CANADIAN RAIL OPERATING RULES OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM OCS

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CANADIAN RAIL OPERATING RULES OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) These Rules were approved by the

CANADIAN RAIL OPERATING RULES OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) These Rules were approved by the Minister of Transport, January 16, 1990, under the authority of the Railway Safety Act of 1988 for use on federally regulated railways.

ABOUT THESE RULES I am using the rules from the first CROR. It was

ABOUT THESE RULES I am using the rules from the first CROR. It was an interesting book because it makes many references to train order practices. It was for use with a new system of rules but was still trying to be familiar. Some of the rules and terms were dropped, changed or migrated significantly in later revisions as the Canadian railways refined these rules into what they are today. The current CROR revision is dated 2008. This book has some rules that Model Railroaders may find useful for their operations. I am only quoting parts of rules that are immediately relevant to OCS operations and I am letting the rules “do the talking” wherever possible.

DEFINITIONS MAIN TRACK – A track extending through yards and between stations upon which

DEFINITIONS MAIN TRACK – A track extending through yards and between stations upon which trains or engines are authorized and governed by one or more methods of control. SIDING – A track auxiliary to the Main Track, for meeting or passing trains, which is so designated in the time table, GBO, train order or DOB. TRAIN – An engine or more than one engine coupled, with or without cars, or a track unit(s) so designated by its operating authority, displaying a marker(s). YARD LIMITS – That portion of the Main Track or Main Tracks within limits defined by yard limit signs.

SYMBOLS & DESIGNATIONS All regular trains have a symbol but the symbol is usually

SYMBOLS & DESIGNATIONS All regular trains have a symbol but the symbol is usually not part of the designation. They are still necessary because a train does not have the same locomotive every trip. They are useful for: planning, determining priority, reporting and accounting. You will often overhear crews using their symbol rather than their engine number.

DESIGNATION OF TRAINS & ENGINES REGULAR TRAINS 137(a) Except as otherwise indicated in the

DESIGNATION OF TRAINS & ENGINES REGULAR TRAINS 137(a) Except as otherwise indicated in the body of a GBO, clearance, train order or DOB, a regular train will be designated, e. g. : (i) No 4 Eng 456; (iii) No 26 Eng unknown (when unable to determine the engine number). (b) A regular train may be designated in the address of a clearance, GBO or train order, e. g. : No 4. this rule could be useful for the Undec RR or when you don’t want to acknowledge foreign locomotives. � As the above designations don’t specify a direction, they would need a schedule published.

DESIGNATION OF TRAINS & ENGINES

DESIGNATION OF TRAINS & ENGINES

DESIGNATION OF TRAINS & ENGINES 137(d) A work extra will be designated e. g.

DESIGNATION OF TRAINS & ENGINES 137(d) A work extra will be designated e. g. ; Work Extra 733. (e) A work extra operating a snow plow will be designated, e. g. ; Plow Work Extra 408. � note, work extras do not specify a direction. 308. WORK EXTRA AUTHORITY (b) A work extra may move in either direction between the points named on the clearance without flag protection, except as arranged under Rule 309 or 310.

DESIGNATION OF TRAINS & ENGINES VISITING AND FOREIGN ROAD EQUIPMENT 137(f) An engine of

DESIGNATION OF TRAINS & ENGINES VISITING AND FOREIGN ROAD EQUIPMENT 137(f) An engine of another railway or company will be designated by its initials and number, e. g. ; Eng ABC 234, Extra ABC 234 East, or No 76 Eng SRS 234.

IDENTIFIABLE LOCATIONS 81. 2 DEFINING OCS/CTC CLEARANCE LIMTS OF AUTHORITY (a) In an OCS/CTC

IDENTIFIABLE LOCATIONS 81. 2 DEFINING OCS/CTC CLEARANCE LIMTS OF AUTHORITY (a) In an OCS/CTC clearance, the limits of operating authority must be defined by identifiable locations. In this CROR, identifiable locations were listed in the Track Occupancy Rules!

IDENTIFIABLE LOCATIONS 49. (b) The limits of a TOP must be defined as between

IDENTIFIABLE LOCATIONS 49. (b) The limits of a TOP must be defined as between two identifiable locations, such as; (i) whole miles; (ii) (iii) specific siding switches; other main track switches specifying location or stating mileage; (iv) specific signals identified by number; (v) specific yard limit signs or cautionary limit signs, specifying location or stating mileage; or (vi) station names. Ù Infrastructure is also used, such as numbered or named bridges, or public crossings at grade if they are listed in the timetable.

