U.P. signage

[Anonymous]

I have noticed recently 2 solid red rectangles have been added for southbound trains near the start of a hill. What does this mean to the
train crew??

[edblysard]

If they are mounted on semi permanent post on either side of the track facing the driection of traffice, then they are "red flags", a stop sign of sorts. The train cres must stop before they pass, and either recieve permission form the dispatcher to proceed, or receive permission from the person who placed them there. It sounds like some long term track matainance may be going on somewhere farther up the hill. Our timetable requires the distance of placement to be one mile to one and a half mile before trackwork or danger. On our road, we would be required to stop, contact or dispatcher, who would direct us to contact the foreman of the work crew, who is the only person (on our road) who can provide permission to proceed. Check and see if there is a smaller sign below, with a number, 1/2, 2 ect . We use that to tell the crew how far ahead the work is. Red flags can be, but are not limited to real cloth red flags, a red rectangle, a fixed signal displaying red, or a lit fusee...The GCOR prohibits passing on untill permission is received.