NORAC Signal Rule 562 (and 563)

562. Movements in Territory Where Cab Signals are Used Without Fixed Automatic Block Signals

The following requirements apply in territory designated by Timetable or Bulletin Order where cab signals are used without fixed automatic block signals. Rules 554 and 556 will not apply in territory where this rule is in effect.

a. Signal Indications

Interlocking and controlled point signal indications will govern movement within interlocking limits or through controlled points only. Distant signals, where in service, will govern approach to home signals. Between fixed signals, movement will be governed by cab signals.

If the cab signal and fixed signal do not conform when a train passes an interlocking or controlled point signal governing movement into or within Rule 562 territory, the more restrictive signal indication will govern movement through the interlocking or controlled point. Once the train clears the interlocking or controlled point, movement will be governed solely by the cab signal.

b. Reverse Movements

Reverse movement must not be made without verbal permission of the Dispatcher. Before granting permission, the Dispatcher must determine that the track to be used is clear of opposing movements, and must ensure that blocking devices are applied to protect against opposing movements. Reverse movement must be made at Restricted Speed.

c. Failure of Cab Signals

The movement of a train equipped with Cab Signals not in operative condition for the direction of movement is prohibited. The only exception is when failure occurs after the engine leaves its initial terminal.

If the Cab Signal fails en route, the Engineer must take the following actions:

Notify the Dispatcher and Conductor as soon as possible without delay to the train. The reason and location of the failure must be included in this report.
Operate at Restricted Speed, unless governed by a "Clear to Next Interlocking" signal, or a Form D line 13 authorizing Rule 563.
Consider the failed apparatus as inoperative until the engine has been repaired, tested and found to be functioning properly.

The Dispatcher must inform the Dispatcher of the connecting dispatching district, division, or railroad of the train with inoperative Cab Signals.

Conductors of trains approaching Rule 562 territory with inoperative cab signals must remind their Engineer of the requirements of item (2) above, when the train is 2 miles from the Rule 562 territory, or at the last station stop prior to the Rule 562 territory.

d. Failure of Speed Control and/or Automatic Train Stop, With Cab Signals Still Working

The movement of a train equipped with Speed Control or Automatic Train Stop not in operative condition for the direction of movement is prohibited. The only exception is when failure occurs after the engine leaves its initial terminal.

If the Speed Control and/or Automatic Train Stop fails en route, but the Cab Signal remains operative, the Engineer must take the following actions: (If the Cab Signal fails as well, be governed by Part "c" above.)

Notify the Dispatcher and Conductor as soon as possible without delay to the train. The reason and location of the failure must be included in this report.
Do not exceed 40 MPH unless governed by a "Clear to Next Interlocking" signal or a Form D Line 13 authorizing Rule 563.
Consider the failed apparatus as inoperative until the engine has been repaired, tested and found to be functioning properly.

The Dispatcher must inform the Dispatcher of the connecting dispatching district, division, or railroad of the train with inoperative Speed Control and/or Automatic Train Stop.

e. Engineer Not on Leading End

A train operating with the Engineer on other than the leading end of the movement must operate at Restricted Speed, unless governed by a "Clear to Next Interlocking" signal, or a Form D line 13 authorizing Rule 563.

f. Field Part of CSS Inoperative

When the field part of the CSS is removed from service by the Signal Department, trains with operative cab signals may be authorized by the Dispatcher to operate according to Rule 280a, "Clear to Next Interlocking."

The Dispatcher must inform trains of the limits of the CSS outage, and the interlocking(s) where Rule 280(a) will be displayed. Trains must approach the interlocking(s) where Rule 280(a) is to be displayed prepared to stop. If Rule 280(a) is not displayed, trains must stop and contact the Dispatcher for instructions.

If Rule 280(a) cannot be displayed, trains must receive Form D line 6 (and line 2) substituting DCS Rules for ABS Rules, or Form D line 13 to operate at Restricted Speed to the next interlocking.

563. Form D Authorization for Movement in Rule 562 Territory

Trains operating in Rule 562 territory that have experienced a cab signal, speed control, or automatic train stop failure, or that are operating with the Engineer on other than the leading end of the movement, may be authorized by Form D line 13 to operate according to this rule when "Clear to Next Interlocking" signal cannot be displayed.

The Dispatcher must ensure that the track to be used is clear before issuing Form D line 13, which must be issued in the following format: "Operate according to Rule 563 on No. 2 track from Tulsa to Parker" Trains receiving this Form D must not exceed 70 MPH within the designated limits. In addition, trains with inoperative cab signals or with the Engineer on other than the leading end must:

Approach home signals prepared to stop, unless Approach Normal (Rule 280b) is displayed on a distant signal prior to the home signal.
Determine that all non-interlocked facing point switches are properly lined before passing over them, unless otherwise instructed on Form D Line 13.
Determine that warning devices have been operating at least 20 seconds or gates (if equipped) are horizontal before occupying highway crossings equipped with automatic warning devices, unless otherwise instructed on Form D Line 13.

Source: NORAC 8th Edition NJT