bad spot for a Banner test Csx

[CShaveRR]

I'd say it's fun in different ways, Al.  All of the activity is concentrated in one spot, so that's where you'll find everyone.  There are a bunch of "regulars" who are very inclusive and knowledgeable (I'd count Joe and Matt in that group), and have provided a gathering point without much (if any) civic help.  Understandably, it's not as busy as Fostoria, with only CSX providing the action (Joe, what about shortline/regional trackage rights--do they exist?), but I think you go there for different reasons.

[al-in-chgo]

Is Deshler as much fun as Fostoria?  Or fun in different ways?  - al

 

[SFbrkmn]

From what I have been told, the opt test system we all work under now was mandated by the FRA in 1994. I have no problem w/this but there are a few company brass that don't always know or follow the rules themselves or let it go to their heads. We had a retired rd frmn who would go out and opt test on his vac! Get a life. When these dudes are out watching what's going on, or if they are simply riding along w/a crew, they are required to wear a orange vest &  hard hat. Recently I had a rd frmn on my job ride w/us as he had to give the engr a yearly check ride. No safety  gear other than boots and glasses. On top that, he makes a personal cell call to his wife w/the train moving.A  no no.  Another time I was observed at an industry for nearly an hr, the trnmstr & rd frmn pop out from behind the scenes , tell us we did a good job and keep it up. This was at night, but they were not wearing the required safety gear. Couple days later I learned that they were mad because they followed us for several hrs but did not catch any rule violation. And we didn;t even know anyone was out there.

[CShaveRR]

This is certainly a lot more civil and informative than the "discussion" I was reading this morning on that other Forum!

[Dutchrailnut]

For example NORAC:

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.

 

Note the obstruction part of rule ??? a Supervisor will put up banner  across the track which will simulate the rear end of a train or other obstruction, if the engineer hits the banner he/she violated the rule and get either a letter of warning in file or is out of service.

 Is there a good place to do such a test, answer is no , but in practice  the best place to do such a test is where a crew will never expect supervision to do such a test.

[Mookie]

I understand Banner Tests being for compliance, but can someone give me just a little more information?  I know about the Book of Rules testing that at least they used to give, assume they still do - but Banner is something I don't completely understand.

Mook

[BaltACD]

Rule compliance testing is not done for convience but of necessity and is an FRA requirement.

The rules of the railroads have been written in blood since the first rule was written.  Compliance is a life or death issue.  The best testing is done in locations and circumstances when it would be least expected.

[n012944]

Not only are they doing a banner test on the crew, in this case I think they are e testing the dispatcher as well.  When you talk a train by a signal, there are certain blocks that must be put up on your board.  With the diamond at Deshler, the IP dispatcher would have much more track to block off and protect.  I think that someone in Indy was watching the dispatcher to make sure that he/she did what was supposed to be done. 

[JoeKoh]

while in Deshler yesterday Matt and I whitnessed a banner test done by CSX.The q159 was westbound had to stop and then proceed by the signal near the tower and continue at restricted speed.The "obstruction" was near county road 3 west of Deshler.So when they had to stop the entire train had Deshler cut in half.Why did they choose this spot?I have seen them do tests before where they do not block towns off at all.

stay safe

joe