Observance of these rules is required. Only members and guests willing to abide by them will be allowed to operate equipment at the Club track.
All GGLS members share responsibility for maintaining safe operations and conditions at Club facilities.
The Board of Directors and the Safety Committee thank you for your cooperation
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | General Procedures |
| 2 | Equipment |
| 3 | Operating Procedures |
| 4 | Passenger Transport |
| 5 | Signaling Procedures |
| 6 | Safety Committee |
| 7 | Security of Property |
| 8 | Fuel Storage in GGLS Facilities |
| Section 1 | General Procedures |
|---|---|
| 1.01 | Speed Limit |
| 1.02 | Visitors |
| 1.03 | Conduct |
| 1.04 | Pets |
| 1.05 | Children |
| 1.06 | Engines Running Light |
| Section 2 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2.01 | Ashpan |
| 2.02 | Signaling Devices |
| 2.02.1 | Daylight Operations |
| 2.02.2 | Nighttime Operations |
| 2.02.3 | Periods of Low Visibility |
| 2.03 | Safety Chains |
| 2.04 | Wheel Dimensions and Coupler Heights |
| 2.05 | Emergency Shutdown |
| 2.06 | Water Pumps and Injectors |
| 2.07 | Sight Glasses |
| 2.08 | Brakes |
| 2.09 | Safety Valves |
| 2.10 | Operating Controls |
| 2.11 | Boiler Certification |
| 2.12 | Duration of Certification |
| 2.13 | Certification Standards |
| 2.14 | Procedures |
| 2.15 | Certificate Inspection |
| 2.16 | Dates of Inspection |
| 2.17 | Fluids Discharge |
| Section 3 | Operating Procedures |
|---|---|
| 3.01 | Duties of the Engineer |
| 3.02 | Unloading |
| 3.03 | Departure from Steaming Bay |
| 3.04 | Direction of Movement |
| 3.05 | Speed Limits |
| 3.06 | Separation of Trains |
| 3.07 | Block Signals |
| 3.07.1 | Length of Blocks |
| 3.08 | Switches |
| 3.08.1 | Realignment of Switches |
| 3.09 | Backing |
| 3.10 | Approaching Stopped Trains |
| 3.11 | Stopping |
| 3.11.1 | Duties of Brakemen |
| 3.12 | High Track Riding Cars |
| 3.13 | Propane Fueling |
| 3.14 | Access to Round House Area |
| 3.15 | High Track Safety |
| Section 4 | Passenger Transport |
|---|---|
| 4.01 | Transport of the General Public |
| 4.02 | Conduct of Passengers |
| 4.03 | Boarding of Passengers |
| 4.04 | Duties of Brakemen |
| Section 5 | Signaling Procedures |
|---|---|
| 5.01 | General Hand Signals |
| 5.02 | Signals of the Engineer |
| 5.03 | Signals of the Brakeman |
| Section 6 | Safety Committee |
|---|---|
| 6.01 | Chairman |
| 6.02 | Boiler Inspectors |
| 6.03 | Removal of Trains |
| 6.04 | Blue Tags |
| 6.05 | Train Inspections |
| 6.06 | Protest of Actions |
| 6.07 | Emergencies as Justification |
| 6.08 | Infraction of The Rules |
| 6.09 | Accidents |
| 6.10 | Failure to Appear |
| 6.11 | Badge of Authority |
| 6.12 | Exceptions |
| Section 7 | Security of Property |
|---|---|
| 7.01 | Protection of GGLS Facilities |
| Section 8 | Fuel Storage at GGLS Facilities |
|---|---|
| 8.01 | Fuel Storage |
| 8.02 | Fuel Types Allowed |
| 8.03 | Fuel Types Not Allowed |
| 8.04 | Battery Storage and Charging |
| 8.05 | Charging Options |
The Golden Gate Live Steamers, Inc. SAFETY AND OPERATING RULES are issued by the authority of the Board of Directors and under the direction of the Chairman of the Safety Committee. This Manual contains information, rules and procedures required for safe and effective operation. However, it is not a substitute for sound judgment. Emergency conditions, available facilities, adverse weather or terrain, or considerations affecting the lives and property of others may require modification of the procedures contained herein. It is your responsibility to read this manual and to have a complete knowledge and understanding of its contents.
Section 1 - General Procedures
All trains will be run at a safe speed and be under complete control at all times. Reduced speed shall be observed in congested areas and in areas with close clearances. RULE 3.05 delineates specified speed limitations.
A GGLS member will escort visitors or guests when in the steaming bays. Members or guests who need to get close to tracks for photography shall have an escort to keep a lookout for oncoming trains or equipment movement.
