a. Departure Test
The Cab Signal Apparatus on the leading end of the first engine or control car of each train must be tested and found to be operational within 24 hours before the engine or control car leaves it's initial terminal.
If test equipment is not available at a point where an intermediate unit will be required to become a lead unit, this test must also be tested at the initial terminal.
The employee performing the test must post a signed copy of the test results in the cab of the locomotive and must leave a signed copy of the test results at the test location.
If the cab signal apparatus is de-energized after the departure test is made, it must be tested again before entering cab signal territory. Engines dispatched from point in CSS territory to points where test tracks are not provided must have their cab signal apparatus energized for the entire trip. Test tracks at locations other than terminals will be specified in the Timetable.
EXPLANATION:
Each engine and control car that will be operated in Cab Signal territory must be tested within 24 hours before leaving it's initial terminal. The test results will appear on the ME10 card located in the cab of the engine or train. Normally, these tests are performed by a mechanical department employee when the train has it's daily inspection at the initial terminal. However, there are times when the engineer would need to use the "self tester", following instructions found in the TRO-4.
If the Cab Signal Apparatus is de-energized before departing the initial terminal it must not be allowed to leave the initial terminal until re-tested. If the Cab Signal Apparatus is de-energized after leaving the initial terminal, it is a Cab Signal failure. De-energizing would occur if the Cab Signal Apparatus had lost it's power source, including the backup power source.
Cutting Cab Signals out is not the same as de-energizing. Cutting out Cab Signals occurs when the engineers operates from CSS territory to territory where Cab Signals are not in effect. Cutting Cab Signals in occurs where the engineer operates from territory where CSS is not in effect to CSS territory.
b. Engineer's Test of the audible Indicator
After taking charge of an engine, the Engineer must assure himself that the cab signal apparatus is energized and the audible indicator will sound when the acknowledging device is operated. If the audible indicator fails to sound when the acknowledging device is operated, the Engineer must not enter equipped territory. He must communicate with the Dispatcher and advise him of the situation.
EXPLANATION:
When an engineer takes charge of a train of engine at an initial terminal, an outlying point or when changing ends of equipment, the Engineer must be certain that the Cab Signal apparatus is energized. The engineer must initiate a test of the acknowledger, operating either the acknowledging pedal or button to ensure the indicator sounds with a clear volume and tone. This ensures the acknowledging device works when the audible indicator sounds, which indicates a Cab Signal change.
If this test is dome at the initial terminal, and the acknowledger does not work as intended per NORAC rule 555, it is a Cab Signal failure, and the Cab Signal apparatus must be repaired before the equipment may leave the initial terminal.
If this test is done when changing ends, or the Engineer takes charge of a train enroute, and the acknowledger does not work as intended per NORAC rule 555, it is an enroute Cab Signal failure, and the Engineer must operate under NORAC rule 554 or 556 within the Cab Signal territory.
Rule Review:
Rule 551, Testing the cab signal apparatus:
Cab signal equipment on the leading end of the first engine or control car must be tested and found operational:
1. Within 24 hours before departing the
initial terminal.
2. Once a week or if a defect has been
reported.
3. Once a month.
4. When the engine is shopped.
If test equipment is not available at a point where an intermediate unit becomes a lead unit:
1. The intermediate unit cannot be used.
2. Speed is restricted to thirty (30)
MPH.
3. The unit must be tested at the initial
terminal.
4. The Dispatcher must be notified and
equipped territory not entered.
When the cab signal equipment is de-energized after the departure test has been made:
1. The equipment must be scrapped.
2. The equipment cannot leave the next
station.
3. The equipment must be tested again
prior to entering cab signal territory.
4. The engineer will be taken out of service.
Engines dispatched from terminal point in CSS territory must:
1. Continue to operate only in CSS territory.
2. Have the cab signal apparatus energized
for the entire trip.
3. De-energize the cab signal apparatus
when leaving CSS territory.
4. Be tested again before re-entering
CSS territory.
If the audible indicator fails to sound before departing the initial terminal:
1. The Dispatcher must be notified and
the equipment must not enter equipped territory.
2. The engine cannot leave the initial
terminal.
3. The shop must fix the cab signal equipment.
4. The engineer must report the defect
at the terminating station.
When necessary to operate an equipped unit or end that has not been given a departure test:
1, The unit may operate at normal speed,
wayside signals govern.
2. The cab signals must be considered
inoperative, rule 554 in effect.
3. The cab signals must be tested before
proceeding.
4. A crew member, qualified on the territory,
must remain in the cab with the engineer.