Re: Flagging

I just got this off the FRA's web site. It reads in part...
TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PART 218--RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES
Sec. 218.37 Flag protection. (a) After August 1, 1977, each railroad must have in effect an operating rule:
(iii) When a train stops on main track, flag protection against following trains on the same track must be provided as follows: A crew member with flagman's signals must immediately go back at least the distance prescribed by timetable or other instructions for the territory, place at least two torpedoes on the rail at least 100 feet apart and display one lighted fusee. He may then return one-half of the distance to his train where he must remain until he has stopped the approaching train or is recalled...
Sec. 218.9 Civil penalty. Any person who violates any requirement of this part or causes the violation of any such requirement is subject to a civil penalty of at least $500 and not more than $11,000 per violation, except that: Penalties may be assessed against individuals only for willful violations, and, where a grossly negligent violation or a pattern of repeated violations has created an imminent hazard of death or injury to persons, or has caused death or injury, a penalty not to exceed $22,000 per violation may be assessed. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. See appendix A to this part for a statement of agency civil penalty policy.
The Strasburg Rail Road carries 6 fusees, 6 torpedos, and a red flag on every train, and there is no cause for embarrassment if the FRA man should happen to ask.
You better be careful, guys.