Consumption of drugs or alcoholic beverages is not compatible with the operation of live steam equipment. Abuse of this rule which could endanger GGLS members, guests, or the public will not be allowed and will be reason for prohibiting operation and for removal of equipment from the track. Use of abusive and intemperate language will not be allowed.
Dogs, cats, or other pets of any kind shall not be allowed on the grounds or within the clubhouse.
Children shall be supervised at all times. Parents or guardians shall be responsible for their actions and safety.
All engines running lights shall be considered as a train and be subject to all safety and operating rules.
Back to the top of Section 1 | Back to the Table of Contents
Section 2 - Equipment
Steam boilers burning solid fuel shall have an ashpan constructed and installed to prevent dropping of burning ashes or fuel along the right-of-way. Except in emergency, ashes shall be dumped only at the steaming bays, or at a pit near the roundhouse. Engineers shall be responsible for immediately extinguishing burning ashes dropped on the track, wherever they are dropped.
All locomotive shall be equipped with a whistle, horn, or other sounding device producing audible signals. Brakemen shall be equipped with a red flag and whistle for passing on visual and audible signals.
All trains operating after sunset shall be equipped in the following manner:
- Working headlight
- Lighted cab
- Marker light, or lantern on the rear of the last car
- Brakemen shall have a lighted lantern or flashlight suitable for giving hand signal.
2.02.3 Periods of Low Visibility
Nighttime Operations RULE 2.02.2 shall apply for operations during periods of low visibility.
All trains shall have safety chains or similar safety devices between the locomotive and any car behind the engine occupied or not.
2.04 Wheel Dimensions and Coupler Heights
Wheel dimensions, gauges, and profiles for all locomotives and equipment shall conform to the standards as depicted in Figure 2.1 and Table 2.1. Any equipment run on the club track is subject to inspection by the Safety Committee. Failure to submit to or to pass such inspection may result in removal of the equipment from the GGLS track subject to GGLS Safety Committee decision.
| Figure 2.1 Wheel Standards Drawing | |
|---|---|
|  |
| Tire Profile | Coupler Height |
| GGLS Standards | IBLS Standards | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale (in. to ft.) | 1-1/2 | 1 | 3/4 | 1/2 | 1-1/2 | 1 | 3/4 | |
| A | Track gauge (G1) | 7-1/2 | 4-3/4 | 3-1/2 | 2-1/2 | 7.50 (min) | 4.75 (min) | 3.50 (min) |
| B | Back to Back (G2&I1) | 7-1/8 | 4-7/16 | 3-9/32 | 2-9/32 | 7.120 | 4.437 | 3.281 |
| C | Wheel gauge (G3&I2) | 7-7/16 | 4-11/16 | 3-15/32 | 2-15/32 | 7.440 | 4.690 | 3.470 |
| D | Wheel width (min) | 3/4 | 9/16 | 7/16 | 9/32 | 0.750 (min) | 0.505 (min) | 0.406 (min) |
| E | Flange thick (max) | .156 | .125 | .094 | .063 | 0.156 (max) | 0.125 (max) | 0.094 (max) |
| F | Flange depth (max) | .187 | .156 | .094 | .075 | 0.187 (max) | 0.140 (max) | 0.094 (max) |
| G | Contour of flange | rounded | ||||||
| H | Inside radius (max) | 1/16 | 3/64 | 1/32 | .025 | 0.094 ±.015 | 0.062 ±.010 | 0.047 ±.008 |
| TW | Taper of wheels | 2-1/2 degrees max. | 2°50' max. | |||||
| TF | Taper of flange | 10 degrees ±3 degrees | ||||||
| J | Coupler height | 4-7/16 | 2-29/32 | 2-7/32 | 1-15/16 | |||
| Tolerance Notes | G1 | +1/16, -0 | I1 | All +.020 -.000 | ||||
| G2 | +.015, -.000 | I2 | All +.000 -.020 | |||||
| G3 | +.000, -.015 | |||||||
Steam boilers shall have the capability to shut off heat immediately in the case of emergency. Oil and LP Gas fired boilers shall have a valve or other means to stop the flow of fuel to the burner. Solid fuel fired boilers shall have a means of dumping the fire out of the fire box or smothering the fire with steam, water, or by other means.
2.06 Water Pumps and Injectors
All steam locomotives shall have at least two devices for putting water into the boiler. At least one of these devices shall be operable when the locomotive is not in motion.
Steam boilers shall have a water level gauge located such that water showing at the bottom of the glass is covering the crown sheet by at least 5/8" for 1 1/2" scale and 1/2" for 1" scale when the locomotive is level. The top of the water glass fitting must be connected to the top of the boiler, not the turret. The sight glass must be capable of being "blown down" and shall be checked during the annual inspection.
