CSX/NORAC railroad rules guide
This rules apply to the Eastern U.S. sceneries of RunOnRails.com train simulator. NOT AN OFFICIAL RAILROAD REFERENCE.
Speed definitions
- Normal speed: the maximum authorized speed for the railroad line, or the current speed limit when specified by a trackside speed sign or a slow order.
- Limited speed: 45mph for passenger trains, 40mph for freight or other trains.
- Medium speed: 30mph, this speed is usually applied when diverging through interlockings and to approach a stop signal.
- Slow speed: 15mph, usually applied when diverging through interlockings.
- Restricted speed: when proceeding at restricted speed, you always must be sure you can stop within half of the vision range short of any kind of obstruction or stop signals, never exceeding 20MPH outside interlocking limits or 15MPH within interlocking limits.
Speed signs
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Advance permanent speed limit
Prepare to reduce at posted speed on the next permanent speed limit sign. When displaying two numbers, the higher speed applies only to passenger trains, and the lower speed applies to other trains. |
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Permanent speed limit
Pass this sign not exceeding the posted speed. If posted speed limit is higher than the previous speed limit, then do not exceed previous speed limit until the entire train has passed this sign. When displaying two numbers, the higher speed applies only to passenger trains, and the lower speed applies to other trains. |
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Permanent speed limit
Pass this sign not exceeding the speed posted on the previous advance permanent speed limit sign. If posted speed limit is higher than the previous speed limit, then do not exceed previous speed limit until the entire train has passed this sign. |
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Resume speed
Resume to maximum authorized speed after rear of train has passed this sign. |
Signals
 | Stop
You cannot proceed. |
 | Approach
You must proceed, prepared to stop at the next signal and begin reduction to medium speed. This aspect indicates that next signal is stop at this very moment. |
 | Advance Approach
You can proceed at normal speed, and be prepared to stop at second signal. Trains exceeding limited speed must begin reduction to limited speed. This aspect indicates that next signal is approach at this very moment. |
 | Clear
You must proceed, not exceeding normal speed. |
 | Limited Approach
You must proceed not exceeding limited speed, and be prepared to stop at the next signal. This aspect indicates that next signal is stop at this very moment. |
 | Limited Clear
You must proceed not exceeding limited speed. Once the entire train has passed through the switches, proceed at normal speed. |
 | Approach Limited
You must proceed, approaching next signal at limited speed. This aspect indicates that next signal is limited approach or limited clear. |
 | Medium Approach
You must proceed not exceeding medium speed, and be prepared to stop at the next signal. This aspect indicates that next signal is stop at this very moment. |
 | Medium Clear
You must proceed not exceeding medium speed. Once the entire train has passed through the switches, proceed at normal speed. |
 | Approach Medium
You must proceed, approaching next signal at medium speed. This aspect indicates that next signal is medium approach or medium clear. |
 | Slow Approach
You must proceed not exceeding slow speed, and be prepared to stop at the next signal. This aspect indicates that next signal is stop at this very moment. |
 | Slow Clear
You must proceed not exceeding slow speed. Once the entire train has passed through the switches, proceed at normal speed. |
 | Approach Slow
You must proceed, approaching next signal at slow speed. This aspect indicates that next signal is slow approach or slow clear. |
 | Restricting
You must proceed at restricted speed. |
Trackside signs
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Milepost
Tells you are roughly at the posted number of miles from start of the line, subdivision, or other reference point. Use this information to always know your location within railroad line or subdivision. |
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Whistle
Grade crossing warning. Blow the standard horn sequence. |