What does a red flag hung on the track mean

[railfan619]

I was wonder this is the second time I have seen this and now I would like to know what it means. I have seen this medal red flag type thin locked on to the rail on the
WSOR line just before or like today just after the Bradley Rd crossing and it looks like it was locked on to the rail. Now my guess would be that it is telling the train crew that they are doing track work some where down the line but that is my guess and. I could be wrong but who knows [bow][bow][4:-)][bow]

[mudchicken]

Stop - Do NOT pass this point. (something is being protected)....its gonna be real obvious if the train crew gets past that point!

CTC ABS TWC Yard limits - Where are we?

[coborn35]

Umm lets see..........
according to GCOR....
STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[edblysard]

From the GCOR...

5.4.7 Display of Red Flag or Red Light
A red flag or red light is displayed where trains must stop. When approaching a red flag or red light, the train must stop short of the red flag or red light and not proceed unless the employee in charge gives verbal permission. If permission to proceed is received before the train stops, the train may pass the red flag or red light without stopping.
If track bulletin Form B is not in effect, permission must include speed and distance. This speed must not be exceeded until the rear of the train has passed the specified distance from the red flag or red light, unless otherwise instructed by the employee in charge.

Displayed Between Rails. When a red flag or red light is displayed between the rails of a track other than a main track or controlled siding, the train must stop and not proceed until the flag or light has been removed by an employee of the class that placed it.


5.4.8 Flag Location
Flags will be displayed only on the track affected. However, when yellow, yellow-red, or red flags or red lights are used for protection without a flagman, track bullefin, track warrant, or general order, these flags must be placed to protect all possible access to the restricted area.
Flags must be displayed to the right of the track as viewed from an approaching train, except red flags or red lights may be displayed between the rails as outlined in Rule 5.4.7 (Display of Red Flag or Red Light). Flags will be placed in this manner unless otherwise specified by track bulletin, track warrant, special instructions, or general order.

When flags are displayed beyond the first rail of an adjacent track, the flags will not apply to the track on which the train is moving.


Ed

[Jordan6]

Banner testing!!!

[ericsp]

When would a person put up a red flag instead of a blue flag?

[Anonymous]

ERICSP--In answer to your question, in common English (rather than rule book language) a blue flag protects equipment that is being worked on, and tells personnel not to move it or couple to it. A red flag is just as was described by MC, Ed and others above--it is displayed on the track and is an absolute stop signal. Normally used to protect track workers or stop a train from hitting equipment on the track, or running into open bridges, track, etc. You cannot pass it until directed on by a member of the class that placed it or the employee in charge, depending on the way it is displayed (see Ed's post above).

Two different purposes.

[edblysard]

Eric,
You will find blue flags in yards most of the time, red flags out on the mains.
Blue flags are a warning to trainmen that the cars or locomotives being protected have men on, in, under or near them, and should not be coupled into or moved.
A blue tag or flags on locomotives tells any engineer that he or she may not move it.
Car men "blue flag" tracks from both ends, and line and lock the lead switches, when they are in a track lacing up the air hoses.
Just like a red flag, only the person who places it, or a member of the same craft, may remove it.
Unlike a red flag, you may not be given permission to pass a blue flag, ever.
You will also see blue flags protecting RIP tracks, locomotive service areas, and occasionally, out on the main when a car or locomotive needs repair in the field.

Blue flags can be the sheet metal flag as railfan described, with a stand that holds it to the rail, or they may be a flashing blue light or lantern.
There are blue tags that go on the control handles inside the locomotive, and a set that hangs from the handrail or window of the locomotive, to be seen from the outside.

Blue flag protection is one of the cardinal rules, you never, ever even think about ignoring it.

As drephpe pointed out, two different purposes.

Red flags protect equipment, blue flags protect men.

Ed

[route_rock]

Nah banner testing has a big sign that reads " Stop Obstruction". It usually covers rail to rail and if you hit it well God have mercy on you cause the weed weasel wont.
We have a blue flag out on the "main" here but its for quick car inspections on trains that dont need to be yarded.

[Rodney Beck]

Stop

[canazar]

Ah, the Red Flag. I have also heard refered to as the "Ah ***!" flag.


Suppose one way another, red is out, someone is going to have bad day [:(!]

[Rodney Beck]

how about oh f**k

Rodney