2, 3
of special instructions. Sometimes they’re just folded into the
employee timetable. Special rules can be a very useful tool for
modelers because they spell out exactly how to cope with local
conditions.
For examples, we’ll look at the Union Pacific’s “Special Rules
No. 17” [2, 3] for the Idaho Division of the Northwestern
District. They were effective Sunday, July 10, 1966.
Every employee whose duties were in any way affected by the
instructions had to have a copy with them while on duty.
2-3. The Special Rules cover tells what part of the
railroad they cover, and when the rules go into effect.
Special instructions call for actions in specific situa-
tions, like modulating whistles “as much as possible”
or using the locomotive warning bell in the Glenns
Ferry ID industrial district.
The document, the same size as an employee timetable, runs
20 pages. Sections include special rules for all subdivisions,
rules for specific terminal areas, rules for each subdivision, and
tonnage ratings for diesel locomotives in freight service for
specific track segments.
Some subdivision rules tell where trains must receive clear-
ances to proceed – several subs in this district were operated
by timetable and train order. Others talk about positioning
heavy cars in trains to protect bridges or lightly built branch
lines. Other instructions say where extra brakes have to be set
to keep cars from rolling away on sidings, or spell out where
substandard clearances are a hazard.
It sounds like a lot of information to absorb, on top of a rule
book and timetable, but the instructions are for crews working
the same areas day after day. For example,
NOTE:
At Monida, train crews must know that apron on loading
platform Simplot track is clear before moving cars past tipple.
Any guesses how many loading platform aprons were
crumpled?
Others relate to specific local conditions:
Flag Protection
99
(T)
. Trains may be relieved from protecting against following
extra trains by Example (7) of train order Form E, only on the
branches named:
... and it goes on to list eight branches which only merited
one or two daily scheduled trains in normal operation. It also
includes:
99
(U)
. On following branches, between 6 A.M. and 6
P.M. daily, all extra trains must move at restricted speed
Questions, Answers & Tips - 4
MRH-Sep 2014
