Simple

[CShaveRR]

Normally the entire train has to go through the restricted area before speed may be increased.  However, there are some restrictions (usually noted in the timetable) where the speed may increase as soon as the engine hits the point (an example would be where trains are required to slow down for a grade crossing due to highway safety concerns--once the engine passes the crossing, it's OK to go back up to track speed).

[Datafever]

Is the train allowed to speed up as soon as it reaches the increased speed limit?  Or does the EOT have to reach the speed marker before the train is allowed to increase speed?

[CShaveRR]

Yes, Sis (and others), speed limits are very closely enforced.  Sometimes the Weed Weasels have radar guns, and there is no tolerance in the posted or timetable speeds.  79 m.p.h. maximum does not mean 80!

As for the trackulence in the photo, I suspect that this sign, being as close to Camp Mookie and the diamonds as it is, probably indicates an increase in speed from what was in effect in advance of the sign, so one really doesn't have to worry about taking that particular stretch at 75 (no excuse, just an observation).

[Mookie]

Would it look a little like this?

I recognize the search light!  Never have seen it from this viewpoint!  This is on the actual Amtrak line - just west of the sign we saw.  Our sign is just a small "one signer" (is that a legal word?) but sez the same thing! 

You nailed it, Ed!

[Mookie]

Which leads me to another question - how closely do engineers follow "speed limits"?

I'm going to stick my neck out on this one and say " very, very closely!", especially since there would be a job involved - theirs!

[Datafever]

Which leads me to another question - how closely do engineers follow "speed limits"?

[jeaton]

'Nother one.

Northbound Hiawatha at Rondout, IL

[Anonymous]

Common practice is to place the permanent speed restriction signs placed 2000 feet in advance of the restriction.  Permanent end speed restriction signs are placed at the end of the restriction.

S. Hadid

[edblysard]

From the GCOR…

6.13 Yard Limits

Within yard limits, trains or engines are authorized to use the main track not protecting against other trains or engines. Engines must give way as soon as possible to trains as they approach.

All movements entering or moving within yard limits must be made at restricted speed unless operating under a block signal indication that is more favorable than Approach.

Upon observing or having advance knowledge that a block signal may require restricted speed due to yard limits, if entering or within yard limits, the movement must be at restricted speed at that block signal, or as soon as possible thereafter, consistent with good train handling.

Yard limits remain in effect continuously unless otherwise specified by special instructions or track bulletin.

Against the Current of Traffic

Movements against the current of traffic must not be made unless authorized or protected by track warrant, track bulletin, yardmaster, or other authorized employee.

6.27 Movement at Restricted Speed

When a train or engine is required to move at restricted speed, movement must be made at a speed that allows stopping within half the range of vision short of:

       Train

       Engine

       Railroad car

       Men or equipment fouling the track

       Stop signal

or

       Derail or switch lined improperly

The crew must keep a lookout for broken rail and not exceed 20 MPH.

Comply with these requirements until the leading wheels reach a point where movement at restricted speed is no longer required.

6.28 Movement on Other than Main Track

Except when moving on a main track or on a track where a block system is in effect, trains or engines must move at a speed that allows them to stop within half the range of vision short of:

       Train

       Engine

       Railroad car

       Men or equipment fouling the track

       Stop signal

or

       Derail or switch lined improperly

 

 

 

 

 

5.5 Permanent Speed Signs

Permanent speed restriction signs will be placed in advance of permanent speed restrictions. Numbers on the face of these signs indicate the highest speed permitted over the limits of the restriction.

Two Sets of Numbers

When two sets of numbers are shown, the greater number governs trains consisting entirely of passenger equipment. The lesser number governs all other trains.

Resume Speed Signs

A permanent resume speed sign or a speed sign showing a higher speed will be placed at the end of each restriction.

Crew members must not exceed the speed shown on each permanent speed restriction sign until the rear of the train:

       Has passed a permanent resume speed sign or a sign showing a higher speed.

or

       Has cleared the limits of the restriction.

 

[markn]

Speaking of yard limits-our local tranfer line has a sign (probably at least 1/2 to 3/4 mile from the "yard") that says "yard limit"-is  that yard speed limit and/or do other rules  kick in at that point?

[mudchicken]

.....Wow...that's wild rough looking track near the crossing Ed to be safe for 75 mph...!!!  Look at the waves in the track on this side of the crossing.  The engineer must bounce out of his seat as he hits that....!

But I sure do like the photo.

Favorite "Far Side" comic needs to go here:

"Engineer Mathews here, there appears to be some bad traculence ahead"........

(Larson apparently never rode a train and never rode BN accross Iowa)

[blhanel]

Believe me, there's no way any train could be traveling anywhere near those speeds at that point.  Immediately behind the photographer is a diamond, the same one which I posted a picture of in the Lincoln thread.

[Modelcar]

.....Wow...that's wild rough looking track near the crossing Ed to be safe for 75 mph...!!!  Look at the waves in the track on this side of the crossing.  The engineer must bounce out of his seat as he hits that....!

But I sure do like the photo.

[edblysard]

Ya think?

[blhanel]

LOL- I would venture to say that it looked EXACTLY like that...

[edblysard]

Would it look a little like this?

[CShaveRR]

[mudchicken]

A tagged and spiked/clamped right-hand turnout?

[Anonymous]

Madame La Mook-

Thanks for the post... it answered one of my questions too!

Does anyone know what the "No Right Turn" sign looks like on a railroad? ;)

 

[Mookie]

See - it was simple - and interesting too!

Thanx!

[CShaveRR]

Sis, this is one case where UP has an interesting twist on this.  On the speed boards, there are just two numbers--it's understood that the top one is for passenger trains and the bottom one for freights.

However, the speed reduction board is a chevron, with the point facing downward, as in "get your speed down".  The green board at the end of the restriction is an upward-pointing chevron, solid green.

On CSX, if I remember correctly, they use different shapes for passenger and freight restrictions (circular for passenger, square for freights).  I also remember seeing speed limit signs at every block signal, much like on a highway--or maybe they had that many slow orders!  (In all fairness, some of the rough-looking passenger/freight trackage I'd mentioned before in Michigan was being fixed up last time we were up that way.)

[mudchicken]

...but that sign is posted to get you to reduce speed from the posted timetable speed (79?). Railroad speedboards don't quite work like highway signs (which go both ways, railroads only show the restriction and a green board at the other end of the restriction)...which is why the sign also is set up like a semaphore at yellow...

[Mookie]

Ah - we guessed right! 

Thank you!

[eolafan]

Mookie, the sign you saw indicates the maximum allowable speed on that track for passenger trains  of 75 mph (P-75) and freight trains of 50 mph (F-50).

[Mookie]

Saw a sign on our Amtrak Line just outside yard limits or right on edge - yellow/black - just a small rectangle.

P-75

F-50

It is?

Mookie