SP5103 Wrote:
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> My main objection to the whole concept of Yard
> Limits in CTC is that Rule 6.3 for Main Track
> Authorization clearly states "Do not occupy main
> tracks unless authorized by one of the following:"
> So according to this rule, you can have CTC or
> Yard Limits, but not both. Writing rules that
> conflict with each other is poor and dangerous
> practice. The whole purpose of Yard Limits is to
> allow use of the main within Yard Limits without
> having to obtain further authority, though many
> yards require permission from the Yardmaster who
> is playing traffic cop.

I agree.

An even bigger trap is to show concurrent TWC and YL (or RL) in effect on the same track in the timetables. The Class 1's have abandoned this practice for the most part, but it's still pervasive on regional railroads and some shortlines.

Or, how about this, "islands" of YL, RL, or CTC sandwiched between sections of TWC. Many railroads' computer systems have been configured to disregard the islands so the dispatcher can issue a blanket Track Warrant over the whole section and cut down on their workload. Saves the train crews a lot of hassle too, most of the time, but in doing so (1) makes it easy to overlook the islands, or (2) gives a false impression the islands have been eliminated. Not a problem if you work the same line regularly, but really troublesome for younger trainmen who only work the territory once or twice a year.