2.3.19 Track Warrant Form

Prototype Information

The Track Warrant is the verbal authorization system of the Track Occupancy Control System. It is used to authorize trains to occupy Main Tracks between named locations. The Track Warrant also contains information of its own validity; when comes in effect and in some cases when it becomes void.

A Track Warrant is issued in the following steps:

1. The Dispatcher and Train crew establish communications. 
2. The dispatcher reads the Track Warrant information and instructions to a crew member on the train. The crew member writes the information and instructions on a Track Warrant Form (see below ).
3. The train crew member then repeats the information to the dispatcher.
4. The dispatcher checks the information and, if correct, says "OK" and gives the time and his initials.
5. The train crew member then enters the "OK" time and initials on the Track Warrant form and repeats them to the dispatcher.

A Track Warrant is not in effect until the "OK" time is shown on it and the "OK" has been acknowledged by the train crew member.

The WWSL

WWSL Track Warrant

Specific instruction on filling out and executing the Track Warrant Form are located at Circular 4.2 Track Warrant.

The Track Warrant Form has three parts.

Part 1. The upper 3 lines identifies the Track Warrant by a number, a date, the train in question and the location of the train when the Track Warrant is issued.

Part 2. There are 13 standard instruction fields plus one field for non-standardized instructions.The instruction fields are numbered, and each field has a box to the left of the number. 

A check-mark in this box marks the instruction field as being in use for this Track Warrant.

Not all  instruction fields are used in a given Track Warrant. 

Part 3. There are three authorization lines. Line 14 on the "OK" time and dispatcher initials. The next line states the name of the crew member who copied it. The last line it used to note when Limits are reported clear to the dispatcher. 

The Track warrant is formatted for two forms per 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch paper in landscape mode.  I made pads of 100 using "padding cement" and a simple clamp.