The following are a few of the NORAC rules that apply in regard to reverse moves.
116. Operating Train from Other Than Leading End
When the Engineer operates a train from other than the leading end of the movement, a crew member must be stationed on the leading end of the movement to observe conditions ahead and take action to properly control the movement of the train. This crew member must be qualified on the physical characteristics of the territory involved. Hand signal, communicating signal or radio communication must be maintained with the Engineer. If signals from the crew member cannot be received by the Engineer, the movement must be stopped immediately. The crew member stationed on the leading end must be prepared to operate the engine whistle or horn, if available, as well as the emergency brake valve, should conditions require. The train must not exceed 30 MPH.
This rule does not apply when switching, making up trains in yards, or when the movement is preceded by a crew member.
Reversing in DCS (Form D) territory (I don't think it applied to this accident, but here it is anyway)
402. Operating In a Specified Direction
a. Reverse Movement In Non-signaled DCS Territory
To make a reverse movement in non-signaled DCS territory, a train authorized by Form D line 2 to operate in a specified direction must follow one of the procedures listed below:
1. The train must receive another Form D, line 2.
OR
2. The train must receive verbal permission from the Dispatcher and must proceed at Restricted Speed. The Dispatcher must specify the location to which the train is authorized to reverse. The Dispatcher must not authorize the train to reverse beyond the last point by which it was reported
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(Rule 402 Continued)
clear. A crew member must be stationed on the leading end of the movement to observe conditions ahead and take action to properly control the movement of the train.
OR
3. The movement must be preceded by a crew member and must proceed at Restricted Speed. Reverse movement must not go beyond the last whole mile post or station.
OR
4. If a train is operating against the current of traffic, the Dispatcher may verbally authorize it to operate with the current of traffic according to ABS rules. Before granting permission, the Dispatcher must ensure that the track to be used is clear of opposing movements, and must cancel the Form D line 2.
b. Reverse Movement in Signaled DCS Territory
To make a reverse movement within the limits of the same block in signaled DCS territory, a train authorized by Form D line 2 to operate in a specified direction will be governed by ABS Rule 501, “Reverse Move within the Limits of the Same Block.”
To make a reverse movement beyond the limits of the same block in signaled DCS territory, a train authorized by Form D line 2 to operate in a specified direction must receive a new Form D, line 2.
But these are the "meat and potatoes" rules
501. Reverse Movement within the Limits of the Same Block
A train may make a reverse movement, at Restricted Speed, within the limits of the same block when preceded by a crew member, who must be prepared to stop an opposing movement operating at Restricted Speed. ("walk don't talk" - my addition of info, not written in rule)
The Dispatcher (or Operator when authorized by the Dispatcher) may permit a train to make a reverse movement, at Restricted Speed, within the limits of the same block, without a crew member preceding the movement. A crew member must be stationed on the leading end of the movement to observe conditions ahead and take action to properly control the movement of the train. ("talk, don't walk" - again, my addition of info, not written in rule)
Before permission is granted, the Dispatcher must determine that the track to be used is clear of opposing movements and that blocking devices are applied to protect against opposing movements.
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502. Reverse Movement Beyond the Limits of the Block
a. On Tracks Where Rule 251 is in Effect
Where Rule 251 is in effect, a train must not make a reverse movement beyond the limits of the block without Form D line 2 authority, as prescribed by non-signaled DCS rules.
b. On Tracks Where Rule 261 is in Effect
Where Rule 261 is in effect, a train must not make a reverse movement beyond the limits of the block without verbal permission of the Dispatcher (or Operator when authorized by the Dispatcher). Before permission is granted, the Dispatcher must determine that:
1. The track to be used is clear of opposing movements,
AND
2. Signals governing opposing movements are in Stop position,
AND
3. Blocking devices are applied to protect against opposing movements.
Verbal permission to re-enter must be given in the following manner:
“No. 5306 engine 4129 reverse direction on No. 2 track at MP 5 and proceed west to MP 6.”
Movement must operate at Restricted Speed until governed by a more favorable signal.
Rules 501 and 502 are most likey to apply in this situation, and are most commonly used, with rule 116 in addition as well.
Dutch, im not sure what you are referring to with an emergency application being required before changing direction?