Golden Gate Live Steamers, Inc.

Safety and Operating Rules

March 2000 Edition

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 Committe thank you for your cooperation

Table of Contents

Preface

Forward

SectionTopic
1General Procedures
2Equipment
3Operating Procedures
4Passenger Transport
5Signaling Procedures
6Safety Committee
7Security of Property
8Round House Fuel Storage

Section 1General Procedures
1.01Speed Limit
1.02Visitors
1.03Boiler Certification
1.04Conduct
1.05Pets
1.06Children
1.07Engines Running Light

Section 2Equipment
2.01Ashpan
2.02Signaling Devices
2.02.1Daylight Operations
2.02.2Nighttime Operations
2.02.3Periods of Low Visibility
2.03Safety Chains
2.04Wheel Dimensions
2.05Emergency Shutdown
2.06Water Pumps
2.07Sight Glasses
2.08Brakes
2.09Operating Controls
2.10Boiler Certification
2.10.1Duration of Certification
2.10.2Certification Standards
2.10.2.1Safety Valves
2.10.2.2Procedures
2.10.2.3Certificate Inspection
2.10.2.4Dates of Inspection
2.11Equipment Discharge

Section 3Operating Procedures
3.01Unloading
3.02Departure from Steaming Bay
3.03Direction of Movement
3.04Speed Limits
3.05Seperation
3.06Block Signals
3.06.1Meaning of Block Signals
3.06.2Length of Blocks
3.07Switches
3.07.1Realignment of Switches
3.08Backing
3.09Approaching Stopped Trains
3.10Stopping
3.10.1Duties of Brakemen
3.11High Track Riding Cars
3.12Propane Fueling
3.13Access to Round House Area

Section 4Passenger Transport
4.01Transport of the General Public
4.02Conduct of Passengers
4.03Boarding of Passengers
4.04Duties of Brakemen

Section 5Signaling Procedures
5.01General Hand Signals
5.02Signals of the Engineer
5.03Signals of the Brakeman
5.04Color Signals
5.05Exceptions to Color Signals

Section 6Safety Committee
6.01Chairman
6.02Boiler Inspectors
6.03Removal of Trains
6.04Train Inspections
6.05Protest of Actions
6.06Emergencies as Justification
6.07Infraction of The Rules
6.08Accidents
6.09Failure to Appear
6.10Special Meetings of The Board
6.11Badge of Authority
6.12Exceptions

Section 7Security of Property
7.01Protection of GGLS Facilities

Section 8Round House Fuel Storage
8.01The Round House is not a Fuel Storage Facility
8.02Solid Fuel Fired Engines
8.03Low Volatility Liquid Fuel Fired Engines
8.04High Volatility Liquid Fuel Fired Engines
8.04.1Gasoline Engines
8.04.2Propane Fired Engines
8.05Battery Powered Engines

Forward

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 judgement. Emergency conditions, available facilities, adverse weather or terrain, or considerations affecting the lives and property of others may require modification of the procedures conatined herein. It is your responsibility to read this manual and to have a complete knowledge and understanding of its contents.

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Section 1 - General Procedures

1.01 Speed Limit

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 3.04 delineates specified speed limitations.

1.02 Visitors

Visitors or Guests at the track shall be escorted by a GGLS member when in the steaming bays. Members or guests who need close proximity to tracks or equipment for photography will have an escort to keep a lookout for oncoming trains.

1.03 Boiler Certification

The GGLS will accept valid boiler inspectio certificates issued by recognized Live Steam Clubs for operation of steam locomotives on the GGLS track.

1.04 Conduct

Comsumption 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.

1.05 Pets

Dogs, cats, or other pets of any kind shall not be allowed within the club house or on the grounds.

1.06 Children

Children shall be under control at all times. Parents shall be responsible for their actions and for their safety.

1.07 Engines Running Light

All engines running lights shall be considered as a train and be subject to all safety and operating rules.

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Section 2 - Equipment

2.01 Ashpan

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. Engineers shall be reponsible for extinguishing burning ashes dropped on the right-of-way or at the steaming bays.

2.02 Signaling Devices

2.02.1 Daylight Operations

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 visual and audible signals.

2.02.2 Nighttime Operations

All trains operating after sunset shall be equipped in the following manner:

  1. Working headlight
  2. Lighted cab
  3. Marker light, or lantern on the rear of the last car
  4. Brakemen shall have a lighted lantern or flashlight suitable for giving hand signal.

