Know Your Rules

By Mickey Cowling

For suggestion or comments contact Mickey Cowling via E-Mail

I. We are on a train in ABS/TWC territory and our Track Warrant instructs us to clear the main track at the next siding. We have talked to the train we are to meet concerning our entering switch and they are going to restore the switch to the normal position. Can we release our Track Warrant with the entering switch open under these circumstances?

A. Yes.
B. No.

II. Refering to the previous question, if we had not talked to the train we are to meet, could we release our Track Warrant with the entering switch open?

A. Yes
B. No.

III. The plot thickens. The train we are to meet goes into emergency between the switches at the siding just ahead of us. The dispatcher shortens his Track Warrant and gives us a Track Warrant to and to clear at the next siding. We talk to the train again concerning our entering switch at the second siding. And again, they will take care of it. The question is, can we leave two switches open after talking to one train that is in emergency?

A. Yes.
B. No.

IV. This question deals with hazardous material. We have a flat car carrying containers placarded "Dangerous When Wet",class four. It is a blue placard found in section B of our switching chart. Our paper work says the containers are loaded. Can we hump or cut this car off in motion?

A. Yes.
B. No.

V. Refering to the previous question, the placards on these containers are glued to the containers, they will not come off. If our paper work says these containers are empty, can we hump or cut these cars off in motion?

A. Yes.
B. No

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When not teaching rules classes, Mickey works the 7:50 A.M. Hump Job in Fort Worth.

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