What must be done with the home signal after track cars and unshunted trains enter interlocking limits?

After track cars and unshunted trains enter interlocking limits, the home signal must be set to display Stop and secured with blocking devices to ensure the safety of all operations within the interlocking area. This action is crucial as it prevents any movement that could lead to accidents or collisions with any stationary or moving equipment.

Setting the signal to Stop and using blocking devices serve to clearly communicate to all train crews and dispatchers that the route is not clear for upcoming movements. This provides an essential layer of safety by ensuring that trains cannot proceed into an area where there may be conflicting movement due to the presence of track cars or other equipment.

In addition, the use of blocking devices reinforces the signal’s indication, minimizing the risk of human error or misinterpretation of the signal. Safety protocols mandate that any established procedure for securing the signal is followed to maintain operational integrity. Therefore, setting the signal to display Stop and employing blocking devices is a critical component of safe train control practices in interlocking limits.