New Rules, Standards and Instructions Issued by the Interstate Commerce Commission

instructions tentatively proposed as ments through spring switch within inter­ a substitute for those prescribed by locking limits, and through spring switch Regulatious issued the Commission's order of April 13, hereaft~r installed _in automatic block sig­ nal, tram stop, tram control or cab signal in 1939 are now re­ 1939, and by a copy of special rules of practice applicable to this pro­ territory where train movements over the placed new ones, switch are made at a speed exceeding 20 by ceeding. The only evidence offered m.p.h., except that signal protection shall which require a few in opposition to the tentatively pro­ be required only with the cmrent of traffic posed rules, standards and instruc­ on track signaled for movement in only changes in practice tions was submitted by the officers one direction. of six railroads, and they offered ob­ on some railroads NOTE: Relief from the requirements jections to but 10 of the 162 rules. of this section will be granted upon an adequate showing by an individual carrier. Rule 10 136.13 Spring switch-selection of sig­ THE Interstate Commerce Com­ This rule reads as follows: "Elec­ nal control circuits through circuit con­ mission has issued new rules, stand­ tric locks on new installations and troller. The control circuits of signals gov­ ards and instructions, applying to new electric locks applied to exist­ erning facing movements over a main ing installations shall be of the track spring switch shall be selected signaling, which are to be effective through the contacts of a switch circuit as of October 1, 1950. These new forced-drop type." The only rail­ controller; or through the contacts of relay regulations, as issued with explana­ road objecting to it is the Chicago, repeating the position of such circuit con­ tions by the Commission, cover 51 Burlington & Quincy. Its objection troller, which, when normally closed mimeograph pages, the following is that electric locks of the forced- switch point is open one-fomth inch or abstracts being confined to: (1) Brief more, will cause such signals to display opening explanation by the Com- • their most restrictive aspects, except that mission; (2) Discussion of most re­ where a separate aspect is displayed for cent actions in modifying the rules facing movements over the switch in the and; (3) Quotations of some of the reverse position the signal shall display its most restrictive aspect when the switch regulations which may require im­ points are open one-fomth inch or more portant changes in practices on from either the normal or reverse position. some roads. 136.14 Spring switch signal protecti.on Abstract of Report by Commission -requirements. (a) The indication of signal governing movements from siding DIVISION 3, COMMISSIONERS to main track with the current of traffic on PATTERSON, JOHNSON AND track signaled for movements in only one CROSS. direction through a spring switch in auto­ PATTERSON, Commisioner: matic block signal territory shall be not less restrictive than "Proceed at Restricted On January 6, 1950, we issued a Speed" when the block, into which move­ notice of proposed rule making, ments are governed by the signal, is oc­ stating therein that investigation cupied, and shall be "Stop" when the would be made pursuant to the pro­ main track is occupied by a train ap­ visions of section 25 of the Inter­ prmiching the switch within at least 1500 state Commerce Act for the purpose feet in approach of the approach signal of revising, amending and modify­ located stopping dis~ance · from the main track signal governing trailing movements ing the rules, standards and ·instruc­ over switch, except that the indication tions for installation, maintenance may be caused to be less restrictive if ap­ and repair of automatic block sig­ proach or time locking is used. nal systems, interlocking, traffic con­ W. J. Patterson (b) The indication of signal governing trol systems, automatic train stop, movements against the current of traffic train control, and cab signal sys­ drop type should not be required on from the reverse main of main tracks to a tems, and other similar appliances, hand-operated switches for the rea­ single track, or signal, governing move­ methods and systems, prescribed by son that it knows of no manufac­ ments from a siding to a main track sig­ the Commission's order of April 13, turer making electric locks of the naled for movements in either direction, 1939. Such investigation was forced-drop type for such switches. through a spring switch, in automatic block signal territory, shall be not less deemed necessary because the pres­ When advised that at least one man­ ent rules, standards and instructions restrictive than "Proceed at Restricted ufacturer makes a lock for hand­ Speed" when the block, into which move­ had been in effect for more than 10 operated switches that will meet ments are governed by the signal, is oc­ years, and experience had shown the requirements of this rule, its ob­ cupied by a preceding train, and shall be that some of them should be elimin­ jection was withdrawn. "Stop" when the block on the single track ated and others clarified, and that into which the signal governs is occupied in some respects they were incom­ Rules Concerning by an opposing train. plete and inadequate to carry out Signals at Spring Switches (c) The indication of signal governing the purposes of section 25. 136.12 Spring switch signal protection movements against the current of traffic Each such notice was accompan­ - where required. Signal protection shall from the reverse main of main tracks to a ied by a copy of rules, standards and be provided for facing and trailing move- single track or signal governing move-

