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I was railfanning/timekilling today, and heard the term "3-point protection" used by the crews several times. I think it was always used in connection with passing a standing train, or getting passed by a train while stopped. One of the times I heard it, it was the local J721 about to get passed by a 40mph power only move, and the 3-point call was accompanied by a hot rail call. I know the hot rail call warns all concerned to be in a safe place due to an approaching train, but what does the 3-point protection accomplish? Thanks, PopP.S. I saw a train dump the air for the first time today, too. Dumbass truck driver stopped at a red light with the back 20 feet of his trailer hanging over the track. I could tell it was gonna be close, and knew the engineer must be considering putting it in the big hole, when the truck finally cleared. Sure nuff, the train came grinding to a halt about 75-100 yards past the crossing. I was actually surprised how quickly he stopped it from 40mph. I felt bad for the engineer, especially as he had to sit there blocking crossings, under the impatient glare of idiot motorists, while he recharged the air.
Actually "3-point protection" is what anyone gets before they go in between the train to say couple the air hoses or knock off a hand brake or to make minor repairs. There is a 3-step process for the engineer.....1. center the reverser, 2. apply the independent brake and/or automatic brake, 3. turn off or open the generator field switch. This is done so that if the engineer accidentally hits the throttle while someone is between the train, then it wont move.
It's a process that CSX and (I think) NS uses when switching. A conductor asks for 3-point protection (aka 3-step protection) when he is ready to uncouple cars or do anything else near the train where he would be in danger if the train were moving. The 3 steps are 1) independent brake fully applied 2) reverser centered 3) generator field switch offedit: Looks like me and 90mac answered at about the same time, lol.Jordan
