Yard Limit Speed

[Sawtooth500]

Is there a standard yard limit speed, or does it vary from yard to yard? Also, is there any standard on when a yard "begins" or "ends"? Or even what exactly constitutes a yard?

[tree68]

From NORAC (8th Edition) 

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.

"Stretching" the yard limits a bit may allow an industry to be served without requiring the crew to get a warrant/EC-1/Form D. 

80. Movement at Restricted Speed

Movements made at Restricted Speed must apply the following three requirements as the method of operation:

1. Control the movement to permit stopping within one half the range of vision short of:

a. Other trains or railroad equipment occupying or fouling the track,

b. Obstructions,

c. Switches not properly lined for movement,

d. Derails set in the derailing position,

e. Any signal requiring a stop.

AND

2. Look out for broken rail and misaligned track.

AND

3. Do not exceed 20 MPH outside interlocking limits and 15 MPH within interlocking limits. This restriction applies to the entire movement, unless otherwise specified in the rule or instruction that requires Restricted Speed.

The maximum speed for "restricted" may be set differently for a specific location by the timetable.

We don't have yard limits, but we do use NORAC Rule 98, which takes control of the track out of the hands of the dispatcher.  Beyond restricted speed, we're free to leave switches in whatever position we wish and it's possible to have several locomotives/trains underway at once.

98. Movement on a Track Not Governed by ABS, DCS or Interlocking Rules

Movement on a track not governed by ABS, DCS or interlocking rules must be made at Restricted Speed.

[jeffhergert]

You don't have to have a yard to have Yard Limits.  Yard Limits only involve the main track, and allow a train or engine to use the main track with no other main track authority or flag protection. 

Some branch lines are, or have been operated under Yard Limits.  Usually those are going to be lines that have only one train or engine operating at any one time.  

Jeff   

 

 

[Dutchrailnut]

yards and yard limits have nothing in common.

 Yard limits is a territory where switching limits are extended onto a mainline.

 for purpose of switching without trainorders/form D , yard limits can be occupied by a train on simple verbal permission by a Dispatcher or operator.

 A switching move can take as many in and outs but must be clear 5 minutes prior to next scheduled train.

 speeds under yard limit moves are always restricted speed.

[nbrodar]

 Are we talking Yard Limits per Rule 93...

Which is a portion of main track specified in the Time Table and designated by Yard Limit signs, in which movements may be made by signal indication or verbal permission of the Dispatcher, without the need for train orders.  Movements within Yard Limits will be made at Restricted Speed unless Yard Limits are entered on a signal more favorable then Approach, then Time Table speed governs.

Note Rule 93 Yard Limits have absolutely nothing to do with a yard, and apply to main track only.

 Are we talking Switching Limits as defined by a labor agreement...

The mileposts that encompass a particular jobs operating limits.  Operation outside of the these limits entitles the crew to a penalty payment.

Are we talking Terminal Limits as defined by Time Table/Special Instructions...

The mileposts specified as ABC Terminal, may include one or more yards, industrial track, plus main track. Outside of the yard proper, Time Table speed governs.

Or the Yard proper...

A collection of auxiliary tracks for the sorting, storage, and repair of railcars and other purposes.  Movements with a yard will be made at Yard Speed (Restricting Speed, not exceeding 10 MPH).  Again the yard boundaries are defined in the Time Table by milepost.

 Nick