August, 1950 R A I L W A Y S I G N A l I N G and C 0 M M U N I C A T I 0 N S 475 The aspects of cab signals shall be m~nts from a siding to a main track sig­ passed the switch and automatic signal at naled for movements in either direction leaving end of. siding indicates "Proceed". shown by lights or by illuminated letters. through a spring switch in automatic block Under these instructions, an indi­ Each aspect displayed by a signal shall be signal territory shall be "Stop" when the cation (a normally dark indicator) identified by a name and shall indicate normal direction main track of the double requires a stop under some condi­ action to be taken. Only one name and track or the single track signaled for tions and permits a train to pass it indication shall apply to those aspects movements in both directions is occupied indicating the same action to be taken; without a stop under other condi­ the same aspect shall not be used with by a train approaching the switch within tions. The revision of the rule sub­ at least 1500 feet in approach of the ap­ any other name and indication. proach signal located stopping distance mitted by the Great Northern makes The fundamental indications of signal from the main track signal governing no provision for following moves. aspects shall conform to the following: trailing movements over switch, except As pointed out above, it is safer that A red light, a series of horizontal lights that indication may be caused to be less such moves be made only under the or a semaphore blade in a horizontal po­ restrictive if approach or time locking is conditions set forth in the rule. The sition shall be used to indicate stop. used. Great Northern's suggested revision A yellow light, a lunar light, or a NOTE: Existing installations shall be of the rule would not provide as series of lights or a semaphore blade in brought into conformity with the require­ the upper or lower quadrant at an angle great a degree of safety as is desir­ of approximatly 45 degrees to the vertical, ments of this section on or before Octo­ able. A system installed in compli­ ber 1, 1952. As to existing installations, shall be used to indicate that speed ·is to relief from the requirements of this sec­ ance with the rule can be made just be restricted and stop may be required. tion will be granted upon an adequate as HexibJe, so far as train operation A green light, a series of vertical lights, showing by an individual carrier. is concerned, as the system in use or a semaphore blade in a vertical posi­ The only railroad objecting to on the Great Northern, and, so far tion in the upper quadrant or 60° or 90° rule 14 is the Great Northern, as future installations are con­ in the lower quadrant shall be used to and it objects only to paragraphs (a) cerned, any additional expense nec­ indicate proceed at authorized speed. and (c). It requests that the rule be essary to meet the requirements of The names, indications and aspects of rewritten to permit a method of the rule will not be unduly burden­ roadway signals and cab signals shall be some. defined in Block Signal and Interlocking signal protection at spring switches Rules in effect on each railroad subject to now used on that railroad, and sub­ As to existing installations, it is recognized that there may be some ·these Rules, Standards and Instructions. mitted a proposed revision which Copy of such Block Signal and Interlock­ would permit the continued use of where the protection provided so jug Rules shall be filed with the Interstate its present method of protection. closely approaches that required Commerce Commission within six months The purpose of this rule is to pre­ under rule 14 that relief from a re­ after the date of this order and copy of vent a train moving out of a siding, quirement that they be brought into subsequent modifications shall be filed or from a reverse main track at the exact compliance with the rule may with said Commission within thirty days end of double track, in front of an­ be warranted. The rule has, there­ after such modifications become effective. other train closely approaching in a fore, been modified to the extent of Such rules and any modifications thereot trailing direction. The rule recog­ adding a note to the rule with re­ shall remain in· effect until otherwise or­ dered by the Commission. ni~es that a train should be per­ spect to existing installations. mitted to proceed from a siding and NOTE: Relief from the requirements Roadway Signals and Cab Signals of this section will be granted upon an follow a preceding train into a 136.21 · Location of rQadway signals. adequate showing by an individual car- block but only under conditions that rier. are considered safe. The system in Each roadway signal hereafter installed shall be located over or to the right of the 136.24 