Rules for Engineers of Locomotives 2½-Inch Gauge and Larger

• An engineer must be familiar with the track layout and the meaning of signals before operating alone.
• If he does not have this familiarity, an engineer who does must accompany him until he gains such familiarity.
• An engineer must understand, respect, and adhere to established signal rules.
• The engineer must be completely familiar with the locomotive he is operating.
• An engineer must make a running brake test to be certain that he has fully effective brakes before entering the main line.
• A locomotive in service, or ready for service, must not be left unattended.
• At all times a train must proceed at a speed no greater than that which will permit it to stop safely within one-half the range of vision, allowing for downgrades and slick rails.
• Reduced speeds must be used within posted yard limits. Yard speed is defined as the speed of an average adult human walk.
• A train approaching a stopped train must make a safety stop 50-feet to the rear of the stopped train, and then may proceed slowly, with caution.
• Reverse movements are not permitted on the main unless protected by a flagman. The conductor or an appointed flagman must first protect the rear of the train by going back no less than 50-feet and showing a red flag or a light to any following train.
• An engineer must sound whistle or horn for all whistle posts.
• Do not stop on bridges or in tunnels except for signals or in an emergency.
• Any train operating at night must use a headlight and a red light on the end of the train.
• Any train with passengers occupying more than two cars or with more than six total passengers must have a qualified conductor on the last riding car to enforce passenger and train safety.
• Engineers and/or conductors may discharge unruly passengers.
• Ashpans must be emptied only over ash pits or steaming bays. Avoid stoking fires on bridges.
• An operator of a train is not obligated to give rides.

Approved by the PLS Membership April 20, 2002