ex-BN Wrote:
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> There is an odd and unused (in my experience)
> exception called "Train Coordination" or something
> but I hesitate to even mention it. It has to do
> with an emergency situation when communication
> with the dispatcher does not exist and the track
> man is working on the main (but then how did the
> foreman get authority?).

The Train Coordination thing (GCOR Rule 6.3.1) is actually very helpful, especially in Track Warrant Control territory with work trains. Its almost the opposite of what Northern Snowman was asking about. One example: A work train has a track warrant allowing movement in both directions on a piece of track. Say this work train is to unload welded rail at a specific curve location (to be placed between the rails). By the rules, normally the track crew unloading the rail would have to have a Form B and/or joint track and time.

Instead the train engineer gives the men on the track crew the train's authority to occupy the main track. The foreman on the ground now controls everything, the movement of train and the men on the ground. When work is done, he gives it back to the train. This can be done in CTC too, but any one-way authorize limits what track the foreman can control (front of train only) and the train can never move backwards. There are some under requirements to keep the situation safe. Its very handy if used the right way by the dispatcher, engineer and foreman.