Spacing of roadway signals. use or; the Great Northern provides track it governs. Each roadway signal shall be located with essentially the same protection as NOTE: Relief from the requirements respect to the next signal or signals in ad­ rule 14 so far as main track trailing of this section will be granted upon an vance which govern train movements in movements at a spring switch are adequate showing by an individual carrier. the same direction so that the indication concerned, but does not provide as Relief heretofore granted to any carrier of a signal displaying a restrictive aspect great a degree of safety as rule 14 by order of the Commission shall consti­ can be complied with by means of a brake in the following respect: A train on tute relief to the same extent from the re­ application, other than an emergency ap­ the ma~n traC?~ is much more likely quirements of this part. plication, initiated at such signal, either to receive a Signal requiring a stop 136.22 Semaphore signal arm-clear­ by stopping at the signal where a stop is required, or by a reduction in speed to ~i~ou~ first having passed a signal ance to other objects. At least one-half inch clearance shall be provided between sem­ the rate prescribed by the next signal m m~ICatmg that a stop will be re­ advance where reduced speed is required. quued at the next signal under the aphore signal arm, and any object that may interfere with its operation. 136.25 False restrictive position of sem­ system in use on the Great Northern 136.23 Aspects and indications. As­ aphore signal arm or failure of lamp in than under a system designed to pects shall be shown by the position of light signal. If an arm of a semaphore meet the requirements of rule 14. semaphore blades, color of lights, position signal assumes a false restrictive position The special instructions under of lights, flashing of lights, or any combin­ or if a lamp in a light signal fails the sig­ ~hich the Great Northern's system ation thereof. They may be qualified by nal shall not display a less restrictive as­ Is operated provide in part as fol­ marker plate, number plate, letter plate, pect than intended. lows: marker light, shape and color of sema­ NOTE: Existing installations on each A switch indicator consisting of a single phore blades or any combination thereof, railroad, which do not conform to the re­ yellow light unit (normally dark) and a subject to the following conditions: quirements· of this section shall be brought switch-key-controller mounted on an iron Night aspects of roadway signals, ex­ into conformity therewith in accordance mast located at clearance point of a siding, cept qualifying appurtenances, shall be with the following schedule: must be operated by a member of the shown by lights; day aspects by lights or Not less than 20 percent on or before crew who, together with engineer, must semaphore arms. A single white light October 1, 1951. observe and be governed by its indication shall not be used. Not less than 40 percent on or before before fouling main track or making move­ Reflector lenses or buttons or other de­ October 1, 1952. ment from siding to main track through vises which depend for visibility upon re­ Not less than 60 percent on or before a spring switch in automatic block signal flected light from an external source shall October 1, 1953. territory, unless movement is made im­ not be used in night aspects, except qual­ Not less than 80 percent on or before mediately after an opposing train has ifying appurtenances. October 1, 1954.

476 R A I L W A Y S I G N A L I N G and C 0 M M U N I C AT I 0 N S August, 1950 The remainder on or before October 1, inating the words "with respect to with our order in Appliances, Meth­ 1955. fundamental indications as applied ods and Systems Intended to Pro­ 136.26 Buffing device- maintenance. to semaphore signals." mote Safety of Railroad Operation, Buffing device shall be maintained so as 268 I.C.C. 547, which will tax their not to cause the signal to display a less Automatic Block Signal Systems signal construction forces for over restrictive aspect than intended. 136.201 Track circuit control of sig­ two years. Considering the number 136.27 Phantom signal aspect. Mea­ nals. Signals shall be controlled auto­ of crossovers to be equipped and sures shall be taken to prevent recurrence matically by track circuits extending the present program of signal in­ of a phantom signal aspect. through the entire block. _stallation, the Santa Fe will be given The Great Northern objects to 136.202 Signal governing movements until December 31, 1952, the date rule 24 in the belief that it prohibits over hand-operated switch. Signal gov­ on or before which compliance with the use of successive restrictive sig­ erning movements over hand-operated our order in the case cited is re­ nals, which are permitted under switch in the facing direction shall display quired, to comply with the require­ present Rule 205. Rule 24 clearly its most restrictive aspect when the points are open one-fourth inch or more and, in ments of Rule 203. No change in permits the use of successive re­ the rule is necessary. strictive signals and no change the trailing direction, three-eights inch or more, except that where a separate as­ therein is warranted or necessary. pect is displayed for