mudchicken Absolute track window/ outage - the way the conversation was phrased? (DS understanding that nothing runs until M/W emerges from whatever they are doing for a fixed time period)
Absolute track window/ outage - the way the conversation was phrased? (DS understanding that nothing runs until M/W emerges from whatever they are doing for a fixed time period)
Stop boards (signs). Trains have to get permission by the roadway worker in charge (RWIC) before passing said signs. RWIC has to confirm with the dispatchers that the signs are set up or taken down at the designated spot and designated time as printed in the bulletins.
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
Regards - Steve
Normally, the Red (start of the work area) and Green (end of work area) are mounted to the same post that is driven into the ground with the Red/Green facing as necessary to protect the work area.
Work areas (at least on CSX) have times that they start and end specified in the train messages that create the work areas. During the hours the work area is in effect, trains and MofW equipment not associated with the work area, must get radio permission from the Employee in Charge to enter the area and to define how they are to operate (slow orders or some other restriction) through the work area.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
At the end of the work area, they place a green flag (or board or sign) to designate the restriction is complete. In some cases the flags designate special speed restrictions and remain there for a few days until the track crew can return the track to normal time-table speed. You may see the yellow, yellow/red,red and green flags along the line. The train with no caboose has to mark the location of the green flag and then the distance counter will tell the engineer they entire train is clear of the restriction.
Tracks that are worked on are protected by bulletins, etc. Trains in the area will receive information via various forms. The track (depending on local instructions) will be marked with yellow or yelllow/red signs along the side of the track. These are usually 2 miles either direction from the work area. The work area is protected by red signs (usually aluminum panels a couple feet square). These are the "boards" that the radio refers to. The work group is supposed to remove the boards when they leave the area. They work group informs the dispatcher when they are done (or whatever).
If you can hear the crews calling in (not just the dispatcher), are they reporting restrictions?
If they are leaving a work area for the day with speed restrictions in place, the dispatcher may be checking whether they left the appropriate signage in place to alert crews to those restrictions.
Crews would then get bulletin orders regarding the restrictions, with "signs displayed" marked "yes."
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Like many others, I took an old ham radio and programmed a few rail frequencies as well as the local airstrip (my hunting spot borders a small airport).
Anyways, I think I am hearing maintenance crews. Every afternoon about the same time, I hear them tone the dispatcher. They use a HP designation. Dispatcher asks them if their "boards are up." and wishes them a good day, and a "see you tomorrow."
What am I hearing?
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.