Yard Limits

[Murphy Siding]

     Can someone explain yard limits please?  The term has come up recently in several threads.  Last week, north of Duluth, I saw a sign on the DMIR that said "Yard Limit".   The single rail line parraleled the highway for another couple miles before disappearing into the forest.  Why would this stretch of track be part of a "yard limit"?    Thanks

[tree68]

That area is probably under GCOR, but here's the NORAC take on it:

93. Movement within Yard Limits

Yard limits are designated by Timetable and indicated by yard limit signs.

Within yard limits, movements may be made on a main track by verbal permission of the Dispatcher (or Operator when authorized by the Dispatcher).

The leading end of movement within yard limits must operate at Restricted Speed, with the following exceptions:

1. 1. Passenger trains operating with Form D line 2 authority in non-signaled DCS territory may operate at Normal Speed.
2. 2. Trains operating in ABS territory may operate according to signal indication when the signal is more favorable than Approach. Such movement must be prepared to stop at the next signal, within yard limits.

Within yard limits, movements against the current of traffic must not be made without permission of the Dispatcher, who must first ensure that no opposing movements have been authorized.

Probably the most important thing to note is "verbal orders" as opposed to a Form D (AKA track warrant).

[jeffhergert]

 Yard limits is a form of authority to occupy the main track, except in CTC territory, without anyones permission. Some places that have a lot of moves going on may have a designated supervisor that controls things, but the rule itself is your authorization and protection. In CTC, the control operator still controls access to the main track.

 In yard limits if the main track is not signalled you move at Restricted speed. On signalled track if you have a signal indication of Approach (Proceed, prepared to stop at next signal) or less favorable (like a Restricting) or know you possibly will have one within the limits, you need to be at Restricted speed at that next signal.

If you pass an approach before the yard limit sign, you have to be at Restricted speed at the yard limit sign. If are operating on an advance approach signal and see the next signal within yard limits is an approach, you can enter the limits above restricted speed, but must be at restricted speed going by the approach.

Many branch lines that see only one train a day, or less, and usually have low speed limits operate on the yard limit rule.  Everyone moves at a speed slow enough to stop short of any one else.

Jeff

[Murphy Siding]

 Yard limits is a form of authority to occupy the main track, except in CTC territory, without anyones permission. 

      So those signs are to mark the *limit* of the authority that a train working the yard may occupy?

[edblysard]

Yes, in a way, that’s the purpose.

Yard limits is not a physical boundary of say, the yard proper, but more of a geographical boundary for the purpose of setting the limits of speed and certain operating rules.

And they can continue for miles…my entire railroad, all 153 miles, is “within yard limits”…we work under the GCOR, and under RTC, radio traffic control.

The majority of our road is dark territory, but we do use some of UP’s track, under CTC.

 

Within yard limits, some rules apply that do not apply out in CTC, and some CTC or ABS rules don’t apply inside yard limits.

The signs are a way to warn inbound crews that they are about to go from the jurisdiction and control of a dispatcher to being controlled by a yardmaster, and that rule 6.27 and 6.28 now apply, (restricted speed).

And the reverse applies, as a warning to crew they are leaving yard limits, and need authority and permission to occupy the main.

From the GCOR….

6.13 Yard Limits

Within yard limits, trains or engines are authorized to use the main track not protecting against other trains or engines. Engines must give way as soon as possible to trains as they approach.

All movements entering or moving within yard limits must be made at restricted speed unless operating under a block signal indication that is more favorable than Approach.

Upon observing or having advance knowledge that a block signal may require restricted speed due to yard limits, if entering or within yard limits, the movement must be at restricted speed at that block signal, or as soon as possible thereafter, consistent with good train handling.

Yard limits remain in effect continuously unless otherwise specified by special instructions or track bulletin.

Against the Current of Traffic

Movements against the current of traffic must not be made unless authorized or protected by track warrant, track bulletin, yardmaster, or other authorized employee.

In CTC Territory

Where yard limits are in effect in CTC territory, the control operator must authorize any movement on the main track. Reverse movements within the same block may be made as outlined in Rule 6.4.1 (Permission for Reverse Movements).

6.27 Movement at Restricted Speed

When a train or engine is required to move at restricted speed, movement must be made at a speed that allows stopping within half the range of vision short of:

       Train

       Engine

       Railroad car

       Men or equipment fouling the track

       Stop signal

or

       Derail or switch lined improperly

The crew must keep a lookout for broken rail and not exceed 20 MPH.

Comply with these requirements until the leading wheels reach a point where movement at restricted speed is no longer required.

6.28 Movement on Other than Main Track

Except when moving on a main track or on a track where a block system is in effect, trains or engines must move at a speed that allows them to stop within half the range of vision short of:

       Train

       Engine

       Railroad car

       Men or equipment fouling the track

       Stop signal

or

       Derail or switch lined improperly

 

Ed

 

 Yard limits is a form of authority to occupy the main track, except in CTC territory, without anyones permission. 

      So those signs are to mark the *limit* of the authority

23 17 46 11

• Reply