• Receive a track warrant.
  or
• Determine from the train dispatcher or yardmaster if any track bulletins are needed.

6.3 Main Track Authorization

• Rule 6.13 (Yard Limits)
• Rule 6.14 (Restricted Limits)
• Rule 6.15 (Block Register Territory)
• Rule 9.14 (Movement with the Current of Traffic)
• Rule 9.15 (Track Permits)
• Rule 10.1 (Authority to Enter CTC Limits)
• Rule 14.1 (Authority to Enter TWC Limits)
• Rule 14.6 (Movement Against the Current of Traffic)
• Rule 15.3 (Authorizing Movement Against the Current of Traffic)
• Rule 16.1 (Authority to Enter DTC Limits)
• At manual interlockings, verbal authority from the control operator or a controlled signal that indicates proceed
• Special instructions or general order

6.4.1 Permission for Reverse Movements

• CTC
• Signaled TWC
  or
• Rule 9.14 (Movement with the Current of Traffic)

If movement stops while the trailing end of the train is between the outer opposing absolute signals of a control point or manual interlocking, the movement must not change direction without permission from the control operator.

At an automatic interlocking, the train movement may change direction within the limits of the interlocking if it continuously occupies at least one car length of the limits.

6.5 Handling Cars Ahead of Engine

When cars are shoved on a main track or controlled siding in the direction authorized, movement must not exceed:

• 20 MPH for freight trains
• 30 MPH for passenger trains
• Maximum speed for snow service

6.6 Picking Up Crew Member

1. The train dispatcher gives permission to make the movement and verifies the following:
   a. Another authority is not in effect within the same or overlapping limits.
   b. A track bulletin Form B is not in effect within the same or overlapping limits.
   c. A main track is not removed from service by a track bulletin within the same or overlapping limits.
2. Movement is limited to the train's authority.
3. Movement does not enter or foul a private or public crossing except as provided by Rule 6.32.1 (Cars Shoved, Kicked, or Dropped).
4. Movement will not be made into or within yard limits or interlocking limits.
5. Movement does not exceed the train's length.
6. Movement does not exceed 5 MPH.

Determine the location of the following train by radio or other means of communication.

6.9 Meeting or Passing Precautions

A train standing on the main track to meet an opposing train must, if possible, line the switch for the opposing train to leave the main track. However, within ABS, do not line the switch until the opposing train has entered the block in advance.

• Limits of authority
• Track warrant
  or
• Track bulletin

If the engineer fails to comply with the restriction, the conductor must stop the train.

• Maximum speed must not exceed 10 MPH.
• No revenue passenger train will be operated.
• No train will be operated that contains more than five cars placarded according to Hazardous Material Regulations.

6.13 Yard Limits

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.

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.

In CTC Territory

Where yard limits are in effect in CTC territory, the control operator must authorize any movement on the main track. Reverse movements within the same block may be made as outlined in Rule 6.4.1 (Permission for Reverse Movements).

• The following information is in the register on the first blank line:

COLUMN	         REQUIRED ENTRY
A -	Enter the train, gang, or equipment identification.
B -	Enter last name of conductor or employee in charge of men or equipment.
C -	Enter current date.
D -	Enter time entry is made in register.
E -	Enter time the territory was cleared.  Then, draw a line through the entire entry.
        The required exit entry may be completed by any authorized employee.

• If the territory is occupied by a preceding train, movement entry cannot be made on the register until the engineer of each preceding movement has been contacted and advised that the territory will be jointly occupied. When the territory is jointly occupied by a train, men or equipment, and/or another train, all train movements must be at restricted speed.

6.16 Approaching Railroad Crossings, Drawbridges, and End of Multiple Main Track

Protected by Stop Signs

If stop signs protect these areas, the train must stop before any part of the train or engine passes the stop sign. The train cannot proceed until the route is clear or drawbridge position permits movement.

If a gate is lined against the intended route, trains and engines must stop and remain at least 50 feet from fouling the track on the conflicting route until the gate is changed to the stop position on the conflicting route.

Where required, restore gate to its normal position after movement is complete.

Obscured View of Conflicting Route

If a train must stop before entering a railroad crossing at grade and the view on the conflicting route is obscured, a crew member must go ahead of the train and signal from the crossing when it is safe to proceed.

6.17 Switches at Junctions

6.18 Stopping Clear of Crossings and Junctions

Flag protection is not required against following trains on the same track if:

• Train is within ABS limits and the rear of the train is protected by at least two block signals or one block signal and one distant signal.
• Rear of the train is within BRT, CTC, DTC, or interlocking limits.
• Track warrant, general order, or special instructions specify that flag protection is not required.
  or
• Rule 6.13 (Yard Limits) or 6.14 (Restricted Limits) is in effect.

When a train is moving on a main track at or more than half the maximum authorized timetable speed for any train at that location, and the train may be overtaken by a following train, a flagman must decide whether to drop lighted fusees by considering the following:

• Grade of the track
• Curvature of the track
• Weather conditions
• Sight distance
• Speed of the train relative to a following train

When a train is moving on a main track at less than half the maximum authorized timetable speed for any train at that location, a flagman must provide flag protection against following trains on the same track. The flagman must drop off single lighted fusees at close enough intervals to ensure full protection and not exceed the burning time of the fusee.

When a train stops on a main track, and flag protection must be provided against following trains, a flagman must immediately go back at least the distance prescribed by the special instructions or other instructions for that territory. When reaching the correct distance, the flagman must place torpedoes on the rails, leave one lighted fusee, and may then return half the distance to the train and must remain there until he stops a following train or is recalled.

