John Bruce Wrote:
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> A most interesting thread indeed on another forum:
> [www.trainorders.com]
> 812030

By way explanation, what was going here is what's commonly called a "Stop Test." It's a common Efficiency Test that's performed by railroad management (often, as here, in conjunction with government agencies such as the CPUC).

This specific test was in CTC territory, so the tester first contacts the train dispatcher to set up the test. The dispatcher then sets the opposing signals surrounding the test location in the Stop position. Next, the testers place a red banner (sometimes called a "red flag" or "red board") at a location where they can observe it. The train dispatcher then verbally authorizes a train to pass the Stop signal and the train is required to move at Restricted Speed until it passes a more favorable signal. Since movement at Restricted Speed is required, the train must proceed not exceeding 20 M.P.H. and stop must stop not less than half the range of vision from where the red banner first became visible. It's a "failure" if you stop in less than the required distance, or run over the banner. Banners are made of red reflective material and are easily seen.

> D'ya think someone's finally wondering if public
> safety might be involved here?

Efficiency Testing's always stepped up after a high-profile incident.