* STOP * (Running) - Swung at right angle to track.
Section I: GENERAL
1.1 Safety is the first and most important rule.
1.2 The Train Master is the final authority on train movements and facility
operation.
1.3 All engines will be run at a safe speed and must be under full control at all
times.
1.4 All trains, including engines “running light”, will carry a red flag.
Engineers must protect the rear of their trains.
1.5 Avoid stopping trains on the Main Line except in an emergency... a red flag on
the track means STOP!
1.6 Refueling, taking on water, firing and oiling shall be done in sidings or
locations provided.
1.7 All public passengers are to be loaded or unloaded at the station only.
Families and special guests are exempt, in which case you may use the yard,
sidings or cross-over area.
1.8 The Engineer has the final authority as to who may or may not ride on his
train. No Engineer is obligated to haul passengers.
1.9 Engineers and Trainmen are responsible for proper turnout alignment.
DO NOT run through closed switches; DO NOT leave a lock unlocked.
1.10 Use CORRECT whistle, hand, flag or communicator signals (See Section 2).
1.11 No one under the influence of alcohol, narcotics and/or drugs shall
operate equipment within the CVLS facility.
1.12 Engineers, Trainmen, CVLS Members and Guests shall support, enforce and
abide by these rules.
Section II: OPERATIONS
2.1 All train movements shall be under the supervision of the Train Master
or Dispatcher.
2.2 Any train about to move MUST sound the proper signal (See 2.11).
2.3 An engine “running light” is considered as a train and is subject to
these rules.
2.4 A train stopped on the Main Line must call out a flagman to protect the
rear with a red flag or light (night running).
2.5 Engineers and Trainmen are equally responsible for the proper alignment
or turnouts (switches). Normal position is for Main Line traffic.
2.6 All trains hauling passengers shall have a qualified Trainman on the
last car of the train, NO EXCEPTIONS (See 3.11).
2.7 Locomotives and trains hauling passengers must be operated by qualified
Engineers and Trainmen who are members of the CVLS Inc (See 3.11).
2.7a Junior Members qualified as Engineers "MAY NOT" haul public
passengers.
2.8 Trainmen shall use the proper hand and whistle signals and/or Channel
“B” radio communicators (See 2.9).
2.9 Hand Flag and Lamp Signals: “(running)” or “(standing)” indicates state
of train.
* STOP * (Running) - Swung at right angle to track.
* REDUCE SPEED * (Running) - Held horizontally at arm's length.
* PROCEED * (Standing) - Raised and lowered vertically.
* BACK * (Standing) - Small vertical circle swung at right angle to the track.
* APPLY BRAKES * (Running) - Swung horizontally above head.
* RELEASE BRAKES * (Standing) - Held above head.
* TRAIN HAS PARTED * (Running) - Large vertical circle swung across the track.
2.10 Engineers shall use the proper whistle signals and/or a radio
communicator to provide information about his train movement.
The whistle shall not be used unnecessarily (See 2.11).
2.11 Locomotive Whistle/Horn Signals.
Sounds should be distinct with 1 second pause in between.
A series of short sounds is an alarm for persons or animals
on track.
o = Short Sound ( 1.5 - 2 seconds long )
- = Long Sound ( 2.5 - 3 seconds long )
| Apply brakes, stop. | |
| Release brakes, proceed. | |
| Flagman, protect rear of train. | |
| Answer to signal not otherwise covered. | |
| When standing, answer to signal to back train. When running, answer to signal to stop at the next passenger station. | |
| Call for signals. | |
| Used when approaching public crossings at grade, at curves and other obscure places; prolong last sound until clear. | |
| Used as alternative to signal above. | |
| Train has parted. |
2.12 Communicating signals are used between Trainmen and Engineers. Signals or information shall be clear, concise and brief regarding train movements (See 2.13). Channel “B” communicators may be used for operations. 2.13 Communicating Signals: Used only between train and engine crews by pulling air signal cord or blowing whistle as follows:
o = Short Sound ( 1.5 - 2 seconds long )
- = Long Sound ( 2.5 - 3 seconds long )
| When standing, proceed. When running, stop. | |
| When standing, back the train. When running, stop at next passenger station. | |
| When standing, apply or release brakes. When running, reduce speed. | |
| When standing, recall the flagman. When running, increase speed. |
Section III: PERSONNEL 3.1 The chief concern of all operating personnel shall be the safety of visitors, guests and members of CVLS, their equipment and CVLS property. 3.2 All members share equal privileges and responsibilities in CVLS and its facilities. 3.3 The Board of Directors shall determine the qualification of operating personnel. 3.4 Train Master (1st Director): Responsible to the Board of Directors (BOD), the Train Master is the senior authority on all train movements and facility operation. He/she may appoint assistants to perform functions required for safe and proper operation. He/she must be familiar with and enforce all rules and regulations of CVLS. He/she has the authority to suspend or remover violators. He/she must be supported in actions and decisions by all CVLS members. 3.5 Station Master (Vice President, 2nd Director): Station Master (SM) is in complete charge of the station area, including trains, trainmen, switch tenders and passengers. He/she shall discreetly handle the loading and unloading of passengers, assisted by trainmen (See 1.8). He/she shall make certain that all passengers have been told, and understand, the safety instructions before the train leaves the station. He/she shall keep an accurate count of the number of passengers on all trains during his tour of duty. Control of turnouts to the station is directed by the SM. The replacement for the SM shall have a radio communicator (Channel “B”). 