Photo is from Hemi's album. But the question is from me. I thought I would post my question here in stead of in his album incase there may be one other person wondering the same question. This way I am asking the:nerd: question and others get to learn along with me. So Hemi what is a blue light and don't say a Big K sale.
Oh, darn, you stole the words right outta my mouth... That blue flag (and blue light at night) warns track crews, trains crews, etc. that equipment is not to be moved. The person that put the flag/lite up is the only one authorized to remove it, IIRC. That flag is put up when maintenance is being accomplished on the equipment, loading, unloading, fueling, etc. If I'm mistaken on this, someone please correct me!!! Here's a pair of new UP diesels spotted at the service area in Cheyenne, protected by blue flags:
Blue lights are applied to locomotives when they are being worked on by roundhouse workers. They are also used when doing air tests and other things in yards before leaving on a trip by carman. It is correct to say the only person who can remove the blue flag is the one who put it on.
When another person from another craft other than engineer or other train crew members (carman, electrician, pipe fitter, laborer, cab carpenter, machinist, etc.) is working on a locomotive or train that requires them to "break the plane" of either rail, or place them in a vulnerable position such as washing windshields, blue flag (light) protection must be provided. The engineer is not allowed to manipulate any controls that could cause movement and/or change the condition of the locomotive or train unless directed by the person or person of the same craft that applied the blue flag(light) protection. Only the person or person of the same craft that orginally applied the blue flag (light) may remove the blue flag(light) protection.
As a matter of safety, doesn't the rule also essentially take that track out of service? So that no other equipment can enter. Boxcab E50
blue flags/lights If a track crew or craft persons put a blue flag on the track its puts the track out of service untill its removed. and nothing on that track can be moved unless its by the person who place the flag
At one time, didn't they also have a special switch lock, for use only on a blue flagged track? Still true? Boxcab E50
Every department has their own kind of lock. It prevents someone from another department from accidentally opening and removing a lock. Maintenance of Way, Roundhouse personel, Car department, etc......
Hey Hemi, If it's ok with you, I'd like to use this photo on my blog with your credit as HemiAdda2d. I want to use it in an article thanking folk for waiting while I work on personal stuff. Please contact me.
