Ernest H. Robl Wrote:
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> What I heard at one training session for firemen
> was that, if you have enough people, send someone
> -- or multiple people -- down the track in each
> direction, and know how to give a manual stop signal
> -- hand or bright object waved side to side below
> the waist. At night, use light or flare (fuse).
> Railroad rules specify that any object waved
> violently at trackside should be considered a stop
> signal, but I would assume it would be taken more
> seriously if it is done correctly and especially if
> you have multiple people giving that indication.

I'm confused, since you're aware of this, why isn't it explained in your book?

Numerous people aren't needed to provide effective flag protection. All you need is TWO people, each with a means of transportation, carrying at least two (but ideally four to six) fusees each. Have each person drive, run, or do whatever it takes, to access a point 1 mile on each side of the obstruction and place fusees between the rails of the track affected. If the view is obstructed past the fusee, proceed another mile and place additional fusees between the rails. On a branchline, this might not be necessary if Restricted Speed is in effect. Do drop fusees regardless.

Should you be all alone providing flag protection, leave fusees near the scene and proceed in the direction with the LEAST amount of visibility, unless you know a train is coming from the opposite direction based on radio traffic, block signal indications, or some other knowledge. Do the same procedure. Place fusees 1 mile from the scene and additional fusees possibly further if visibility is still obstructed. Consider the track speed, size and type of trains using that track. Heavy unit trains (coal, grain, ore) will need the extra stopping distance running at track speed.

Ernest is correct that an object waved violently is considered a stop signal. I also agree that waving it from side to side below the waist is a good idea, especially with a fusee. I suppose you could toss it between the rails as the train gets closer, but otherwise continue what you're doing.

No fusees? Do the same motion with your arm. Use a piece of red cloth if you have it, something visible from a long distance.

No fusees at night? Stand in a position near the tracks without getting too close. Shine your car lights toward the location you are standing and turn on your emergency flashers. The approaching train will see the flashing red lights and your headlights will light you up as you're giving a stop signal.

When providing protection with hand signals, I recommend going 1 to 2 miles in either direction. No less than one, no more than two.

So what's the big deal with fusees? The rulebooks used by American railroads have the same rules about them. A train encountering a fusee is supposed to stop before passing it, if consistent with good train handling. After stopping, or until the fusee burns out, the train must proceed at Restricted Speed for 1 mile past the location of the fusee. Restricted Speed, not to exceed 20 MPH, requires trains to stop within half the range of vision short of trains, engines, railroad cars, men or equipment fouling the track, or a stop signal.

With fusees or hand signals NEVER NEVER NEVER stand between the rails. Put the fusees between the rails and back away. Give hand signals away from the track but close enough the crew will see them.

> But, in most cases, I would (1) try to flag down a
> motorist who may have a cell phone (assuming there
> is coverage in the area), or (2) go to the nearest
> house or business and either ask to make an emergency
> phone call or have them call the authorities and/or
> railroad for you. Yes, there are still public phones,
> though they are not as common as they used to be.

Don't lose sight of the fact that Eastern railroading is NOTHING like the west coast deserts and mountain ranges, the epitome of the word desolate. I've visited dozens of railroad locations in the west that not only lack cell phone reception, they lack electricity, running water, landlines, motorists, and inhabitants of any type within a ten to twenty mile radius -- unless you count the rattlesnakes and other desert life. A good reason to have a CB or Ham Radio at your disposal, but that's another topic for a different day.

Railfans need to know how to respond in these trying circumstances.