Special Instructions

1.  SUPERIORITY OF TRAINS

  • Northward trains are superior to trains of the same class in the opposite direction
  • Layout direction
    • Clockwise = NORTHWARD
    • Counter-clockwise = SOUTHWARD


2. SWITCHES AND SWITCHING

  • Trainman to hand line all switches and verify point position
  • To prevent damage to engines and rolling stock, yield to yellow clearance points marked on yard switches (#8 frogs)
  • All switches are to be returned to Normal position when work completed and leaving area
    • White = Normal route
    • Red = Diverging route
  • Trainman to use a wand when uncoupling cars
  • A gate is located at Shapiro’s Scrap Metal in Millers; assure the gate is completely open (outwards) before heading into the scrap yard; please close gate when work is completed and leaving area


3. HEADLIGHTS, WHISTLE/HORN & BELL

  • Headlight should be illuminated on all moving engines; ProtoThrottles allow for DIM and full brightness – please use DIM
  • Use caution when approaching public grade crossings and sound whistle/horn
    • Whistle/horn may cease when front of engine enters the public grade crossing
    • Fusees are located on the Highway 61 public grade crossing in Ste. Genevieve. Light the fusees when switching for protection (burn time = 10 real minutes)
  • Engineers may ring engine bell when moving about station facilities, but a little bit goes a loooong way

4. OPERATION OF RIVER TRANSFERS

Instructions and Rules for government of crews operating Steamer Ste. Genevieve and engines serving the steamer:

Aligning Boat

  • Before any movement of the boat, trainman shall first ascertain that all tracks have blue flags set and secured to prevent car movement

Loading & Unloading Boat

  • The center track is worked first to avoid capsizing the boat
  • Before pulling cars off boat, trainman shall first ascertain that track on boat is properly lined with track on apron and that the blue flag has been removed
  • Engine speed must not exceed 4 MPH while shoving and pulling cars off boat

General

  • Boat engine or cars shall not stand on apron when boat is landing or backing away from the apron
  • In serving the boat, steam locomotives must always be headed up the incline; ie, they must back down the incline at all times (not applicable to diesel engines)
  • Idler car must always be used while engine is serving the boat
  • Maximum boat tonnage is 12 cars (maximum of 4 per track)

5. INOPERATIVE OR DERAILED EQUIPMENT

  • Crews should inspect moving trains during roll by for defects such as derailments, dragging glad hands, broken details or other unsafe conditions
    • If defects are found, trainman shall notify crew and pink-tag the offending car with a Bad Order slip (available in cupholders) and notify the clerk or superintendent
  • Equipment in need of repair is to be left at the nearest company track; avoid leaving bad ordered equipment on private sidings or spurs whenever possible
  • Notify Superintendent immediately for serious issues

6. YARD RESTRICTIONS

  • Yard limits extend southward from the Boat to the south end of Mosher
  • Northward trains should stop at the Yard Limits sign prior to Mosher and request clearance from the Yardmaster before proceeding
  • Maximum tonnage depends upon the train; see the Form 19 orders for each train
  • The A/D tracks are primarily for use by Middle Yard; the Incline Crew may use the secondary A/D track for run-around moves but should never store cars on these tracks