Cab Signals

Do all CSX locos have proper cab signals to enable them to run on the former RF&P, or is this line restricted to special loco types (and if so, which ones)?

Not all units have cab signals. Cab Signals are required on the B&A between Boston & Albany as well. The newer locomotives are equipped with cab signals, but most older & southern engines don't have them as they are not required on most CSXT lines.

The ex-RF&P is cab-signalled at the same frequency as the ex-B&A. However, what is different is that the former has an overlay Automatic Train Control System that is supplemental to the cab signal system. The newer CSX units have both, while older ex-CR units may just have the cab signal system.

There is a timetable exception for non-cab signalled (and non-ATC equipped) engines to lead between AF (junction with NS) and points north, mostly for NS interchange. Also, there have been rare times where non-ATC equipped engines have led, but under restrictions. If there is an extended period of time for such operations (such as track outage where ATC engines are out of cycle), then CSX is supposed to seek a FRA waiver for those occasions.

CSX is seeking to discontinue Automatic Train Control system use on the RF&P and converting to the current approach on the Boston and Berkshire subdivisions - cab signals with I-ETMS PTC enforcing the cab signal aspects without the traditional ATC enforcement. Their argument is that the ATC equipment is redundant and that ATC speed control equipment failures sometimes result in the train crew having to cutout the entire CSS apparatus. Typically then the crews will be instructed to soft key cutout PTC because the CSS typically provides the intermediate signal inputs to PTC in CSS territory. They say the benefit is that retirement of the ATC component will decrease the times that PTC has to be cutout.

https://downloads.regulations.gov/FRA-2 ... ment_1.pdf