Here are twelve photos taken Sunday, June 8, 2008 at Union Station in Little Rock, Arkansas. There was a red flag/banner test done on two trains while we were there, about 930 a.m. According to Steve Graham: "It's called a banner test and can only be done if a train is running at restricted speed (by either being talked by a red signal or running in yard/restricted limits).  It tests the crews ability to stop within 1 half the range of vision and short of any obstructions (i.e. trains, switches lined against them, people on tracks, etc...) which is a requirement for restricted speed.  It's a common test performed on crews by management and is required by the Feds. - Steve Grabman"

Below are some photos of the banner test:


At 9 a.m., the two rules men were setting up the test. They were both wearing boots. Note the banner-flag - the red color was on the other side of the flag. The first track is the Amtrak siding, the second is UP Main Two, the third is UP Main One, and the 4th is LRWN's track. We had heard on the scanner that the dispatcher was talking the train around the corner through a red signal.


Train was moving at restricted speed.


UP 2256 was the lead locomotive on the long intermodal.




At 9:47 a.m., a southbound starts to pass the northbound.


The 2256 heads out at 9:56 a.m., apparently passing the test.


Flag set up for another train at 10:06 a.m. Again, the other side of the banner-flag is bright red. The two rules inspectors were off to the side.


Train is approaching.


UP 1540 heads this one.




Another train on Main One stops to the right, althogh he had a green board. I suspect he was just being cautious.


These were the only two trains tested. The two men drove away.



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