After a COMM LOSS lasting more than 16 minutes and 30 seconds resulting in an en route failure of emergency capability from the rear, on non-mountain grades, how may the train proceed?

After a COMM LOSS lasting more than 16 minutes and 30 seconds resulting in an en route failure of emergency capability from the rear, on non-mountain grades, how may the train proceed?

• A. The train may proceed, not exceeding 30 MPH
• B. The train must stop and await further instructions
• C. The train may proceed up to 50 MPH
• D. The train must reverse direction

Answer: (A)

When communication is lost for an extended period and the rear emergency capability has failed, you can’t rely on dispatch instructions or on rear-end safety features to control the train. The safe course is to continue moving forward only at a restricted speed, on non-steep grades, so the crew retains control and can stop safely if a signal is missed or an obstacle appears. This slower speed provides more time to observe conditions, respond to any issues, and manage braking within the train’s capabilities without risking loss of control. Moving faster or stopping to await instructions aren’t appropriate here, and reversing direction wouldn’t address the safety gap created by the comms loss and rear-end failure.

When communication is lost for an extended period and the rear emergency capability has failed, you can’t rely on dispatch instructions or on rear-end safety features to control the train. The safe course is to continue moving forward only at a restricted speed, on non-steep grades, so the crew retains control and can stop safely if a signal is missed or an obstacle appears. This slower speed provides more time to observe conditions, respond to any issues, and manage braking within the train’s capabilities without risking loss of control. Moving faster or stopping to await instructions aren’t appropriate here, and reversing direction wouldn’t address the safety gap created by the comms loss and rear-end failure.