Thinking Back... And Safely Forward

THINKING BACK... AND SAFELY FORWARD

SHARING FROM MY FATHER'S WORK GRIP...

In loving memory of my Dad, Robert H. Ballew,
known to his crews as Boom-Boom,
a thirty-year hogger, a forty-year railroader and union man,
and forever the blueprint of a hard-working father. RIP

...and to Mom, Louise Ballew Mayfield,
for being his real Dispatcher and our real Yard Master
who understood and controlled our actions at every wye
and is still keeping all of us on the right track.

With love, respect and appreciation, Bob Ballew

...one of my father's first dues cards...

THINKING BACK...

Dad's
Work

Rules Training Manual
Uniform Code Railroads
Circa 1955

Engineer's Training Photo Cards - Steam
Steam Engines #611 and #643
Circa 1945

...40+ years ago, my first "red tagged" time slip...

...and, later, my hotest boxcars...

AND SAFELY FORWARD...

    The GCOR Rule Book is a living, changing and dynamic document. It was created and is continually updated by a changing mix of dedicated people working to assure the safety and a common set of operating rules for the benefit of both the industry and the general public.
    A "catechism" is a detailed discussion of any subject in question and answer format expanding the information and possibilities contained within that subject.
    Many of the common operating practices identified in this organizational and living document have been adopted by railroads of the rest of the world. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requires railroads to adopt operating rules. Many of the railroad companies operating in the United States have signed the General Code of Operating Rules, which are filed with the FRA.
    Mr. Robert E. Lee had served 24 years as the elected Secretary of the General Code Committee, formed by seven major railroads in 1980 to formulate and create a common rule book. It is now known as the GCOR Rule Book.
    He was one of the original creators and co-authors of the common set of rules and operating procedures adopted and implemented by many of the railroads in the United States.
    The First Edition of the GCOR was effective April 27, 1985. The latest revision goes into effect on April 3, 2005.
    Mr. Lee retired on April 1, 2004 as a well-respected and well-liked regional Manager of Operating Rules for the largest freight carrier in the United States, after 30 years in the railroad industry.

    We are proud to announce that Mr. Robert E. Lee has joined our company and was and is uniquely qualified to create the first, updated catechism of the GCOR Rule Book in about 55 years. It is completed and available.
    Mr. Lee represents and presents the cumulative knowledge and experience of many of the finest and smartest Rules Department managers, Managers of Operating Practices and classroom instructors. He does this in a series of expanded questions, directly related to each rule, and offers much more to think about.
    Every employee of a GCOR member railroad is required to have a copy of the rule book available at all times and should carry a copy of this catechism, also. Safety is everyone's responsibility.

For online training and testing adminisration and books, CD's and prints ordering information
please call Bob Ballew at (817) 244-3647 or Mr. Lee at (903) 312-1923.