facing movements Rules 308-311 The Great Northern is the only over the switch ' in the normal and in the 136.303 Control circuits for signals­ railroad objecting to rule 23. It reverse position, the signal shall display selection through circuit controller oper­ takes exception to that part of the its most restrictive aspect when the switch ated by switch points or by switch locking rule which reads: "A single white points are open one-fourth inch or more mechanism. The control circuit for power­ light shall not be used" and to that from either the normal or reverse position. operated or slotted mechanical signal gov­ part prescribing fundamental indi­ 136.203 Hand operated crossover be­ erning movements at higher than restrict­ cations which reads: "A yellow light, tween main tracks-protection. At hand­ ed speed in the facing direction over a lunar light, etc." operated crossover between main tracks switches, movable-point frogs and derails A single white light has been used protection shall be provided by one of the shall be selected through circuit controller following: (1) An arrangement of one or operated directly by switch points or by for years by the Great Northern as more track circuits and switch circuit con­ switch locking mechanism, or through re­ an indication that a dragging-equip­ trollers, (2) facing point locks on both lay controlled by such circuit controller, ment detector has been actuated and switches of the crossover, with both locks for each facing point switch, movable­ requires that a stop be made as operated by a single lever, or (3) electric point frog and derail in the routes gov­ promptly as the safety of the train locking of the switches of the crossover. erned by such signal. Circuits shall be ar­ will permit and the train examined Signals governing movements over either ranged so that such signal can display an for dragging equipment. A lunar switch shall display their most restrictive aspect to proceed only when each such light also has been used by it as an aspect when any of the following condi­ switch, movable-point frog and derail in indication on a spring switch indi­ tions exist: the route is in proper position. Such power­ (a) Where protection is provided b.¥ operated signals hereafter installed shall cator to designate "a spring switch one or more track circuits and switch cir­ be controlled in this manner through cir­ with a facing-point lock in proper cuit controllers, and either switch is open cuit controllers or switch repeating relays operating condition." or the crossover is occupied by a train, for all switches, movable-point frogs and The reasons for barring the use of locomotive or car in such a manner as to derails in the routes governed by such a single white light to give an indi­ foul the main track. It shall not be a vio­ signals. cation are that a broken colored lation of this requirement where the pres­ NOTE: Existing installations shall be ~ignal lens will permit a white light ence of sand, rust, dirt, grease or other brought into conformity with the require­ mstead of a colored light to be dis­ foreign matter on the rail prevents effec­ ments of this section on or before October played, and to avoid confusion that tive shunting; 1, 1952. might result from other white (b) Where facing point locks with a 136.304 Mechanical locking or same single lever are provided, and either protection effected by circuits. Mechanical lights along the right of way. switch is unlocked; locking, or the same protection effected The lunar light was included in (c) Where the switches are electrically by means of circuits, shall be provided. the paragraph describing the lights locked, before the electric. locking re­ 136.305 Approach or time locking. and positions of lights or semaphore leases. Approach or time locking shall be provid­ arms that should be used to indicate The only objection to rule 203 is ed in connection with signals governing "that speed is to be restricted and by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe movements at higher than restricted speed. stop may be required" because System Lines, hereinafter collec­ 136.306 Facing point lock or switch­ there are carriers that use that light tively referred to as the Santa Fe. and-lock movement. Facing point lock or switch-and-lock movement shall be pro­ for such an indication. If the rule Their sole objection is that the rule vided for mechanically operated switch, were revised to eliminate the words is not made subject to Footnote 5, movable-point frog, or split-point derail. "a lunar light" as requested by the which provides that existing install­ 136.307 Indication locking. Indication Great Northern, the use made of ations be brought into conformity locking shall be provided for operative the lunar light on these other car­ with certain other rules within a approach signals of the semaphore type, riers would be restricted. period of five years. At the cross­ power-operated home signals, power-oper­ For these reasons it is not desir­ examination of the~r witness they ated switches, movable-point frogs and de­ able to revise the rule. However, modified their request for time rails, and for all approach signa.ls here­ from the standpoint of safety, there within which to comply with this after installed, except light signals all