Figure 1.12. Gasoline-Powered Ballast Regulator.
Rule M, c from the same source is so basic its significance is often overlooked: "Personnel must expect
the movement of trains, engines, or cars at any time, on any track, in either direction."
Because track raising interferes with the safe passage of trains, protection is necessary. On double track,
for example, east-bound trains should be routed over the westbound track to pass the work area, to provide
maximum safety for the trains and minimum interference with the work. The track supervisor must check with
the dispatcher and get him to "give you the track." He is then required to route the trains around you. Then the
track foreman must station flagmen to protect against any train that, because of a misunderstanding, might
approach on a track on which work is in progress.
Often the solution is not so simple. The method just described cannot be used on a single- or a multiple-
track line where traffic is so heavy that all the tracks are required to take care of the large number of trains. Then
the job must be done in such a way that the track maintenance men can not only immediately make the track safe
for an approaching train to pass the repair site but also move out of danger themselves while it passes.
When working track that is under service, watchmen with whistles and signs are stationed in the direction
of expected trains
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