2.02.3 Periods of Low Visibility

The provisions of RULE 2.02.2 shall apply for operations during periods of low visibility.

2.03 Safety Chains

All trains shall have safety chains or similar safety devices between the locomotive and the tender or car on which the engineer is riding.

2.04 Wheel Dimensions

Wheel dimensions, guages, 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
Figure 2.1a Tire Profile Figure 2.1b Coupler Height
Tire ProfileCoupler Height

Table 2.1 Dimensions Correlated to Fig 2.1

GGLS StandardsIBLS Standards
Scale (in. to ft.)1-1/21 3/41/2
1-1/213/4
ATrack guage (G1)7-1/24-3/43-1/22-1/2 7.50 (min)4.75 (min)3.50 (min)
BBack to Back (G2&I1)7-1/84-7/163-9/322-9/32 7.1204.4373.281
CWheel gauge (G3&I2)7-7/164-11/163-15/322-15/32 7.4404.6903.470
DWheel width (min)3/49/167/169/32 0.750 (min)0.505 (min)0.406 (min)
EFlange thick (max).156.125.094.063 0.156 (max)0.125 (max)0.094 (max)
FFlange depth (max).187.156.094.075 0.187 (max)0.140 (max)0.094 (max)
GContour of flangerounded
HInside radius (max)1/163/641/32.025 0.094 ±.0150.062 ±.0100.047 ±.008
TWTaper of wheels2-1/2 degrees max. 2°50' max.
TFTaper of flange10 degrees ±3 degrees
JCoupler height4-7/162-29/322-7/321-15/16
Tolerance Notes G1+1/16, -0I1All +.020 -.000
G2+.015, -.000I2All +.000 -.020
G3+.000, -.015

2.05 Emergency Shutdown

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

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.

2.07 Sight Glasses

Steam boilers shall have a water level guage located such that water showing at the botom of the glass is covering the crown sheet by at least one-half (½") when the locomotive is level.

2.08 Brakes

Al locomotives, tenders, or locomotive-riding car combinations shall be equipped with brakes. It is the responsibility of the engineer to know his braking distance, including reaction time. Train speed and following distance shall be based on ability to stop the train within a safe distance.

2.09 Operating Controls

Controls on all locomotives should be arranged for easy access and ready use. Controls for brakes shall be readily accessible.

2.10 Boiler Certification

All steam locomotives operated at the GGLS track 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 valves settings.

2.10.1 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.

2.10.2 Certification Standards

During boiler certification testing, a boiler shall meet the allowable leak limits specified in RULE 2.10.2.2 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 drop in pressure during pressure build-up or at maximum test pressure.

2.10.2.1 Safety Valves

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 operating pressure or less. The seconds safety valve shall be adjusted to release at a maximum of 5 psi greater pressure than the first safety valve.

Under no operating condition shall the safety valve(s) allow the boiler pressure to exceed a pressure five (5) percent greater than the maximum operation pressure. Safety valves must release and reset without the aid of the engineer.

2.10.2.2 Procedures

Boilers submitted for certification shall be fitted with a one-eighth (⅛") or one-quarter (¼") inch NPT fitting, either male of female, for connection to test equipment. Safety valves shall be plugged or clamped down during testing. Maximum allowable leakage through the throttle, blower, or other fittings shall not exceed five (5) psi/sec. over a minimum period of one (1) minute at full 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.

2.10.2.3 Certificate Inspection

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.

2.10.2.4 Dates of Inspection

Boiler inspections shall not be made nor shall certifications be issued for members on meet days. Inspection and certification on meet days for NON-members and associate members shall be at the discretion and willingness of available inspectors.

2.11 Equipment Discharge

Any overflow or discharge of water or oil from the engine or other equipment shall be directed such that it is not deposited on the rails.

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Section 3 - Operating Procedures

3.01 Unloading

locomotives and equipment shall be loaded and unloaded only at 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.