IDENTIFIABLE LOCATIONS 81. 2 (b) When station names are used to define the limits,

IDENTIFIABLE LOCATIONS 81. 2 (b) When station names are used to define the limits, the authority does not include the use of the Main Track between the Siding switches at either of the stations named. Where there is no siding, the authority begins or ends at the designated switch. Where there is neither a Siding or a Designated Switch, the authority extends from or to the station. Ù With fewer station buildings, Station Name Sign (SNS), came into common use as an identifiable location.

IDENTIFIABLE LOCATIONS DESIGNATED SWITCH – A Main Track switch at the station at either

IDENTIFIABLE LOCATIONS DESIGNATED SWITCH – A Main Track switch at the station at either end of a subdivision, which is marked by a sign displaying the symbol and indicated in the time table by location. A short lived idea that was useful to mark the boundary between two subdivisions instead of Yard Limits. Model Railroaders could also use it to establish an identifiable switch amongst a complex of Main Track switches.

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 308. 1 CLEARANCE TO PROCEED Unless otherwise provided by

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 308. 1 CLEARANCE TO PROCEED Unless otherwise provided by rules or special instructions, when authorized to proceed by clearance, a train or transfer must move only in the specified direction.

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 304. RESTRICTION BEFORE LEAVING When a train has been

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 304. RESTRICTION BEFORE LEAVING When a train has been restricted by clearance, such train must not leave the point named until the opposing train or trains named on the clearance have arrived.

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 303. PROTECTION AGAINST FOLLOWING TRAINS (b) OUTSIDE ABS TERRITORY

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 303. PROTECTION AGAINST FOLLOWING TRAINS (b) OUTSIDE ABS TERRITORY Two trains may be authorized to proceed in the same direction, within the same limits, provided that each train is instructed on its clearance to protect against the other train. To just instruct the following train without also instructing the preceding train, see the next slide.

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 303. PROTECTION AGAINST FOLLOWING TRAINS (c) OUTSIDE ABS TERRITORY

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 303. PROTECTION AGAINST FOLLOWING TRAINS (c) OUTSIDE ABS TERRITORY On subdivisions or portions thereof designated in the time table where Rule 99. 3 is applicable two or more trains may authorized to proceed in the same direction within the same limits. 99. 3 RADIO PROTECTION AGAINST FOLLOWING TRAINS. (b) The RTC must not authorize a train to follow a preceding train until the crew of the following train has been restricted as follows; To___________ (following train) Protect Against __________ (preceding train) From ___________ (location).

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 308. WORK EXTRA AUTHORITY (b) A work extra may

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 308. WORK EXTRA AUTHORITY (b) A work extra may move in either direction between the points named on the clearance without flag protection, except as arranged under Rule 309 or 310.

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 309. TRAINS MOVING THROUGH WORKING LIMITS (a) To enter

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 309. TRAINS MOVING THROUGH WORKING LIMITS (a) To enter or move within the limits of one or more work extras, a train must be restricted by its clearance as follows: “Protect against Work Extra 733 ( and Work Extra 734) between Exeter and Jasper” (b) A train must not enter nor move within the working limits until a thorough understanding is established with the conductor and locomotive engineer of each work extra…

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 310. MULTIPLE WORK EXTRAS (a) Two or more work

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS) RULES 310. MULTIPLE WORK EXTRAS (a) Two or more work extras may be authorized within the same or overlapping limits. Each work extra must be restricted by its clearance to protect against each of the other work extras.

GENERAL PROCEDURES 134. BREVITY, CLARITY AND PRONUNCIATION (a) A GBO, clearance, train order, TOP,

GENERAL PROCEDURES 134. BREVITY, CLARITY AND PRONUNCIATION (a) A GBO, clearance, train order, TOP, authority, instruction and its record shall contain only essential information. It must be brief, but clear in its meaning, in the prescribed form when applicable, without erasure, alteration, interlineation or any condition which may render it difficult to read or understand. (d) In transmitting and repeating by voice communication, all words and numbers must be clearly pronounced. When the communication is required to be in writing, numbers will be pronounced in full, then repeated stating each digit separately. Numbers represented by a single digit must be pronounced, then spelled. (c) The employee transmitting or repeating communications required to be in writing must regulate the speed of transmission to allow compliance with this rule. RAC 2008. (c) is an effort to reign in “motor mouthed” employees.

