I was thinking but the ones we see around here are a square with yellow over red.

 

Yellow/Red flags are advance boards for Form B (Men and equipment on or near the tracks) areas.  They also are two miles before the beginning of the restricted area.  If the yellow/red flag can't be placed a full two miles before, it's location must be specified in writing.

A red flag/board is placed at the beginning of the Form B limits. 

Jeff

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