Short train = no FRED?

[MP57313]

This afternoon a local on the BNSF Harbor Sub (Lawndale, CA) had the standard 3 engines...with only one tank car; there are often 10-20 or more. No FRED or red flag on the tankcar...wouldn't think you'd need one. But is there a minimum train length where a FRED makes sense or is required per regs?

MP

[edblysard]

On a yard to yard movement, under two miles in daylight, outside of CTC, no rear marker is required.
And, any movement that is withinn yard limits requires no marker.
Yard limits are not necessarily confined to a yard proper, they can extend for miles....
Train length makes no exception...

From the GCOR, General Code of Operating Rules

5.10 Markers
A marker of the prescribed type must be displayed on the trailing end of the rear car to indicate the rear of the train.

5.10.1 Highly Visible Markers
Display a highly visible marker at the rear of every train as follows:

From 1 hour before sunset to 1 hour after sunrise.
When weather conditions restrict visibility to less than 1/2 mile.

A marker equipped with a functioning photo-electric cell will automatically illuminate at the appropriate time.
When an engine is operating without cars or is at the rear of the train, the trailing headlight illuminated on dim may be used as a marker. Inspection of Marker

When a highly visible marker is required, a qualified employee must inspect it at the initial terminal and at each crew change point. To determine if the marker is functioning properly, the employee will inspect it by observation or by telemetry display in the cab of the engine. The engineer must be informed of the results of the inspection.


5.10.2 Alternative Markers
Display a reflector, red flag, or light fixture at the rear of the train as the marker when any of the following conditions exists:

A highly visible marker is not required.
A defective car must be placed at the rear for movement to a repair point.
The rear portion of the train is disabled and cannot be moved, and a highly visible marker cannot be displayed on the rear of the portion to be moved.
or
The highly visible marker becomes inoperative enroute. If this occurs, notify the train dispatcher and move the train to the next forward location where the highly visible marker can be repaired or replaced.

Ed

[TheS.P.caboose]

I don't know if it's covered in the rules of thr road, I've noticed no FRED's on locals. If you're somewhat aware of the UP coastline, they have a switcher (local) that switches the mainline between Burbank Junction out towards Oxnards. They may divide it up between two locals. I haven't seen FRED's on this kind of operation.

[spbed]

Thanks for making us non RRers more knowledgable about the RRs rules[:D][:o)]

Originally posted by edblysard

Living nearby to MP 186 of the UPRR  Austin TX Sub

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