Railworks America

There's a list of horn signals at this site:

http://www.eugene-or.gov/DocumentCenter/View/26193

I wondered about this one, a short blast for:

Applying air brakes while standing.

Why would a signal be necessary for that? Is there a possible danger to brakemen while applying the air brakes? Perhaps a hose whipping around under pressure? Would the engineer make that signal, then wait for a while for the brakeman to step back?

Howdy,

Its to alert the other folks on the job (i.e. conductor or brakeman etc.) that the brakes are applied and the reverser centered. That way they know they can enter between the cars and tie handbrakes, make hoses, cross through the train etc. I can't speak for all railroads but this horn signal in particular has been replaced by the radio. Its entirely too easy to miscommunicate or not communicate properly what is happening and someone gets hurt. Most Class 1's now have very strict 'verbage heavy speeches' that need to be stated, repeated and acknowledged before anyone steps between equipment.They even have silly names for the area or the process like; "The Red Zone" or "Three Step".


Time consuming? Yes.
Annoying? Yup!
Improves the chances of you going home at the end of the day? You betcha!

Anyway, long drawn out answer for a simple question. Sorry bout that!

Have a nice day!

BNSF can still use hand or lantern signals and the one short blast for "Going Inbetween". The horn indicates "Set and Centered."

Do American railroads have 3 point protection like we do in canada? before stepping between cars the engineer has to apply full brake, reverser centered and gen field off.

DrewG wrote:Do American railroads have 3 point protection like we do in canada? before stepping between cars the engineer has to apply full brake, reverser centered and gen field off.

Depends on the railroad. BNSF you just have to be set and Centered. Most other railroads is 3 point.

BNSF dude,

Now that you mention it when I drive to work sometimes I cross over BN tracks where they spot the General Mills plant (actually its represented in the Chicago Racetrack route) and I have seen them use hand signals. I was afraid to mention it here as you never know who is watching. Also I assumed maybe they were two older guys that had worked with each other for awhile and knew the work. Or, they were sooo far off the beaten path no one was there to write them up. Anyway good to know, I wish we could still do that on the UP.

DrewG, occasionally we make runs on CN track (formerly the EJ&E) and they do that Gen Field stuff. But we only do "set and centered" on the UPRR.

Have a good one!