3.02 Departure from Steaming Bay

Prior to steam locomotives departing their bay for the main line, the following shall be accomplished:

  1. Steam shall be brought up to operating pressure
  2. Safety valves and presure guages shall be checked and operating correctly
  3. Water glasses shall be blown down
  4. Feed water devices shall be checked and in working order
  5. Whistle or other audible signaling device shall be tested and operating correctly
  6. Brakes shall be checked and operating correctly

3.03 Direction of Movement

All traines shall run counterclockwise on he outside loop main line. Direction on the inside main line is noted by a direction sign at the turntable.

3.04 Speed Limits

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 taversing rough track, where limit signs are posted, and in congested areas. Reduced speeds shall be observed when operating in the following locations:

  1. On the outside siding between M.P.6 and M.P.7
  2. On the inside siding between M.P.11 and M.P.12
  3. Within the yard and servicing areas
  4. When proceeding to and from the steaming bays

3.05 Seperation

A train following another on the main line shall maintain, as a minimum, a separation equal to its own stopping distance.

3.06 Block Signals

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:

  1. RED - Train shall come to a complete stop prior to reaching the signal
  2. YELLOW - Train may proceed into the next block with caution and, if proceeding, shall do so at reduced speed
  3. GREEN (three lens) or NO SIGNAL (two LENS) - Train may observe normal speed limits

3.06.1 Meaning of Block Signals

Signals shall have the following meanings:

  1. RED - There is a train in the block immediately ahead
  2. YELLOW - There is a train in the next block ahead
  3. GREEN (three lens) or NO SIGNAL (two LENS) - There is no train in the next two blocks

3.06.2 Length of Blocks

Blocks are approximately 100 feet long.

3.07 Switches

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.

3.07.1 Realignment of Switches

Engineers and their brakemen are NOT responsible for the realignment of switches, except as delineated below. Engineers shall guide their own way through any switch work left by a preceeding 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.

  1. CROSSOVERS - There are four crossovers located at M.P.5, M.P.16, M.P.17, and M.P.22. These switches shall be reset for through traffic after use.
  2. PASSENGER CAR STORAGE SHED - The switch at M.P.3 diverting into the passenger car storage shed shall be set for through traffic except when moving cars into or out of the shed.

3.08 Backing

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. Enines 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.

3.09 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 preceeding train. After a complete stop the following train may approach the preceeding train with caution and at reduced speed.

3.10 Stopping

Trains shall NOT stop on any bridge, crossing, switch, or main line traick except in case of emergency or when waiting for a clear track.

3.10.1 Duties of Brakemen

A train stopped on the main line shall call out a brakeman to protect the rear of the train for a distance os 50 feet or along the far side of the blind curve.

3.11 High Track Riding Cars

Riding cars on the high track may be of any scale but shall be four and three-fourths (4 ¾) inches in guage. 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).

3.12 Propane Fueling

Transfer of propane fuel between storage tanks and tender or train tanks must be done at the following locations:

  1. The north area of the main car storage shed before 10 a.m.
  2. The siding on the Heinz Loop between M.P.6 and M.P.7 after 10 a.m.
During fuel transfer, the pressure bleed valve must be closed when any operating engine is within 30 feet of the fuel transfer point. Propane fuel transfer is absolutely prohibited at the steaming bays.

3.13 Access to Round House Area

When entering or leaving the round house area with high track "bridge" in place:

  1. All trains must come to a complete stop before crossing under the high track.
  2. The train will then be pushed under the high track to a point where the engineer can resume normal operation of the train.

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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 guage and to the outside main line only. Passenger cars shall be designed such that passengers may secure safe hand holds without danger from wheels, body, frames, couplings, brake gear, or any sharp edges. Operation of trains transporting the general public shall be limited to adult club members. These engineers shall have been approved by the Club Engine Chairman, the Safety Chairman, or the Board of Directors.

4.02 Conduct of Passengers

Passengers shall remain on the train during unscheduled stops unless otherwise directed. Engineers and brakemen are responsible for orderly passenger conduct.

4.03 Boarding of Passengers

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.

4.04 Duties of Brakemen

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.