When the train departs, a crew member must leave one lighted fusee. In addition, until the train is moving at least half the maximum authorized timetable speed for any train at that location, a crew member must drop off single lighted fusees at intervals shorter than the burning time of the fusee.

E. Opposing Movements

When required, a flagman must protect the front of the train from opposing movements by immediately going ahead of the train at least the distance prescribed by the special instructions for that territory. When reaching the correct distance, the flagman must place torpedoes, light a fusee, and remain at that location until recalled.

F. Before Reaching Prescribed Distance

If the flagman hears or sees a train approaching before reaching the prescribed distance, the flagman must immediately place torpedoes, continue toward the approaching train, and give stop signals.

G. Responsibility for Protection

A flagman must not permit other duties to interfere with the protection of the train. The conductor and engineer are responsible for ensuring that any needed flag protection is provided for their train.

When a train requires protection, the engineer must signal a flagman immediately to provide protection. Crew members who cannot hear these signals are still responsible for protecting the train.

If the switch is located within a block other than the one occupied, do not make movements under this protection until 5 minutes after the switch has been lined. Also, make sure no train or engine is between the switch and the train or engine being protected or is within or closely approaching the block where the switch is located.

The train dispatcher must know that protection is provided. All crews that use the main track at that point must be notified of the equipment location and must move at restricted speed when approaching the location.

• Set a sufficient number of hand brakes to keep the detached portion from moving.
• Place a torpedo 1/4 mile in front of the detached portion to warn returning crew members.
• Provide protection against movements that may enter the main track between the detached portion and the returning front portion unless:
  • The train dispatcher verbally relieves the protection.
    or
  • The return movement is otherwise authorized.

6.21 Precautions Against Unusual Conditions

When conditions restrict visibility, regulate speed to ensure that crew members can observe and comply with signal indications.

In unusually heavy rain, storm, or high water, trains and engines must approach bridges, culverts, and other potentially hazardous points prepared to stop. If they cannot proceed safely, they must stop until it is safe to resume movement.

Operate engines at 5 MPH or less when water is above the top of the rail. If water is more than 3 inches above the top of the rail, a mechanical department supervisor must authorize the movement.

Obstruction of Main Track or Controlled Siding

• If an adjacent main track or controlled siding may be obstructed, immediately warn other trains by radio, stating the exact location and status of the train. Provide flag protection in both directions on these tracks. Provide flag protection for other affected railroads by going at least 2 miles in each direction if flagging distance is not known.

• When adjacent tracks are not obstructed.
  or
• When the train dispatcher or control operator advises the crew that protection is provided on adjacent tracks.

• All cars, units, equipment, and track must be inspected as outlined in the:
  • Special instructions
  • Air brake and train handling rules

A train on an adjacent track that receives radio notification must approach the location at restricted speed. The train must stop short of any obstruction or flagman unless advised that the track is clear and it is safe to proceed.

• Rule 6.13 (Yard Limits)
• Rule 6.14 (Restricted Limits)
• Rule 9.15 (Track Permits)
  or
• Rule 16.1 (Authority to Enter DTC Limits)

• The track is clear.
• Switches are properly lined.
• Signals indicate proceed.

• Train
• Engine
• Railroad car
• Men or equipment fouling the track
• Stop signal
  or
• Derail or switch lined improperly

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

• Train
• Engine
• Railroad car
• Men or equipment fouling the track
• Stop signal
  or
• Derail or switch lined improperly

6.28.1 Sidings of Assigned Direction

6.29.1 Inspecting Passing Trains

• Overheated journals
• Sticking brakes
• Sliding wheels
• Wheels not properly positioned on the rail
• Dragging equipment
• Insecure contents
• Signs of smoke or fire
• Headlight or marker improperly displayed
• Any other dangerous condition

When possible, a crew member on the engine of the train being inspected must notify a crew member on the rear of the train when the train is being inspected by other employees.

Ground Inspections

When a train stops to let another train meet or pass it, trainmen on the head end must inspect the passing train from the ground. If safe to do so, a crew member must cross the track and inspect the side of the passing train opposite the stopped train.

Trackside Warning Detectors and Inspections

Crew members must be aware of trackside warning detectors and signals from persons inspecting their train. If they receive a stop signal, the trackside warning detector indicates failed equipment. Or, if they detect a dangerous condition, the train must be stopped immediately for an inspection. Movement must not proceed until it is safe,

While their train is moving, crew members must inspect it frequently and look for indications of defects in the train, especially when rounding curves.

When inspecting their train, crew members must observe the train closely for any of the following:

• Overheated journals
• Sticking brakes
• Sliding wheels
• Wheels not properly positioned on the rail
• Dragging equipment
• Insecure contents
• Signs of smoke or fire
• Any other dangerous condition

When a car is set out because of an overheated journal, any fire must be completely extinguished and precautions taken to prevent further ignition.

6.32.1 Cars Shoved, Kicked, or Dropped

Such warning is not required when:

• Crossing gates are in the fully lowered position.
  or
• It is clearly seen that no traffic is approaching or stopped at the crossing.

6.32.2 Automatic Crossing Devices

• Movement has been delayed or stopped within 3,000 feet of the crossing.
• Movement is closely following another movement.
  or
• Movement is on other than the main track or siding.

If possible, avoid leaving cars, engines, or equipment standing closer than 250 feet from the road crossing when there is an adjacent track.

6.32.5 Actuating Automatic Crossing Signals Unnecessarily