When a train is about to proceed to the next station with the locomotive running backwards are 2 longs still sounded for "whistling off"?
Yes. If the train is proceeding (regardless of the locomotives position) then two shorts are sounded. As information, if the locomotive does not have ditch lights on that end of the locomotive (as most road units don't have) then other rules apply. Please google the General Code of Operating Rules, which covers most of the railroads).
Ed Burns
Retired NP-BN-BNSF from Minneapolis.
Thank you, "NP Eddie", for your reply. I was a volunteer brakeman on the Sumpter Valley RR (Sumpter, Oregon) some years ago. I was told by the Conductor to give the hand signal to "release brakes, proceed". The "hogger" refused to comply until given the signal to back up(the locomotive, a Heisler, was running backward). I've
always thought that the Conductor gave the proper instruction but the engineer prevailed in this instance.
railfan 1950
As I heard a conductor tell an engineer who was about to back up a branch with a string of empty hoppers trailing the pilot beam, "It may be the back of the locomotive, but it's the front of the train."
I guess they may have been having the same discussion...
Chuck
tomikawaTTI guess they may have been having the same discussion...
Different railroads have different practices. Where I'm at, directions are given in realtion to how the engine is facing. So if the engine is facing the wrong way (nose against the cars), then you need a reverse signal if you want to pull the cars with the engine.
Gets real interesting when you have engines that are long hood lead. Can really mess up a newer conductor.
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
The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad runs most of their engines backwards when leaving the depot on the trains. About 10 years ago they started having the conductor give a back up signal with the engine using the back up whistle signal when ready to leave town.
Their trainmaster at the time who changed to this practice, part time non-railroader, said he asked railroader's opinion (via internet groups) on which was proper. He said the majority said back up signals were proper. I (former volunteer) and some retired railroaders who were active volunteers tried to tell him he was full of it. That when switching the train you give signals in relation to the engine, but when the train is complete and ready to go, the train is proceeding no matter which way the engine is facing.
Jeff
jeffhergert The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad runs most of their engines backwards when leaving the depot on the trains. About 10 years ago they started having the conductor give a back up signal with the engine using the back up whistle signal when ready to leave town. Their trainmaster at the time who changed to this practice, part time non-railroader, said he asked railroader's opinion (via internet groups) on which was proper. He said the majority said back up signals were proper. I (former volunteer) and some retired railroaders who were active volunteers tried to tell him he was full of it. That when switching the train you give signals in relation to the engine, but when the train is complete and ready to go, the train is proceeding no matter which way the engine is facing. Jeff
Worked a Switchtender's job in Cincinnati, many, many Moon's ago. Throwing hand throw switches up and down a 1/2 mile lead of switches and crossovers to various destinations at the direction of a Train Order Operator in a tower about a mile away.
Lined the route for a Southern move that was to move North to South and I was at the South end of the lead. Southern engine whistled for my authority to move. I gave him a Highball - and there he sat, I gave him another Highball - and still he sat. Finally, I walked to the North end where he was stopped, his response was 'I need a back up signal because my engine is operating backwards'. How is one to tell a engine is moving forward or backward when only the headlight is visible. (SOU crews were notorious for wasting time, in accordance with the rules, everytime possible.)
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.