5.01 General Hand Signals

Hand signals may be given with the hand, flag, or lantern as follows:

  1. STOP - Swung at arm's length down from shoulder and across the track
  2. PROCEED - Raised and lowered vertically and parallel to the track
  3. BACK - Swung vertically in circles across the track
  4. REDUCE SPEED - Arms held horizontally to the chest with a slight motion of the hands

5.02 Signals of the Engineer

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:
OShort 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

5.03 Signals of the Brakeman

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:
OShort Blast
A.O OWhen standing, proceed
B.O OWhen running, stop
C.O O OWhen standing, back up
D.O O OWhen running, stop at next station
E.O O O OWhen running, reduce speed

5.04 Color Signals

Color signals may be lights, flags, tags, or any other recognized signaling device. Their normal meanings (exceptions covered below) are as follows:
A.RED Stop
B.YELLOW Proceed with caution at reduced speed and prepare to stop at the next signal
C.GREEN Proceed. (GREEN signals on the head end of a locomotive indicates another section of the same train is following).
D.BLUE Equipment must not be coupled to, nor moved. Workmen may be in or under the equipment. A BLUE signal shall never be removed by anyone except the person placing the signal.
E.WHITE On the head end of a locomotive indicates that the train is running "extra" on train orders rather than by time table

5.05 Exceptions to Color Signals

The exceptions to standard color signals are as follows:

  1. Black Signal Tower at M.P. 21 - A flashing RED light indicates switch is set to allow crossover from the outside main line to the inside main line. A GREEN light indicates switch is set for through traffic.
  2. Three by four inch signal box at M.P.5 - an AMBER light indicates switch is set to allow crossover from the inside main line to the outside main line. A GREEN light indicates switch is set for through traffic.

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Section 6 - Safety Committee

6.01 Chairman

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.

6.02 Boiler Inspectors

The Safety Committee Chairman shall post a list of boiler inspectors on the bulletin board of the clubhouse.

6.03 Removal of Trains

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.

6.04 Train Inspections

The Safety Committee shall conduct engine speed and brake tests from time to time at their discretion.

6.05 Protest of Actions

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.

6.06 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.

6.07 Infraction of The Rules

In the case of infractions of the rules, it is the duty of any member of the Safety Committee or member of the club acting in a timely fashion to bring this to the attention of the member or guest violating the rule. In the case of a member's persistent or repeated infractions of the rules, the following actions will be taken until the problem is corrected:

  1. A verbal warning will be given to the member by members of the Safety Committee.
  2. If infractions continue, the Safety Committee will recommend to the Board of Directors that this member be suspended from operating equipment on the club track for a period of up to twelve months, the actual period of suspension to be determined by the Board.
  3. If the above steps fail to correct the problem, the Safety Committee will recommend to the Board of Directors that the person's membership be terminated.

6.08 Accidents

Persons involved in any accident involving injury of any kind to either personnel or equipment shall be required to appear before the Board of Directors at the next scheduled meeting to explain and report on the accident.

6.09 Failure to Appear

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.

6.10 Special Meetings of The Board

Allowing that a special meeting of the Board of Directors may be called "on the spot" to handle pressing matters at the track, such special meetings shall be in addition to and not as a substitute for appearance before the Board as called for in Rules 6.05, 6.06, 6.07, and 6.08.

6.11 Badge of Authority

The badge of authority of the Safety Committee shall be the red hat.

6.12 Exceptions

Exceptions to any of the rules in this manual may be granted by the Chairman of the Safety Committee. Such exceptions must be in writing, be for a stated period, and be signed and dated by the Chairman.

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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 thr coporate property as well as changing needs for the protection of the property.

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Section 8 - Round House Fuel Storage

8.01 The Round House is not a fuel storage facility.

As a practical matter the following are modifications to the above general rule.

8.02 Solid fuel fired engines (coal, charcoal,wood or any other solid fuels)

Fuel remaining in the tender when the engine is placed in storage is allowed.

8.03 Low volatility liquid fuel fired engines

Fuel remaining in the tender when the engine is placed in storage is allowed.

(Note to above - placing containers of fuels mentioned above in or on the engine or tender is game playing and is not allowed.)

8.04 High volatility liquid fuel fired engines

8.04.1 Gasoline engines

Fuel remaining in the engine tanks when the engine is stored is allowed provided that the engine tanks are not leaking and that the engines which are gravity fed have a shut off valve below the gas tank that is closed before the engine is placed in storage.

8.04.2 Propane fired engines

Propane tanks must be removed from the tender before the engine is placed in storage.

8.05 Battery powered engines are allowed storage with the following provisions:

  1. A positive disconnect or battery isolation device is mandatory
  2. No battery charging is allowed inside the Round House.

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Date published: March 6, 2000