as­ pects of which are controlled by coded rule to a period of three years. They appears to be no objection to the track circuits or by double wire line cir­ equipped 134 crossovers with spe­ use that the Great Northern is mak­ cuits. ing of the single white light or of cial track circuits or electric locks 136.308 Mechanical or electric locking the lunar light. There may be other and have 328 to be still equipped or electric circuits-requisites. Mechanical carriers that make similar use of to comply with the rule. They are or electric locking or electric circuits shall these lights. Each such case should carrying out an extensive program be installed to prevent signals from dis­ be considered on its own merits. of signal installation, including the playing aspects which permit conflicting The note to the rule will be made installation of automatic train stop movements except that opposing signals to apply to the entire rule by elim- on 2930 miles of track in compliance may display an aspect indicating proceed

477 August, 19.50 R A I L W A Y S I G N .A L I N G and C 0 M M U N I C AT I 0 N S at restricted speed at the same time on a nals on the same track are permitted Rule 313 track used for switching movements only, simultaneously to display aspects to by one train at a time. Manual interlocking The Burlington requests that the proceed when interlocking is unat­ first sentence of rule 313 be clarified. in service as of the date of this order at tended, may be continued, provided which opposing signals on the same track It reads. as follows: that simultaneous train movements "Steel or wrought-iron pipe one inch or are permitted simultaneously to display as­ in opposite directions on the same pects authorizing conflicting movements larger, or members of equal strength shall when interlocking is unattended, may be track between stations on either side be used for operating connections for each continued, provided that simultaneous of the interlocking are not per­ switch, derail, movable-point frog, facing­ train movements in opposite directions on mitted." point lock, rail-locking device of movable the same track between stations on either This sentence is intended to apply bridge protected by interlocking, and me­ side of the interlocking are not permitted. to interlockings where opposing chanically operated signal, except up-and­ NOTE. Relief from the requirement signals on the same track are per­ down rod which may be three-fourths of this section will be granted upon an mitted to display aspects authoriz­ inch pipe or solid rod." adequate showing by an individual carrier ing conflicting movements when In some instances two switches, to allow opposing signals on the same the interlocking is unattended. If or a combination of one switch and track simultaneously to display aspects to the signals are overlapped as sug­ one derail, or two facing-point locks proceed through an interlocking which is gested by the Burlington's aspects are in combination and operated unattended, provided that train move­ from .one pipe, and the Burlington ments in opposite directions on the same authorizing conflicting movements can not be displayed and the basic is apprehensive that the word track between stations on either side of "each" in the first sentence might the interlocking are not permitted at the requirement of the rule is met. same time. In order to clarify the rule, the be interpreted to prohibit such com­ The only objection to rule 303 is last sentence is changed to read binations. by the Great Northern. Its objec­ "Manual interlocking in service as The rule as worded was not in­ tion is that the rule does not clearly of the date of this order at which tended to prohibit such combina­ show whether it applies to power opposing signals on the same track tions from being operated from one interlocking in which dynamic or are permitted simultaneously to dis­ pipeline, and to clarify this point battery indicated circuits must de­ play aspects authorizing conflicting the sentence has been reworded as liver indications which control the movements when interlocking is un­ follows: attended, may be continued, pro­ "Steel or wrought-iron pipe one inch or mechanical interlocking between larger, or members of equal strength shall switch and signal levers, and that it vided that simultaneous movements in opposite directions on the same be used for operating connections for should be clarified. The rule clear­ switches, derails, movable-point frogs, ly states that the circuits shall be track between stations on either facing-point locks, rail-locking devices of selected through circuit controller side of the interlocking are not per­ movable bridge protected by interlocking, operated directly by switch points mitted.', This modification does not and mechanically operated signals, except or by switch locking mechanism change the intent of the rule. up-and-down rod which may be three­ or through relay controlled by Rule 311 fourths inch pipe or solid rod." such circuit controller for each If Cab Signal Fails facing-point switch, movable-point The Great Northern contends frog, or derail in the route governed, that rule 311 does not clearly indi­ 136.566 Locomotive of each trair{ ·op­ and needs no clarification. The com­ cate whether automatic interlock­ erating in