steve-in-kville
I'm sorta fascinated with the track orders.... asking them to check certain boxes, giving initials of the dispatcher and such. Would love to learn more about what it all means.
The NORAC Form D is readily available on-line. CSX's EC-1 may be. GCOR warrants may be as well.
In the case of a Form D, the way we usually use it in "dark" territory, it goes something like this, with the dispatcher dictating and the appropriate crew member writing:
"Form D number L123. Current Bulletin Order 8-91, Today's Date is December 5, 2019.
"To: C&E ABC Extra 1234 at Podunk.
"Circle Line 2, operate in a North direction on the Podunk Hollow track between Podunk and North Podunk.
"Dispatcher Smith."
The employee then reads the information back exactly as dictated, at which time the dispatcher confirms the good read and issues the "time effective." The employee also repeats that back.
You'll notice on the printed Form D (and other such forms) that there is a wide variety of information that could be provided. Slow orders, miscellaneous instructions, even instructions for rescuing a disabled train.
A train already underway may receive a Form D for a newly declared slow order.
Only the lines that have been circled (the number of the line is circled, not the whole line) are in effect. Everything else is ignored.
A "one way" Form D is fulfilled once the destination stated is reached. It is no longer valid. The dispatcher is notified when the destination is reached.
In our case, we are often issued "both ways" forms so we can make our local trips (out and back) without having to get multiple forms. Those have to be cancelled using a procedure similar to the issuance.
In both cases, a large X is drawn across the form.
You'll notice space for additional track to be given below the initial Line 2. This will be used for a following train. Once the lead train calls clear of a block station, milepost, or other recognized point, the following train will be given an "additional Line 2" from the point of their last authorization to the new point, without copying a complete new form.