Automatic Block Signal (ABS) Rules apply only where designated by Timetable or Bulletin Order.  Their purpose is to control the movement of trains in territory where the entrance to each block is governed by fixed signals, cab signals, or both.  ABS signals convey to trains the occupancy and/or condition of the track ahead of them.  Under normal conditions train movements are authorized by these signals.

500.  Occupying or Fouling ABS Territory

  A train must not enter or foul ABS territory without a proceed indication on a controlled signal or verbal permission of the Dispatcher (or Operator when authorized by the Dispatcher).  When verbal permission is given to enter Rule 261 territory, the permission must include an authorized direction of movement.

  a.  Crew Responsibility at Hand-operated Switch

After permission is received to enter ABS territory at a hand-operated switch, crew members must take the following action to ensure adequate signal protection:

1.      At switch(es) not equipped with a bolt lock or an electric lock, a crew member must promptly operate the switch(es), and then wait 5 minutes before starting train movement.  If a train is seen or heard approaching on the track to be occupied before the 5 minutes has elapsed, switch(es) must be secured to normal position.  Permission must again be obtained from the Dispatcher or Operator to occupy the main track.

2.      At switch(es) equipped with a bolt lock but not an electric lock, a crew member must promptly operate the bolt lock and then wait 5 minutes before operating the switch(es).

3.      At switch(es) equipped with an electric lock, train movement may begin as soon as the switch(es) have been properly lined.

  b.  Relief from 5 Minute Wait

  The Dispatcher (or Operator when authorized by the Dispatcher) may relieve crew members from the 5 minute waiting period.  To do so, the Dispatcher must determine that no train is moving or has been authorized to move in the direction of the switch(es) from the last TBS, interlocking or controlled point.  When switch(es) have been lined for movement, a member of the crew must immediately notify the Dispatcher or Operator.  The Dispatcher must not authorize the movement of a train from the last TBS, interlocking or controlled point until this notification has been received.

  c.  Speed Entering ABS Territory Between Signals

  A train entering a block between signals must proceed at Restricted Speed until the entire train has entered the block and the leading wheels have passed the next block signal.  In cab signal territory, the train may proceed in accordance with cab signal rules and signals.

501.  Reverse Movement within the Limits of the Same Block

  A train may make a reverse movement, at Restricted Speed, within the limits of the same block when preceded by a crew member, who must be prepared to stop an opposing movement operating at Restricted Speed.

  The Dispatcher (or Operator when authorized by the Dispatcher) may permit a train to make a reverse movement, at Restricted Speed, within the limits of the same block, without a crew member preceding the movement.  A crew member must be stationed on the leading end of the movement to observe conditions ahead and take action to properly control the movement of the train.

  Before permission is granted, the Dispatcher must determine that the track to be used is clear of opposing movements and that blocking devices are applied to protect against opposing movements.

502.  Reverse Movement Beyond the Limits of the Block

  a.  On Tracks Where Rule 251 is in Effect

  Where Rule 251 is in effect, a train must not make a reverse movement beyond the limits of the block without Form D line 2 authority, as prescribed by non-signaled DCS rules.

  b.  On Tracks Where Rule 261 is in Effect

  Where Rule 261 is in effect, a train must not make a reverse movement beyond the limits of the block without verbal permission of the Dispatcher (or Operator when authorized by the Dispatcher).  Before permission is granted, the Dispatcher must determine that:

1. The track to be used is clear of opposing movements, and
2. Signals governing opposing movements are in Stop position, and
3. Block devices are applied to protect against opposing movements.

  Verbal permission to re-enter must be given in the following manner:

“No. 5306 engine 4129 reverse direction on No. 2 track at MP 5 and proceed west to MP 6.”

  Movement must operate at Restricted Speed until governed by a more favorable signal.

503.  Train Movement against Current of Traffic at an Interlocking

  The Dispatcher (or Operator when authorized by the Dispatcher) may verbally authorize movement against the current of traffic at an interlocking.  This movement is limited to one train length beyond the home signal.  Before authorizing such movement, the Dispatcher must determine that:

1. The track to be used is clear of opposing movements, and
2. Signals governing opposing movement are in Stop position, and
3. Blocking devices are applied to protect against opposing movements.

  The Operator must also communicate with the Dispatcher or Operator controlling the next interlocking, controlled point or TBS to ensure that there are no opposing movements in the block.

  The blocking devices holding opposing movements must remain applied until the movement against the current of traffic has been completed.

504.  Delay in a Block

  The following restrictions do not apply to trains that have cab signals in service for the direction of movement, or that have experienced a cab signal failure in Rule 562 territory (cab signals without fixed automatic block signals).

  a.  Trains Making Stops Other Than Station Stops

  If a train that has passed a block signal stops for any reason other than a passenger train making a station stop, it must proceed at Restricted Speed.  The train may resume the speed authorized by the last signal received when:

1. The next signal is seen to display a proceed indication, and
2. The track is known to be clear to the next signal.

  b.  Push-Pull Trains Making Station Stops or Slow Movement After Passing Distant Signal

  If a push-pull train that has passed a distant signal makes a station stop or reduces speed to less than 10 MPH, it must:

1. Approach the home signal prepared to stop, and
2. Not exceed 40 MPH, unless governed by a slower speed.

  The train may resume the speed authorized by the distant signal when the home signal is seen to display a proceed indication.

  If a push-pull train makes a stop other than a station stop in any block, it will be governed by paragraph “a” of this rule.

505.  Clearing a Block, Switches Restored to Normal Position

  a.  After Train Clears a Block; Reporting Clear

  When a train clears a block at a hand-operated switch or crossover, and the switch(es) have been restored to normal position, it must be reported clear to the Dispatcher or Operator by the Conductor, Engineer, or member of the crew authorized by the Conductor or Engineer.

  b.  At Hand-operated Switch or Crossover: Permission to Re-enter Block

  When hand-operated switch(es) have been restored to normal position, even though the train has not been reported clear of the block, it must not again enter that block without permission of the Dispatcher or Operator.

506.  Trains that Might Not Shunt

  Trains that might not shunt track circuits must not be operated in ABS territory without authority of the Dispatcher.  Following movements must not be permitted between TBS’s, interlockings or controlled points unless directed by Form D line 13 to operate at Restricted Speed.

  Blocking devices must be applied to protect against following movements.  The signal governing entrance to the affected track may be displayed to authorize movement, but must be immediately restored to Stop position once the non-shunting train has entered the block.

  The Dispatcher or Operator admitting the train to the block must notify the Dispatcher or Operator in charge of adjoining territory that the train is of a type that might not shunt track circuits.  Where Rule 261 is in effect, this notification must be given prior to admitting the train to the block, and the Dispatcher must provide blocking device protection against opposing movements 

507.  Track Conditions that May Cause Non-shunting

  If the condition of the track is such that track circuits may fail to shunt properly, not more than one train at a time will be permitted between TBS’s, interlockings or controlled points, unless directed by Form D line 13 to operate at Restricted Speed.  Blocking devices must be applied to the controls of switches and signals leading to the affected track.  The signal governing entrance to the affected track may be displayed only for an immediate movement, then immediately restored to Stop position.

508.  Automatic Block Signal Used in Non-ABS Territory

  An automatic block signal used in non-ABS territory will indicate the condition of the track between that signal AND:

1. The next signal, or
2. The “End Automatic Block” sign.

509.  “End Automatic Block” Sign Used in ABS Territory

  In addition to its use in non-ABS territory, an “End Automatic Block” sign may be used at the end of the ABS territory.  In such a case, the last automatic block signal will indicate the condition of the track only to the “End Automatic Block” sign.