train stop, train control or cab bination of indications and mechan• ing signal control circuits may be signal territory equipped. The locomotive from which brakes are controlled, of each ical locking referred to by the wit­ selected through relays which re­ peat track relays or must be selected train operating in automatic train stop, ness does not comply with this rule. train control, or cab signal territory shall The Burlington is the sole ob­ through tra9k relays directly, and requests that the rule be clarified to be equipped with apparatus responsive to jector to rule 308. It requests that the roadway equipment installed on all or that portion reading "provided that permit use of repeater relays. any part of the route traversed, and such simultaneous train movements in We recognize that it is necessary apparatus shall be in operative condition. opposite directions on the same in some instances to select control NOTE: Relief from the requirements· track between stations on either circuits through repeater relays and of this section will be granted upon an side of the interlocking plant are it was not intended that this rule be adequate showing by an individual carrier. not permitted" be eliminated, or interpreted to prohibit this practice. Relief heretofore granted to any carrier modified to read "where simultan­ The rule has been revised to read by order of the Commission shall consti­ as follows: tute relief to the same extent from the re­ eous train movements in opposite quirements of this part. directions on the same track be­ "The control circuits for aspects with indications more favorable than "proceed 136.567 Restrictions imposed when tween stations on either side of the at restricted speed" shall be selected device fails or cut out enroute. Where an interlocking plant are permitted, op­ through track relays for all track circuits automatic train stop, train control, or cab posing signals shall be overlapped", in the route governed or through repeating signal device fails andj or is cut-out en­ c?n~ending that the rule would pro­ relays for such track relays. At automatic route, train may proceed at restricted hibit the use of a siding leading out interlocking, signal control circuit shall be speed or if an automatic block signal sys­ of certain interlocking plants when selected (1) through track relays for all tem is in operation according to signal in­ they are unattended. The basic re­ track circuits in the route governed and dication but not to exceed medium speed, quirement of this rule is that me­ in all conflicting routes within interlocking to the next available point of communi­ chanical or electric locking or elec­ limits or through repeating relays for such cation where report must be made to a tric circuits shall be installed to pre­ track relays; (2) through signal mechanism designated officer. Where no automatic contacts or relay contacts ciosed when block signal system is in use train shall ve~t signals from displaying aspects signals for such conflicting routes display be permitted to proceed at restricted speed whiCh permit conflicting move­ stop aspects; and (3) through normal con­ or where automatic block signal system is ments. An exception is made in the tacts of time releases for such conflicting in operation according to signal indication last sentence reading, ":Manual in­ routes or contacts of relays repeating the but not to exceed mediun'l speed to a point terlocking in service as of the date normal position of contacts of such time where absolute block can be established. ·of this order at which opposing sig- releases." Where an absolute block is established in

478' R A I l W A Y S I G N A l I N G and C 0 M M U N I C AT I 0 N S August, ·19.50 advance of the train on which the device matic signals that ordinarily indi­ tablished in advance of the train is inoperative train may proceed at not to cate "stop and proceed" are made on which the device is inoperative, exceed 79 miles per hour. to indicate "stop" for a train on train may proceed at not to exceed 1.36 ..568 Difference between speeds which the train stop, train control, 79 miles per hour." authorized by roadway signal and cab or cab signal devices have failed or Such change will be made in the signal-action required. If for any reason been cut out enroute, and the train rule. a cab signal authorizes a speed different from that authorized by a roadway signal, required to stop until an aspect in­ The proposed Rules, Standards when a train enters the block governed by dicating that it might proceed is and Instructions, with the changes such roadway signal, the lower speed shall shown, an absolute block in advance herein indicated above are ap­ not be exceeded. of that train within the meaning of proved. Objections to rule 566 were filed this rule would thereby be estab­ An appropriate order will be en­ by the Union Pacific, Santa Fe, lished. vVhen the rule was thus ex­ tered. Burlington, and the Milwaukee. The plained at the hearing for cross­ It is further ordered, That the rule requires that all locomotives examination, the greater part of the Commission's order of April 13, operated in automatic train stop, objections to it were satisfied. 