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-16- When it is necessary to operate a train against the current of traffic in an automatic block signal System, Conrail Rule D-508 states:

When a train is operated against the current of traffic, manual block signal system rules must apply.

Operator may permit switching or similar movements against the current of traffic limited to a sufficient distance to clear the interlocking for a subsequent movement in the opposite direction.

Operators must be granted permission for such movement when a train has been authorized to move in the direction of the point where the movement is to be made.

When permission has been granted for a movement beyond the interlocking limits, the operator at that point and the operator in charge of the next block station or interlocking must know that the movement against the current of traffic has been completed before allowing a train to move in the direction of the point where such movement is being made.

Block stations designated in the timetable indicate the limits of the manual blocks except as otherwise provided in Rule D-308."

Block stations designated by timetable, bulletin order or train order indicate the limits of the manual block. When a train is directed by train order to run against the current of traffic to an interlocking remotely controlled, that portion of the main track between that interlocking and the first block station or interlocking in the rear will constitute a block for that train."

Train order No. 305, as issued by the train dispatcher, established the limits of the manual block as the remote interlocking at DV and the interlocking at OW.

Conrail Timetable Special Instruction 1157-C2 indicates that the maximum authorized speed of a freight train operating against the current of traffic between "MO" and "CD," which includes the accident site, is 40 mph. Conrail timetable special instruction 1157-C1 indicates that the speed of a passenger train in the area of the accident is 60 mph. (See appendix E.)

Conrail rules require that a form "J" holding order must be addressed to the operator at the point to be restricted before a train order is issued to a train to be operated against the current of traffic. The instructions state:

These orders will be addressed to the operator and must not be transmitted by the train dispatcher until the Operator has placed the fixed signal at "stop" for the track and in the direction of the approaching train to be held, displayed train order signal, applied blocking devices to switch or signal controls governing all routes to the track affected, and stated to the train dispatcher "stop signal and train order signal displayed."

When a train has been so held, it must not proceed until the order to hold is annulled or an order given to the operator in the form:

No. ENG. MAY GO.

Conrail Rules 201 states "Train order signal is indicated by a yellow flag by day or a yellow light by night attached to the building where train orders are delivered, or a flashing letter "O" attached to the mast of the fixed signal governing movement."