Main track switches must be lined and locked for the main track when not in use. Yard switches that are equipped with a lock must be lined and locked for normal position after having been used.
A main line track switch must not be left open unless in charge of a member of the crew or a switch tender. Etc.....
I don't see a crew member in the pic, however I do see an unlocked switch, RULE violation 104 ... report to the office for 10 demerit marks.
Location: Midhurst Ontario | Registered:: July 28, 2000
Not necessarily. If a crew is right there engaged in switching and using the switch, there is no violation because that is permitted. The shot is such a close-up that you cannot tell from that picture whether there is a crewman nearby or not.
Here's the typical scenario...A crew has to do some switching off the main line at a small yard. When they first arrive, the conductor will unlock the switch. However, as they do their work, they will have to make several moves through the switch as they make their set -out and pick-up. They do not have to lock the switch after each move. They can leave it unlocked until they are all done with their work and ready to leave the area. Then they have to make sure it is "...lined and locked for the main track..."
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Wouldn't the era of the photo be a factor? In other words, an old style, 1940s or 1950s, switch lock in use back in 1940s or 1950s railroading may not have been required to be locked during "use of the switch".
Location: Western Springs, IL | Registered:: August 06, 2004
I agree with Rich and Hotwater. It all depends upon that RR company's rules, any local instructions that supercede the rules, era, etc. Our BN/BNSF rule book actually said that the switchlock was to be placed in the switch hasp when switching, but it did not need to be locked.
quote:
Current BNSF Rule 8.8 Switches Equipped with Locks, Hooks or Latches When not in use, switches must be locked, hooked, or latched if so equipped. Before making movements in either direction over these switches, make sure the switch is latched or secured by placing the lock or hook in the hasp. However, when making train movements in facing point direction, lock the switches equipped with a lock.
This rule is more restrictive than it used to be. You didn't used to have to lock the lock for even facing point train movements, just place it in the hasp. But even with today's rule craziness you can see that you can still do switching over a switch as depicted in the photo and be legal. The boldening of the word "train" above is mine. The word train in this context refers to moving your entire train over the switch and you do not need to lock it when just switching over it.
Thank you for your responses. I knew you men would have the answer.
There was a "debate" on another site and I, a railfan and not a professional railroader, did not have the definitive answer as to whether or not this photograph depicted unsafe procedures.
Like many things in life the answer is, "It depends!"
The description of the photograph states: "With the mine closed, rail traffic no longer exists here and the elements are starting to take over". Does this make a difference in the proper position of the lock?
If the track is on mine property they can do anything they want to do, RR rules do not apply to them. Crews operating on the property must be on the lookout for anything and everything.
If the track is RR company owned and listed as Out Of Service (OOS) by General Order or similar instructions then anything at all can be done. Including taking out a rail.
