The first provision in this rule is also one that would seem scarcely necessary, but for the importance of emphasizing this point. Future experience and training may render it needless to include so simple a statement in these rules.
Train Rule 107, referred to in the second sentence, provides that a regular train 12 hours behind time loses all its rights, and is practically annulled.
The expiration of orders, with the expiration, under the rules, of the entire rights of a train which has received them, is a necessary consequence, although to some it might not be sufficiently clear without this authoritative statement.
The statement that, under these circumstances, orders "are annulled," leaves the mind in doubt as to whether they are simply annulled by the state of facts or by the process provided for annulling orders. In the publication of these rules as adopted by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company this doubt is removed by modifying the language to read, "Orders held by or issued for a regular train are to be considered as annulled when the train has lost its rights, as provided by Rule No. 107, and other trains will be governed accordingly."
The Chesapeake & Ohio road adds to Train Rule 107 a provision that a train having the right of track may take to a telegraph station a train that under this rule has lost the right to proceed. This seems a good provision, as such train has no right to proceed even as an extra, and under many circumstances the Dispatcher would have difficulty in getting control of a train without this help. The discussion of this belongs, however, more properly with the consideration of train rules.
Rule 524 (A)—A fixed signal must be used at each train-order office, which shall display red at all times when there is an operator on duty, except when changed to white to allow a train to pass after getting orders, or for which there are no orders.
When red is displayed all trains must come to a full stop, and not proceed as long as red is displayed. The signal must be returned to red as soon as a train has passed. It must only be fastened at white when no operator is on duty. This signal must also display red to hold trains running in the same direction the required time apart. Operators must be prepared with other signals to use promptly if the fixed signal should fail to work properly. If a signal is not displayed at a night office, trains which have not been previously notified must stop and inquire the cause, and report the facts to the superintendent from the next open telegraph office.
When a semaphore is used, the arm means red when horizontal and white when in an inclined position.
Rule 524 (B)—A fixed signal must be used at each train-order office, which shall display red when trains are to be stopped for orders. When there are no orders the signal must display white.
When an operator receives the signal "31" or "19," he must immediately display red, and then reply "red displayed." The signal must not be changed to white until the object for which red is displayed is accomplished.