GENERAL PROCEDURES 140. REPEATING AND COMPLETING (a) The employee copying a GBO, clearance, train

GENERAL PROCEDURES 140. REPEATING AND COMPLETING (a) The employee copying a GBO, clearance, train order, TOP or other authority from the RTC must unless otherwise directed by the RTC, repeat at once from the copy received, all applicable written and preprinted portions, … 140. 2 BECOMING EFFECTIVE A GBO, clearance, train order, TOP or other authority takes effect at the moment the complete time is given by the RTC. However the RTC must not take further action if there is a restriction contained therein until the complete time has been acknowledged by the employee copying. The employee copying must acknowledge the complete time by repeating the complete time and the initials of the RTC to the RTC.

GENERAL PROCEDURES 139. ERROR IN ISSUING OR COPYING (a) When issuing by voice communication,

GENERAL PROCEDURES 139. ERROR IN ISSUING OR COPYING (a) When issuing by voice communication, if an error is detected in a GBO, clearance, train order, TOP or other authority and before the complete time has been given to any employee, the RTC must direct that all copies be immediately destroyed. The record must be marked VOID. If reissued, those which require numbering must be given a new number. There is no shame in “burning a clearance” and starting again. It beats stammering, backtracking and confusing everyone. Just say “VOID”, clear your head, wait for the crew to get a new form and start again.

GENERAL PROCEDURES 145. CLEARANCE IN EFFECT An OCS/CTC clearance once in effect continues so

GENERAL PROCEDURES 145. CLEARANCE IN EFFECT An OCS/CTC clearance once in effect continues so until fulfilled or cancelled. Ù In practice, all OCS clearances are cancelled. 146. CANCELLING AN OCS/CTC CLEARANCE (a) Before an unfulfilled OCS/CTC clearance is cancelled, the train or engine addressed must be; (i) issued a new clearance to include the section of track occupied by the train, except that in OCS, the new clearance must not include a requirement to wait until the arrival of an opposing train; (i) clear of the limits of the clearance. 2008 RAC CROR. (ii) clear of the main track; or (iii) protected as prescribed by Rule 93 (Yard Limits), …

ABBREVIATIONS OPERATING RULES PSGR. . . Passenger N. The following abbrevia. SNS. . .

ABBREVIATIONS OPERATING RULES PSGR. . . Passenger N. The following abbrevia. SNS. . . Station Name Sign tions and acronyms as well as those authorized by special S. . . South instructions may be used: SDG. . . Siding CNDR…Conductor SWT or SW. . . Switch E…East W. . . West ENG. . . Engine WK. . . Work ENGR. . . Locomotive engineer YL. . . Yard Limits EX. . . Extra XOVER or XO. . . Crossover FRMN. . . Foreman XING. . . Crossing JCT. . Junction These abbreviations are from MP. . . Mile Post the RAC 2008 CROR except those that are italicized are N. . . North from special instructions.

CLEARANCES PROCEED CLEARANCE 1. The engine has a direction. 2. The address is the

CLEARANCES PROCEED CLEARANCE 1. The engine has a direction. 2. The address is the same as the origin but this is not necessary. 3. By giving the train the limit of West siding switch, the crew knows to stay on the Main track at Woodland.

CLEARANCES FIRST CLEARANCES TO EACH TRAIN 1. Neither first clearance makes any reference to

CLEARANCES FIRST CLEARANCES TO EACH TRAIN 1. Neither first clearance makes any reference to the opposing train. 2. By giving the crew on the Extra 4016 East the limit of West Siding Switch Woodland they know they cannot go further on the Main track, but can go into the siding.

CLEARANCES SECOND CLEARANCES TO EACH TRAIN 1. Both of the new clearances restrict the

CLEARANCES SECOND CLEARANCES TO EACH TRAIN 1. Both of the new clearances restrict the trains to not proceed until the other train has arrived at an specific switches at the meeting point. 2. When Item D. is to be used, the train must be able to identify the train indicated. It can’t already be past the meeting point.

CLEARANCES P FOLLOWING A PRECEDING TRAIN 1. Both clearances have identical limits. 2. The

CLEARANCES P FOLLOWING A PRECEDING TRAIN 1. Both clearances have identical limits. 2. The preceding train gets an ordinary proceed clearance. 3. Only the following train is instructed to protect against the other train (rule 99. 3). The “from” location in item F, is identical to the “from” in item B, on both clearances.

