GENERAL CODE OF OPERATING RULES - BLOCK SYSTEM RULES

13.0 RULES APPLICABLE ONLY IN AUTOMATIC CAB SIGNAL SYSTEM (ACS) TERRITORY

13.1 General Information

13.1.1 Observance of Signals

The Automatic Cab Signal (ACS) system is used in addition to block signals to govem the use of blocks. However, employees must continue to observe rules that govem the use of block signals as well as other rules, except as outlined in Rules 13.2.1 (Restrictive to More Favorable) and 13.2.2 (Favorable to More Restrictive).

13.1.2 Conforming with Block Signals

The cab signal and block signal systems are interconnected so that the cab signal agrees with the block signal indication within 8 seconds after the engine passes the block signal that governs entrance into a block.

Exception

The ACS system is to be considered inoperative through turnouts and crossovers. Block signal indications and speeds specified in the special instructions for each turnout govern movements through turnouts and crossovers.

13.1.3 Does Not Indicate Conditions Ahead

Cab signals will not indicate conditions ahead when the engine is:

Moving against the current of traffic,
Shoving cars.
or
Moving backward and not equipped for backward operation.

13.1.4 Cab Signals Cut In and Out

The cab signal on the lead unit must be cut in before entering and while operating within ACS territory and placed in partial cutout after leaving ACS territory.

The cab signal must be placed in partial cutout on all trailing units in ACS territory.

Before taking charge of an engine in or approaching ACS territory, the engineer must know that the cab signal devices are cut in and operative. The engineer must make a departure test if necessary.

Do not cut out cab signal devices while the train is in ACS territory, unless authorized to do so.

13.2 Normal Operation

13.2.1 Restrictive to More Favorable

When a cab signal changes from a restrictive to a more favorable indication where a block or interlocking signal is not located, train speed must not increase until the train moves a distance equal to its length or reaches the next governing block signal, whichever occurs first.

13.2.2 Favorable to More Restrictive

When a cab signal changes to a more restrictive indication, the engineer must comply promptly with the indication received.

Acknowledging Restrictive Indication When a cab signal changes to a more restrictive indication, the engineer must acknowledge the change with the acknowledging device. On engines not equipped with the Coded Cab Signal-Safety Control (CCS-SC) System, another member of the crew must immediately find out from the engineer why the warning whistle sounded longer than 6 seconds. When conditions require, the crew member must stop the train immediately.

On engines equipped with CCS-SC, the engineer must acknowledge the change within 6 seconds of receiving it to avoid a penalty brake application.

Penalty Brake Application Occurs

On engines equipped with CCS-SC, if the engineer does not acknowledge the more restrictive indication, a full service penalty brake application will occur automatically within 6 to 8 seconds. When this occurs, the engineer must do the following:

Place the automatic brake valve handle in suppression position and leave it there until the train stops.
Place the throttle in idle position.
Acknowledge the signal change with the acknowledging device.
After the train has stopped and the P.C. light goes out, place the automatic brake valve handle in release position.

13.2.3 Elimination of Audible Indicator

To keep the audible indicator from sounding while the train is stopped in a cab signal test loop, place the reverser handle in either the neutral or reverse position. This will change the cab signal to its most restrictive aspect. After acknowledging the signal change, no more signal changes will be received.

Place the reverser handle in the forward position to automatically restore the equipment to normal operation.

Since the reverser handle in trailing units is in neutral position, the audible indicator is automatically silenced on trailing units.

13.3 Unusual Conditions

13.3.1 Cab Signal and Block Signal Do Not Agree

If the cab signal does not display the proper ACS aspect shown in the Block and Interlocking Signal Rules, the engineer must follow the most restrictive block or cab signal indication. The engineer must promptly notify the train dispatcher of the location, signal number, and track where the signals did not agree.

13.3.2 Inoperative Cab Signal Device

The ACS system is to be considered inoperative when:

The audible indicator does not sound when the cab signal changes to a more restrictive indication.
The audible indicator continues to sound when the cab signal change is acknowledged.
The cab signal does not conform at two consecutive block or interlocking signal locations.
or
Any part of the cab signal device is damaged.

Known in Advance

When it is known in advance that the ACS system is inoperative in a specific area, crew members will be notified with a track bulletin.

13.3.3 Movement with an Inoperative Cab Signal Device

When it is determined the cab signal device is inoperative, the train may proceed according to block signal indications. However, the train must not exceed 40 MPH until it reaches a point where a crew member can report the defect to the train dispatcher.

The train dispatcher will:

Instruct the crew to cut out the cab signal device.
Establish an absolute block in advance of the train.

When the cab signal device has been cut out, the train must:

Proceed according to block signal indications, but it cannot exceed 79 MPH and must go slower if rules or conditions require.
Comply with Rule 11.2 (Signal Indications with Absolute Block).

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