1939, prescribing Rules, Standards train-control or cab-signal territory Another objection was to the and Instructions be, and it is hereby, be equipped with apparatus respon­ words "and for", it being thought vacated and set aside effective Octo­ sive to the roadway equipment, and that their use meant an absolute ber 1, 1950. that such apparatus be in operative block had to be established in the Notice of this order shall be given condition. The Commission has rear as well as in advance of the to the general public by depositing heretofore granted relief from this train. This was not the intent of the a copy hereof in the office of the requirement where locomotives op­ rule, but as it is possible to so inter­ Secretary of the Commission at erated in train-stop, train-control, pret it, these words will be elimin­ Washington, D. C., and by filing it or cab-signal territory short dis­ ated. with the Director of the Division· of tances, and the note to which the The only other objections to the the Federal Register. rule is subject contemplates that in rule is the differentiation in speeds By the Commission, division 3. the future relief from the require­ at which a train may proceed after \V. P. BARTEL, ments of the rule will be warranted an absolute block has been estab­ Secretary. in some instances. In the fourth and lished dependent upon whether or seventh reports on further hearing not an automatic block system is in in Appliances, Methods and Systems use. The objection is raised by the Intended to Promote Safety of Rail­ Santa Fe and the Illinois Central. road Operation, 274 I.C.C. 628, and The former has in operation a train I. C. C. Annual 276 I.C.C. 798, the requirement for control system on its double-track installation of automatic train-stop, line between Peuot, Ill., and Fort train control, or cab signal devices Madison, Iowa, 175.4 mi., and the on freight locomotives was post­ latter has in operation an automatic Statistics poned until the further order of the train stop system on its double-track THE Bureau of Safety of the Inter­ Commission in the case of the Santa line between Champaign, Ill., and state Commerce Commission has Fe and the Union Pacific, respec­ Branch Junction, Ill., 122 mi., and issued its annual tabulation of sta­ tively. The Burlington and the Mil­ on its single-track line between tistics pertinent to block signals, waukee have pending in that pro­ vVaterloo, Iowa, and Fort Dodge, interlocking, automatic train con­ ceeding petitions for similar relief. Iowa, 97 mi. There are no auto­ control, telegraph and telephone The objections to this rule will be matic wayside block signals on any for transmission of train orders, met by adding the following to the of these lines and when the train spring switches, and train communi­ note to the rule: · control or train stop devices fail or cation systems, in use on the rail­ are cut out enroute an absolute "Relief heretofore granted to any roads of the United States as of Jan~ carrier by order of the Commission manual block in advance of the uary 1, 1950. The following infor­ train is established and the ·train shall constitute relief to the same ex­ mation is abstracted from the com~ then permitted to proceed at the tent from the requirements of these pilation. rules. maximum authorized speed. They Objections to rule .567 ·were filed desire to continue this practice, but Increase In Automatic Block have no objection to limiting the by the Union Pacific, Santa Fe, Bur­ Automatic block signaling was in speed to a maximum of 79 m.p.h. It lington, Milwaukee, and Illinois service on 76,487.7 mi. of road or is their contention that when an ab­ Central. Their objections relate only 108,052 mi. of track. Of the miles of to the last sentence of the rule. solute block is established the max­ imum permitted speed should be the road, 48,859.6 were single track and In the rules, an absolute block is 27,628.1 mi. were two or more defined as a block in which no train same, whether the absolute block is tracks. These figures compared is permitted to enter while it is oc­ a manual block or an automatic cupied by another train, and medi­ block. There is merit in this conten­ with those for January 1, 1949, rep~ urn speed is defined as a speed not tion as the protection afforded by resent an increase of 1,599.1 mi. exceeding 40 m.p.h. an absolute block would be sub­ of road and 1,521. 6 mi. of track One of the objections to this rule stantially the same whether the ab­ Non-automatic block, at the begin~ is based on the thought that the rule solute block is a manual block or ing of 1950, was in service on 28,- requires that the absolute block re­ an automatic block. 849.3 mi. of single track and 1,162.7 ferred to be a manual block. Clear­ At the hearing for cross-examm­ mi. of two or more tracks, totaling ly, the rule does not so provide. An ation it developed that all of the ob­ 31,189.6 m:i. of track or 30,012 mi. of absolute block can be established jections to this rule would be re­ road. Light type signals were in by the use of automatic signals, as moved if the last sentence quoted service on 71,241.2 mi. of track, an well as by manual block operators. above were changed to read: increase of 3,209.2 mi. The total For example, if the aspects of auto- "Where an absqlute block is es- (Continued on page 484)

479 August, 1950 R A I l WAY S I G N A L I N G and C 0 M M U N I C AT I 0 N S