Reverse Moves

Single track ? double track ? dark territory ? Signalled for one direction only ? it depends...

There are lots of particulars depending on the timetable rules in effect. However, in general. if the train has permission (train order) to operate in both directions within specific control points or stations, it can move freely within those parameters. If only in one direction is permitted by the train order, then every move is controlled by the dispatcher.  Signaled territory adds another dimension.  I'm sure some of our dispatcher friends on this forum will elaborate.        

There's too many variables in your question. 

Tommy,

As you can see from the responses, there are different operating rules in use by different railroads that must cover different kinds of trackage and signaling. Many of the rules are similar from road to road but there are specific was they are understood and used.  For example I work under rules that use "DCS" rules (referring to the form that controls movement) in dark (non signaled) territory.  And there are many other combinations to consider.

To help you out, why don't you tell us which railroad you are most familiar with or interested in and a geographical point of reference.  Perhaps experienced folks in your area can point out a specific line and  offer some scenarios that can help.   

Or turn the bell on blow 3 times and back up !

Thanks. My experience was operating over NJT tracks, with the Morristown and Erie - i remembered the wrong railroad at first ...and I was in the cab when we had  near collision. The engine was being chartered for movie work. Long time ago. The engineer is deceased. No point digging up bones. Just trying to answer an old question. Thanks for the answers.

Under what circumstances does an engineer require dispatch authorization to run in reverse?

All circumstances if operating as a train.

Say he stops because of a bad car, leaves part of the train and goes ahead to a siding several miles up the line. Can he return without a special order? Yes he  can  on single track.. Same thing ,  doubling a hill.

Tommy posted:

Under what circumstances does an engineer require dispatch authorization to run in reverse? Say he stops because of a bad car, leaves part of the train and goes ahead to a siding several miles up the line. Can he return without a special order?

That's a good question, Tommy.  But there's not just one answer.

It depends on what method of operation is in effect on that particular track and what type of authority the train has on that track.  If there is no switch at which another train or engine could enter the main track between the detached portion of the train and the point at which the front portion of the train wants to begin making a movement in reverse, then it's pretty simple.  It can get more complicated if there are crossovers or other tracks entering the main track between the end of forward movement and the beginning of the reverse movement.

Then  there are section crews with their speeders and other equipment  waiting for a train to pass  so they can get out to do their work or move.    Section crews must know for sure the complete train has passed them and not only part of the train as in the train setting out a bad order car  or  doubling...How do they know????  we need to know the definition of a train...

I  sort of wondered when the section crews were getting  the morning line up of the traffic , times  and different waits of  trains on their territory, right on the bottom of the line up form it would say.... Other trains &  gas  cars may operate at any time in any direction...... Yikes!! Yes I know things have changed.

Gregg posted:

How do they know????  we need to know the definition of a train...

And the secret word that nobody has typed is..."MARKER"!!!

Thanks for taking time to reply.

Tommy,
All of this isn't quite as hard as it may sound. Yes, there are a lot of ifs , ands & buts. Loosely, you can do what you want on the head end between control points (Stop & Stay signals), just don't reverse the "marker". If you need to work by a control point, you will need permission of some sort.