All trains shall be equipped with a braking system. It is the responsibility of the engineer to know the braking effectiveness and distance. Train speed and following distances shall be based on the ability to stop the train within a safe distance.
All boilers submitted for certification shall have a minimum of two (2) safety valves installed. One safety valve shall be adjusted to release at the maximum operation pressure, or less. The second safety valve shall be adjusted to release at a maximum of 5 PSI greater pressure than the first safety valve.
Under no operating conditions shall the safety valves allow the operating pressure to exceed a pressure five (5) percent greater than the maximum operating pressure.
Safety valves must release and reset without the aid of the engineer.
Controls on all locomotives should be arranged for easy access and ready use. Controls for brakes shall be readily accessible.
All steam boilers operated at the GGLS facility shall carry a current boiler inspection certificate, tag, or permit. This certificate shall state the hydrostatics test pressure, the maximum operating pressure and the safety valve settings. The GGLS will accept valid current boiler inspection certificates issued by recognized Live Steam Clubs for operation of steam locomotives and equipment on the GGLS facilities.
2.12 Duration of Certification
Boiler certifications are valid for a period not to exceed one (1) calendar year. Pressure tests for the purpose of certification shall be conducted under the supervision of an appointed boiler inspector. A list of authorized boiler inspectors shall be posted on the GGLS clubhouse bulletin board.
During annual boiler certification testing, a boiler shall meet the allowable leak limits specified in RULE 2.14 at a minimum of 150 percent (1.5) times the maximum boiler operating pressure. Boilers shall not exhibit any bulging or displacement of sheets, firebox, barrel, or pressure surfaces and shall not produce unusual sounds or sudden drops in pressure during pressure build-up or at maximum test pressure. All new boilers or boilers having undergone any repair, modification or alteration to any portion of the pressure vessel including but not limited to: Shell, Stays, Tubes, Tube Sheets, Crown Sheets or Dome, shall be subject to re-certification testing.
Boilers submitted for certification shall be fitted with a one-eighth (1/8") or one-quarter (1/4") inch NPT fitting, either male of female, for connection to test equipment. Safety valves shall be plugged or clamped down during testing. Some leakage is allowable thru the throttle, blower, or other fittings and cannot exceed the ability of the boiler tester to reach and hold full boiler test pressure. Boiler test tags, when issued, shall be securely affixed to the locomotive by metal fasteners and shall be in legible condition. Any damaged tag must be removed and the boiler re-inspected. Boilers shall be retested and certified after any repairs, modifications, or alterations to the boiler have been made regardless of the certification time remaining on the boiler.
Upon completion of testing, a Certificate of Inspection may be issued by an authorized inspector. Engineers shall produce evidence of certification upon request of an authorized inspector or Safety Committee member.
Inspection and certification of boilers will be made on any day that arrangements can be made with a boiler inspector. Inspection and certification on meet days for members, associate members and guests shall be at the discretion and willingness of available inspectors.
Any overflow or discharge of water or oil from the engine or other equipment shall be directed away from people such that it is not deposited on the rails.
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Section 3 - Operating Procedures
The Engineer shall be responsible for the safe operation of their train. Engineer shall have the final authority as to who may ride on their train. No engineer under the age of 18 may pull the public. No one shall operate equipment while under the influence of any substance that adversely affects their ability to safely operate that equipment.
Locomotives and equipment shall be loaded and unloaded only at the facilities provided by GGLS for that purpose. In the interest of reducing congestion in the loading areas, members or visitors shall move their vehicles after unloading their equipment and prior to moving equipment to the steaming bays.
3.03 Departure from Steaming Bay
Prior to steam locomotives departing their bay for the main line, the following shall be accomplished:
- Steam shall be brought up to operating pressure
- Safety valves and pressure gauges shall be checked and operating correctly
- Water glasses shall be blown down
- Feed water devices shall be checked and in working order
- Whistle or other audible signaling device shall be tested and operating correctly
- Brakes shall be checked and operating correctly
All trains shall run counterclockwise on the outside loop main line. A direction sign at the turntable notes direction of the inside mainline.
Maximum speed at any time shall be FIVE (5) miles per hour. At this speed the time to travel 100 feet (the approximate distance between mile posts) is 13.7 seconds. The maximum speed for any train shall be further limited to its ability to stop within the forward visibility afforded. Speed shall be reduced when traversing rough track, where limit signs are posted, and in congested areas. Reduced speeds shall be observed when proceeding to and from the steaming bays.
A train following another on the main line shall maintain, as a minimum, a separation equal to its own stopping distance.
