Rules: Thought you would never ask
Simplified Rulebook
(covering operations on the Rideau, Algonquin and Kawartha Subdivisions)
Effective January 1, 1948
By authority of Thomas Hood, President and Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Northern Simplified TT&TO Rulebook
Prototype railroad's rule books for TT&TO, known as the Unified Code, are big and complicated. The complications are necessary to cover every possible circumstance over all permutations of signalled and dark territory, single and multiple tracks, and a wide variety of operating conditions. The Canadian Northern Railroad has a simplified rulebook far easier to learn containing the following rules.
Rule 5.
The time shown in the timetable for a train at a station is its departure time. No train shall depart a station in advance of its scheduled time.
Rule 71.
A train is superior to another train by right, class, or direction.
Right is conferred by train order, class and direction by timetable.
Right by train order is superior to class or direction.
Direction is superior only between trains of the same class
Rule 72.
Trains of the first class are superior to those of the second, trains of the second class are superior to those of the third; and so on. Trains travelling eastbound as specified by the timetable are superior to trains of the same class in the opposite directions.
Rule 73.
Extra trains are inferior to regular trains.
Rule 81.
A main track must not be occupied without authority AND it must not be fouled until, by observation or protection by flagmen, the engineer or the conductor is assured it is safe to do so.
Rule 82A.
Regular trains, unless otherwise provided, will be authorized at their initial stations by clearance.
Rule 83.
A train must not leave its initial station, or a junction, or an intermediate station where schedules originate or terminate, until it has been ascertained whether all superior trains due have arrived or left.
Rule 83A.
The information called for by a train register must be entered and the register checked by the conductor of any scheduled train at all locations where a register is maintained. An extra train will register only at a register station where it originates or terminates, unless otherwise directed.
Rule 85.
Trains of one schedule may pass trains of another schedule of the same class. Second and inferior class and extra trains may pass and run ahead of second and inferior class and extra trains. A section may not pass and run ahead of another section of the same schedule.
Rule 86.
Unless otherwise provided, an inferior train must be in the clear at the time a superior train in the same direction is due to leave the next station in the rear.
Rule 87.
At a meeting point between trains, the inferior train must clear the main track with turnouts lined behind 5 minutes before a scheduled superior train. Where the Timetable does not show a time for the superior train at the meeting point, the inferior train must clear the main no later than the scheduled departure time at the next station of a superior opposing train.
Rule 88.
Extra trains will be created by a train order and governed by train orders with respect to opposing extra trains. At a meeting point between extras, the train in the inferior timetable direction must take the siding, unless otherwise provided by train order.
Rule 89.
When an inferior train fails to clear a superior train by the time required by rule, it must be protected at that time as prescribed by rule 99.
Rule 93.
Within yard limits, engines may use the main track without train order authority, clearing or protecting against first-class trains and without flag protection against second and inferior class trains, extra trains and engines.
Rule 95.
Two or more sections may be run on the same schedule. Each section has equal timetable authority.
Rule 99
A train occupying a main track without authority must send out flag men in both directions to protect against overtaking and opposing trains.
Rule 200.
Train orders properly issued by the dispatcher and delivered to train crews take precedence over the timetable
Rule 220.
Train orders once in effect continue so until fulfilled, superseded, or annulled.
Other Rules
Rule A.
Train crews shall have a current copy of the Employee Timetable in their possession.
Rule B.
The clock on the Dispatcher’s desk shall be taken as the authoritative time
Rule C.
No train may leave its originating station without registering the train with the Dispatcher and obtaining a valid clearance. This clearance, provided verbally by the Dispatcher, will also provide a check on the overdue arrival or departure of superior trains.
Rule D.
The conductors of all scheduled trains passing through Bytown Junction shall sign the register maintained on that site. In accordance with Rule 83A, the crew of all trains will check the register at Bytown Junction to determine if all superior trains have arrived and departed.
Rule E.
Train crews shall register their train with the Dispatcher at the termination point of the train.
Rule F.
Train crews shall leave 2 minutes space when following another train.