Here are twelve photos taken Sunday,
June 8, 2008 at Union Station in Little Rock, Arkansas. There was a red
flag/banner test done on two trains while we were there, about 930 a.m.
According to Steve Graham: "It's called a banner test and can
only be done if a train is running at
restricted speed (by either being talked by a red signal or running in
yard/restricted limits). It tests the crews ability to stop
within 1
half the range of vision and short of any obstructions (i.e. trains,
switches lined against them, people on tracks, etc...) which is a
requirement for restricted speed. It's a common test performed on
crews by management and is required by the Feds. - Steve Grabman"
Below are some photos of the banner
test:
At 9 a.m., the two rules men were setting up the test. They were both
wearing boots. Note the banner-flag - the red color was on the other
side of the flag. The first track is the Amtrak siding, the second is
UP Main Two, the third is UP Main One, and the 4th is LRWN's track. We
had heard on the scanner that the dispatcher was talking the train
around the corner through a red signal.
Train was moving at restricted speed.
UP 2256 was the lead locomotive on the long intermodal.
At 9:47 a.m., a southbound starts to pass the northbound.
The 2256 heads out at 9:56 a.m., apparently passing the test.
Flag set up for another train at 10:06 a.m. Again, the other side of
the banner-flag is bright red. The two rules inspectors were off to the
side.
Train is approaching.
UP 1540 heads this one.
Another train on Main One stops to the right, althogh he had a green
board. I suspect he was just being cautious.
These were the only two trains tested. The two men drove away.
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