Block signals, where installed, shall govern train operation and TAKE PRECEDENCE over any other rules of speed or separation. Trains shall comply with block signals as follows:
- RED - Train shall come to a complete stop prior to reaching the signal
- YELLOW - Train may proceed into the next block with caution and, if proceeding, shall do so at reduced speed
- GREEN (three lens) or NO SIGNAL (two LENS) - Train may observe normal speed limits
- FLASHING or NO LIGHTS - The signals are not working- proceed with normal, visual running procedures.
Blocks are approximately 100 feet long.
Through traffic at a switch shall have the right-of-way. Switch markers are placed on the switch stand such that the flag is visible when the switch is set to divert.
3.08.1 Realignment of Switches
Engineers and their brakemen are responsible for the realignment of switches. Engineers shall guide their own way through any switch work left by a preceding train. Main line switches are returned to normal as a matter of courtesy only. Normal settings of switches is for through traffic in all cases.
Prior to backing, the engineer shall give the correct signal (SEE RULE 5.02). The engineer shall observe the rear of the train for clearance of obstructions, and receive a correct signal from the brakeman that there is a clear track for a minimum of 30 feet. Engines when backing shall observe reduced speeds. It is recognized that an engine running light will not have a brakeman in some cases. This shall not relieve the engineer of the responsibility of insuring a clear track.
3.10 Approaching Stopped Trains
Engines approaching stopped trains in congested traffic shall come to a complete stop at a distance equal to their own stopping distance from the preceding train. After a complete stop the following train may approach the preceding train with caution and at reduced speed.
Trains shall NOT stop on any bridge, crossing, switch, or main line track except in case of emergency or when waiting for a clear track.
A train stopped on the main line shall call out a brakeman to protect the rear of the train for a distance of 50 feet or along the far side of the blind curve.
Riding cars on the high track may be of any scale but shall be four and three-fourths (4 ¾) inches in gauge. They shall be of the flat car configuration with the engineer and any passenger sitting "side saddle" (i.e. both legs shall be on the same side of the riding car).
Transfer of propane fuel between storage tanks and tender or train tanks must be done at the following locations:
- The north area of the main car storage shed before 10 a.m.
- The siding on the Heinz Loop between M.P.6 and M.P.7 after 10 a.m.
3.14 Access to Round House Area
When entering or leaving the round house area with high track "bridge" in place:
- All trains must come to a complete stop before crossing under the high track.
- The train will then be pushed under the high track to a point where the engineer can resume normal operation of the train.
Where there are engines running on the High Track the bridge section must remain in place at all times.
Any person who removes the bridge section is responsible for replacing the bridge section before they leave the facilities.
Items should not be left lying on the High Track or resting against the side of the track or its supports.
Chairs, tables and large items should be placed no nearer than two feet away from the High Track.
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Section 4 - Passenger Transport
4.01 Transport of the General Public
Transport of the general public shall be limited to approved passenger cars of seven and one-half (7½) inches in gauge and to the outside main line only.
Individuals who do not comfortably and safely fit on the riding cars are not to be carried as passengers.
Gondolas or closed sided cars shall not be used for hauling the general public
Operation of trains transporting the general public shall be limited to adult club members.
The Club Engine Chairman, the Safety Committee Chairman, or the Board of Directors shall have approved these engineers.
Passengers shall remain on the train during unscheduled stops unless otherwise directed. Engineers and brakemen are responsible for orderly passenger conduct.
The train crew shall inform the passengers that:
- Feet and hands must be within the limits of the car
- Every passenger must be seated facing forward.
- Photography while train is in motion is prohibited.
Passengers of the general public shall board and disembark only at Tilden Station. Private passengers may embark or disembark anywhere along the track providing proper safety procedures are followed.
All trains carrying passengers shall have a brakeman. The brakeman shall be equipped with a whistle and red flag. It shall be the brakeman's responsibility to protect the rear of the train and to assist the engineer in the operation of the train.
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Section 5 - Signaling Procedures
***Note - Signaling procedures, UNLESS OTHERWISE SET FORTH IN THE SAFETY AND OPERATING RULES, are currently not enforced on this railroad. Applicable signals follow for those wishing to use them.
Signals may be given with the hand, flag, or lantern as follows:
- STOP - Swung at arm's length down from shoulder and across the track
- PROCEED - Raised and lowered vertically and parallel to the track
- BACK - Swung vertically in circles across the track
- REDUCE SPEED - Arms held horizontally to the chest with a slight motion of the hands
Whistle signals should be used by the engineer whenever practical to give, ask for, or acknowledge information about the movement of his train. When double-heading, the lead engine should give the signals when possible. The whistle should not be used unnecessarily.