3.6 Engineers: The Engineer is responsible for the safe handling of his locomotive and train at all times, conforming to CVLS safety rules. He must work in cooperation with all other operating personnel, observing all rules and signals (whistle, hand, flag, light), respecting the rights of others. 3.7 Trainmen: Each Trainman shall have a communicator and red flag or light (night) in his/her possession while acting as Trainman. He/she shall flag or otherwise protect the rear of the train whenever stopped on the Main Line. He/she must assist the Station Master in loading/unloading passengers, and ascertain that all passengers on his train have been told and understand the safety instructions before signaling the engineer to proceed. He/she shall enforce all passenger safety rules while the train is in motion. He/she shall align all turnouts after use by his/her train, assist the Engineer, and call for help to enforce safety rules. 3.7a Suggested Guidelines for Trainmen: - Read the passenger safety rules at the station. - Remind passengers to keep hands and feet inside the train, not to reach out for anything, pay attention to children on the train, and to wait for the train to come to a complete stop before getting off. - Children under fence post height must have an adult with them. - Pregnant women should ride in gondolas only. Gondola's have a lower center of gravity. - Place adults with tiny children (babies, etc.) in gondolas if possible. Make sure all children are seated, not held in the adult’s arms. Babies should be tucked down in the gondola. - Bare foot passengers should be placed in gondolas if possible otherwise give them an extra warning about keeping their feet inside the train. - Place heaviest passengers in the center of the car. - No photography or video taping is allowed while on a public hauling train. - Stop and remove passengers from the train who are dragging their feet or hands or reach out to grab something while the train is in motion. - If a train separates (comes uncoupled), stop the back half of the train first, then signal the Engineer to stop. 3.8 Yard Master (3rd Director): Yard Master (YM) is responsible for loading and unloading equipment (he/she may appoint a Roundhouse Foreman), the location of rolling stock, movement of trains, turnout operation and all functions pertaining to the yards and steaming-bay areas. He/she shall be in charge of switchers (engines) to make-up and break-up trains according to Train Orders from the Train Master or the Dispatcher. 3.9 Dispatcher: The Dispatcher (DISP) is the Train Master’s authorized agent to direct the movement of trains by Train Orders, written (preferred) or verbal. 3.10 All CVLS Members shall be supportive and offer to assist in the facility and train operations. 3.11 Operating Personnel Qualifications: See rules 2.6 and 2.7. a. Qualified Engineers and Trainmen must be certified as “Steam Engineer”, and/or “Non-Steam Engineer”, and/or “Trainman”. b. Certification is accomplished by the following: 1. Read and understand the Safety and Operating (S&O) Rules of CVLS. 2. Take and pass the respective written exams. 3. Oral review of CVLS S&O Rules by CVLS Board of Directors (BOD) majority (at least two of the five current directors). 4. An “on-the-job” examination period must be completed with a designated (by BOD) examiner. c. “Qualification Certificate” approval will be entered on the inside back cover of this S&O Rule booklet. d. Junior Member qualification will be the same as for Regular Members. e. Visiting Engineers/Trainmen must comply with these regulations. f. An annual qualification review is mandatory. Section IV: EQUIPMENT 4.1 Wheel dimensions and coupler height must conform to CVLS standards for operation on CVLS track. 4.2 Coupling between locomotive and engineer’s riding/fuel car shall be secure (drawbar with lock-pins preferred). A safety chain between locomotive and riding/fuel car is recommended. In no case shall couplers, working and/or dummy, be used without a safety chain. 4.3 Steam boilers shall have an annual hydrostatic test. Such tests shall prove the boiler to withstand hydrostatic pressure of at least 50% above the normal working pressure of the boiler. Two safety valves are recommended, set within 10 PSI of each other, and shall be tested for satisfactory working pressure. The steam pressure gauge shall be tested for linearity reading. 4.4 Steam boiler test certificates issued by other recognized Live Steam clubs within the past twelve months will be honored by CVLS as valid. 4.5 Steam locomotives shall have an ash-pan fitted and installed to prevent the dropping of burning ashes or fuel on the ties or along the right-of-way. 4.6 All locomotives should be equipped with a whistle/horn or sounding device for sounding locomotive signals. 4.7 All locomotives and trains that operate after sunset shall have a front working headlight and a rear working red light. 4.8 Cars used to haul public passengers that do not have built-in seats shall NOT have improvised seating (boxes, boards or barrels; except Trainman’s seat). Section V: INCIDENT PROCEDURES 5.1 In the event of an accidental injury at the CVLS Facility (or sanctioned CVLS activity) the following guidelines will be used: a. Secure equipment (locomotive and rolling stock) to prevent movement and possible injury. b. Get help immediately (use communicator or send Trainman). c. Apply First Aid if within your capability. d. RECORD available information: Name, address, etc. of injured, witnesses and train-crew. Make NOTES of what happened, time, date, location, circumstances, nature of injuries, etc. Submit a written report to the board. e. Make inquiry as to need for medical attention and if injured party asks about medical expenses refer them to a Board Member if possible, or arrange to have the Board contact them. f. REPORT the accident to a Board Member IMMEDIATELY. No Exceptions.
SAFETY RULES FOR PASSENGERS
To be read at the station before departure:
Remember, SAFEY FIRST!!!