Page 19 - 39. MRH13-05-May2013
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Questions, Answers & Tips - 3
How can I continue construction without waiting for the track
joiner pipeline to refill?
A.
You can carry on with a flat file and a source of Micro
Engineering 26-083 Code 83 joiners. ME rail has a thinner
base, web and rail head than Atlas track, but the joiners can
be adapted. Walthers 948-841 Code 83 joiners are available.
With the flat file, cut a slight angle on the bottom of the base
and both sides. This will allow the smaller ME joiners to be
pushed on the rail. It takes some extra work, particularly when
installing switches, but gives a snug joint. You may decide that
you prefer the look of the smaller part. To save yourself some
time, file or grind a small screwdriver's tip so it will slide into the
skinny ME joiners and spread them out enough to slip onto the
fatter Atlas rail. You may get lucky and find a screwdriver that
works without modification.
– MRH
Blue flags
Q.
Can you explain blue flag rules for freight yards? Who can
place and remove a blue flag?
A.
That would be Rule 26 in the General Code of Operating
Rules, my collection of Union Pacific rulebooks, the Uniform
Code of Operating Rules, and in Steve Karas' and R.S. Hanmer's
made-for-model railroaders
Condensed Code of Operating Rules.
Here's what the 1968 Uniform Code says:
Blue signal. – A blue signal displayed at one or both ends of an
engine, car or train, indicates that workmen are on or about it;
when thus protected it must not be coupled to or moved. Each
class of workmen will display the blue signals and only those
same workmen are authorized to remove them. Other equip-
ment must not be placed on the same track so as to intercept the
view of the blue signals, without first notifying the workmen.
When emergency repair work is to be done under or about cars
in a train and a blue signal is not available, the engine men
will be notified and protection must be given those engaged in
making repairs
.
The GCOR, at least the 1989 edition, goes into more detail and
defines when the signal is to be applied. The signal must be
placed when workers are on, under or between equipment and
subject to personal injury if the equipment is moved. However,
train and yard crews are excluded,
“except when assigned to per-
form such work on railroad rolling equipment that is not part of
the train or yard movement they are handling or will handle.”
The GCOR goes on to say:
“NOTE: Servicing does not include
supplying cabooses, engines or passenger cars with items such
as ice, drinking water, tools, sanitary supplies, stationery or
flagging equipment.”
3
3. A “blue flag” can
be a signboard, cloth
flag, or a light, but it is
always used to protect
workers on railroad
equipment.
MRH-May 2013
