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….
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).
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.
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:
Ed
Murphy Siding wrote: jeffhergert wrote: 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 Murphy Siding Member sinceMay 2005 From: S.E. South Dakota 13,569 posts Posted by Murphy Siding on Friday, July 28, 2006 9:20 PM jeffhergert wrote: 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? Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar. Reply jeffhergert Member sinceMarch 2003 From: Central Iowa 6,901 posts Posted by jeffhergert on Friday, July 28, 2006 8:52 PM 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 Reply tree68 Member sinceDecember 2001 From: Northern New York 25,020 posts Posted by tree68 on Friday, July 28, 2006 8:32 PM 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. Passenger trains operating with Form D line 2 authority in non-signaled DCS territory may operate at Normal Speed. 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). 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... Reply Murphy Siding Member sinceMay 2005 From: S.E. South Dakota 13,569 posts Yard Limits Posted by Murphy Siding on Friday, July 28, 2006 7:29 PM 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 Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar. Reply Join our Community! Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account. Login » Register » Search the Community Newsletter Sign-Up By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy More great sites from Kalmbach Media Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy
jeffhergert wrote: Yard limits is a form of authority to occupy the main track, except in CTC territory, without anyones permission.
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
So those signs are to mark the *limit* of the authority that a train working the yard may occupy?
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
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
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).
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).
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...
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.