Stop Signal, Verbal Authority, and a Flagman Beyond the Interlocking
You are operating a southbound 8-car train approaching a home signal at the entrance to an interlocking. The signal displays Stop. Rail Control Center calls on the radio: your train is to enter track 2, the call-on indication is not working, and you are authorized to pass the Stop signal and proceed at restricted speed. A flagman protecting a work zone is standing about 200 feet beyond the signal. The interlocking route is not visible from your cab because of a curve. Rain is falling, and the rail is wet. Your train has 8 cars and is carrying about 400 passengers. The flagman is facing away from you and has not yet displayed a signal. The next station is three blocks beyond the interlocking. The radio transmission was brief and did not include a repeat-back or the signal number.
1. Before passing the Stop signal, what must you confirm and repeat back?
Read the worked answer
A Stop signal may not be passed on an incomplete radio call. Before moving, repeat back the train number, the signal number or location, the track to be entered, and the authority: pass the Stop signal and proceed at restricted speed into track 2. Ask RCC to confirm that the route is set for track 2 and that no conflicting movement exists. Because the interlocking route is not visible, do not assume the switch is positioned correctly; if RCC cannot confirm, stop and request confirmation. The verbal authority covers only the Stop signal and the movement to track 2; it does not authorize passing the flagman or entering the work zone. Write down the authority and time if possible. The wet rail and curve mean restricted speed must be low enough to stop short of anything ahead. If the transmission is cut off or any element is missing, stop before the signal and re-contact RCC.
2. How should you proceed toward the flagman and work zone?
Read the worked answer
Move only at restricted speed, prepared to stop short of the flagman, workers, or any obstruction. Restricted speed is not a fixed target; on wet rail with a curve, it may be well below the rulebook maximum. Release the brakes smoothly, sound the horn or bell as required, and watch the flagman. Since the flagman is facing away and has not displayed a signal, stop before reaching him and sound the horn until you get a clear indication. Do not pass a stop signal from the flagman. Even after a proceed signal, continue at restricted speed and look for other workers, tools, or equipment. Stop short of the work zone if there is any doubt. Do not allow the following station or schedule to influence speed. If the flagman is not in sight when expected, stop and contact RCC.
3. Your radio fails after you have passed the Stop signal but before you reach the work zone. What do you do?
Read the worked answer
Stop the train and secure it. A radio failure after passing a Stop signal does not authorize continuing through a work zone. Stop short of the flagman if possible, keep the train protected, and use the Conductor or a wayside telephone to reach RCC. Do not proceed, reverse, or change ends without authority. If the flagman is present, follow his signals only for movement he is authorized to control; he generally cannot substitute for RCC authority beyond the work zone. Keep passengers informed and wait for instructions. The key point is that the verbal authority was tied to a specific movement; losing communication removes your ability to confirm the route and protection, so the safe default is to stop.