Engineers signals are as follows:
| O | Short Blast | |
| -- | Long Blast | |
| A. | O | Apply brakes, stop |
|---|---|---|
| B. | O O | Answer to any other signal not otherwise provided for |
| C. | O O O | When standing, back up |
| D. | O O O O | Call for signals |
| E. | -- -- | Release brakes, proceed |
| F. | -- -- -- -- | Crew return to train |
| G. | -- O O O | Brakeman guard rear of train |
| H. | -- O O | Call attention to GREEN classification signals |
| I. | -- -- O -- | Approaching a public crossing of restricted visibility or a train on an adjacent track |
| J. | ----------- | Approaching station or railroad crossing |
| K. | O O O O O O O O | Warning to people on track; general alarm |
Communicating signals should be used by brakemen when necessary to convey a message to the engineer while the train is running. Communicating signals are sounded on the brakemen's whistle of sufficient loudness for the engineer to hear above the noise of the engine. Brakeman's Signals are as follows:
| O | Short Blast | |
| A. | O O | When standing, proceed |
|---|---|---|
| B. | O O | When running, stop |
| C. | O O O | When standing, back up |
| D. | O O O | When running, stop at next station |
| E. | O O O O | When running, reduce speed |
Section 6 - Safety Committee
The membership shall elect a Safety Committee Chairman who may then assign, either permanently or temporarily, a committee of three members including himself. The chairman will assign a substitute if he is not to be in attendance at any event. He may, at any time, substitute members of the committee from those in attendance at the track. In addition, any member of the Board of Directors may act in the capacity of Safety Committee member.
The Safety Committee Chairman shall post a list of boiler inspectors on the bulletin board of the clubhouse.
Any member of the Safety Committee may flag an engine or equipment and have the engine or equipment removed from the track at any time.
Equipment that is taken out of service shall be blue tagged. Equipment must not be coupled to, nor moved when blue tagged except by the person placing the tag.
The Safety Committee shall conduct engine speed and brake tests from time to time at their discretion.
Action or inaction of the Safety Committee or its chairman may be protested to the GGLS Board of Directors by a written petition of five (5) members in good standing. The petition will then be placed before the Board of Directors at its next regular meeting. The decision of the Safety Committee or its chairman shall stand until the matter in question is decided by the Board.
6.07 Emergencies as Justification
Any member, visitor, or guest who quotes an emergency as justification for breaking the SAFETY AND OPERATING RULES shall appear before the Board of Directors at the next scheduled meeting to justify his actions.
Any member of the Safety Committee, or any petition of five members in good standing, on written notice, call any member or guest before the Board of Directors, at the next scheduled meeting for infraction of the SAFETY AND OPERATING RULES.
Persons involved in any accident involving injury of any kind to either personnel or damage to club equipment shall fill out and file an accident report with the safety officer.
Failure to appear before the Board of Directors when summoned or otherwise required to do so shall be interpreted as a default and the Board may then take any action deemed appropriate without further recourse on the part of the individual.
The badge of authority of the Safety Committee shall be the red hat.
The chairman of the Safety Committee may grant exceptions to any of the rules in this manual. Such exceptions must be in writing, be for a stated period, and be signed and dated by the Chairman.
Back to the top of Section 6 | Back to the Table of Contents
Section 7 - Security of Property
7.01 Protection of GGLS Facilities
A check list of procedures for closing down GGLS buildings, operating equipment, and the whole layout area will be posted in at least two locations. The posting includes a list of extra steps in winter months to keep water pipes from freezing.
These procedures may be altered from time-to-time to reflect physical changes of the facility as well as changing needs for the protection of the property.
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Section 8 - Fuel Storage at the GGLS Facilities
The Round House is not a fuel storage facility. No GGLS facilities are to be used for the bulk storage of liquid fuel. As a practical matter, the following are modifications to the above general rule.
For solid fuel fired engines, (coal, charcoal, wood or other solid fuels), fuel remaining in the tender when the engine is placed in the facility is allowed.
The storage of Propane containers (full or empty) in the round house or other buildings is NOT allowed.
8.04 Battery Storage and Charging
Electric Engines or other engines that use storage batteries to start their engines are allowed in the roundhouse
Attended charging of batteries is allowed. Owner of engine must be on property while charging is in progress.
Unattended charging of storage batteries in the roundhouse is not allowed.
Move your engine outside of the roundhouse before plugging in your charger.
Move engine to front of roundhouse, open roundhouse door all the way and plug in charger.
When practical, engine batteries shall be electrically disconnected when stored in the roundhouse.
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