Shunting Rules
The railway operated using largely mixed trains and it was rare for dedicated goods trains to operate; the practice of adding “tailstock” to the rear of service trains for dropping off and collecting wagons and vans from intermediate stations was commonplace. Accordingly, a set of rules to cover this was in the Rule Book, and the long-forbidden practice of “fly-shunting” was also used.
From The Rule Book (1922)
Rule No.113
All Shunting operations must be carried out on by or under the direct supervision of the Station Master at each Station, who will be held responsible for the safe carryig out of the same.
Rule No.114
Persons engaged in Shunting must take every care to prevent injury to themselves, as well as other persons, whilst so engaged.
Rule No.115
Before commencing Shunting operations, care must be taken to see that Goods Shed doors are open and all is celar on the Shed Lines, and that all Wagon doors are properly secured by the fastenings provided for the purpose, or are in such a position as will ensure that they will not come into contact with any obstructions. When the Wagons are moved, care must also be taken that the contents are not left in such a condition as would result in their falling from a Wagon when being moved.
Rule No.116
All Shunting must be done slowly and cautiously, and in such a manner that the Engine and Vehicles may be brought to a standstill immediately, when necessary.
Rule No.117
When Shunting is being carried on at the Station-end of either Platform at Douglas Station, care must be taken to prevent any person crossing or getting on to the Lines, or being so near the Vehicles, when in motion, as to endanger the safety of any person standing on the Platforms; and at all other stations care must be taken to prevent any person crossing or getting on to the Line or standing in any unsafe place near the Vehicles when in motion.
Rule No.118
Whenever Shunting is being carried on in any portion of the Station yards, there must always be some person in readiness to put down and apply the Brakes instantly if required and so stop the motion of the Vehicles, and to see that no cart or other road vehicle is foul of any of the lines on which shunting operations are about to be performed.
Rule No.119
Whenever Shunting is being carried on in any part of the yards where people are in the habit of standing or walking, the Engine must always remain attached to the Vehicles whilst such Vehicles are in motion.
Rule No.120
Care must be taken to ascertain that there is no person near or on the "Lime and sand" siding at Douglas Station during the time that Shunting is going on on that siding.
Rule No.121
No Engine must be engaged in shunting unless both Driver and Fireman are on the Engine, and they must keep a good look-out for Signals.
Rule No.122
In Shunting, Coupling, or Making up Trains, care must be taken to prevent any Engine, Carriage, Wagon, or other Vehicle coming in violent contact with any other Engine, Carriage, Wagon, or Vehicle.
Rule No.123
Great care must be exercised in giving Signals to the Enginemen, and the person giving such signal must satisfy himself that the signals have been properly understood by the Engineman.
Rule No.124
Shouting by the person giving Signals must be avoided as much as possible to prevent confusion and all Signals must be given by hand, or by word of mouth, at such a distance only that each word may be distinctly heard and understood by the Engineman.
Rule No.125
At Night, and in Dark or Foggy weather, the Hand-Lamp must be usedin giving Signals: the White Light to indicate that the Vehicles are to be moved gently in to th direction towards the person giving the Signal; Green Light to indicate that the Vehicles are to move very slowly and with great caution towards the person giving the signal; and upon the Red Light being shown, the Vehicles must be immediately brought to a standstill.
Rule No.126
In Slippery weather the rails are to be sanded, as directed by Rule No.146 when Shunting operations are being carried on.
Rule No.127
Any breach of any of the above Rules must be at once notified to the Manager, either by the Station Master or the Inspector.
Mouth Whistle Signals For Shunting & C.
Rule No.84
One long Whistle signifies Go Ahead away from the man whistling.
Rule No.85
Any number of short, sharp Whistles, Stop.