CLEARANCES TRAINS MOVING THROUGH WORKING LIMITS 1. Work Extra 4013 can continue with the

CLEARANCES TRAINS MOVING THROUGH WORKING LIMITS 1. Work Extra 4013 can continue with the clearance it already has. 2. Extra 4022 East must be instructed to protect the entire limits of the Work Extra in item E. 3. The Item B, entry limit for Extra 4022 East must be the same as the nearest limit of the Work Extra, but destination limit may be beyond the limits of the Work Extra.

CLEARANCES 310. MULTIPLE WORK EXTRAS 1. Work Extra 4013 had to receive a new

CLEARANCES 310. MULTIPLE WORK EXTRAS 1. Work Extra 4013 had to receive a new clearance to instruct it to protect against Work Extra 4008. 2. They could have both been given identical limits. In this example, their Item C limits are different but their Item E limits, where they overlap must be the same. 3. Either train could have been given their clearance first.

CLEARANCES CANCELLING CLEARANCES. 1. 4007 was able to cancel its clearance because it is

CLEARANCES CANCELLING CLEARANCES. 1. 4007 was able to cancel its clearance because it is now within the limits of its next clearance. 2. 4013 was able to cancel its clearance because it is now clear of the main track. 3. 4016 was able to cancel its clearance because even though it is on a main track, it is now within yard limits at Zephyr.

CLEARANCES USUAL METHOD OF CANCELLATION FOR A PROCEED TRAIN. In example 1; once Extra

CLEARANCES USUAL METHOD OF CANCELLATION FOR A PROCEED TRAIN. In example 1; once Extra 4010 West is entirely within the limits of clearance 622, it will contact the RTC to cancel clearance 621. The track behind clearance 622 is now available for 4002 to use.

CLEARANCES THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE CANCELLING A CLEARANCE WHILE ISSUING A NEW “ITEM

CLEARANCES THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE CANCELLING A CLEARANCE WHILE ISSUING A NEW “ITEM A” CLEARANCE. (i) issued a new clearance to include the section of track occupied by the train, … Example 2; Extra 4005 West will have to be issued yet another clearance before 4022 can get a clearance. The alternatives aren’t worth discussing.

CLEARANCES CANCELLING A CLEARANCE BY ISSUING A NEW “ITEM A” CLEARANCE, WITHOUT INCLUDING THE

CLEARANCES CANCELLING A CLEARANCE BY ISSUING A NEW “ITEM A” CLEARANCE, WITHOUT INCLUDING THE SECTION OF TRACK OCCUPIED BY THE TRAIN. Issuing Extra 4027 West a new clearance left it unprotected. Hopefully the crew was more alert than the RTC and stopped the process. Can you see a potential consequence?

CLEARANCES USES FOR ITEM “A” CLEARANCES CHANGING THE TYPE OF CLEARANCE USING AN ”ITEM

CLEARANCES USES FOR ITEM “A” CLEARANCES CHANGING THE TYPE OF CLEARANCE USING AN ”ITEM A” CLEARANCE. 1. When one type of clearance is superseded by another. In this case 4024 has been using a proceed clearance but now has some work to do.

CLEARANCES USES FOR ITEM “A” CLEARANCES CHANGING THE SIZE OF LIMITS USING AN “ITEM

CLEARANCES USES FOR ITEM “A” CLEARANCES CHANGING THE SIZE OF LIMITS USING AN “ITEM A” CLEARNACE. This is useful for giving a Proceed train or a Work Extra greater or lesser limits as conditions affect its work.

CLEARANCES USES FOR ITEM “A” CLEARANCES CHANGING THE LOCATION OF THE LIMITS USING AN

CLEARANCES USES FOR ITEM “A” CLEARANCES CHANGING THE LOCATION OF THE LIMITS USING AN “ITEM “A” CLEARANCE. When a Work Extra, using a location, shifts its work from one side of the location to the other.

FUN MODEL RAILROADING SHOULD BE FUN FOR EVERYONE. Observance of these rules in successive

FUN MODEL RAILROADING SHOULD BE FUN FOR EVERYONE. Observance of these rules in successive operating sessions will eventually produce operations that have a prototypical appearance, sound and feel. It won’t be long before participants feel they have learned the prototypes rules and can function in an operating session with them. As their knowledge and familiarity increases I believe everyone will feel that an operating session with rules is a rewarding and dare I say, a fun experience. In the meantime share and help those who aren’t as knowledgeable and the process of learning will go much quicker and be more fun for everyone. Gordon Mitchell Chief RTC British Columbia Southern Railway