Remote Control Locomotives

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Remote Control Locomotives (RCL) AKA Locomotive Remote Control (LRC) have been in use for many years in the railroad industry, including industrial applications such as bulk material load-out, manufacturing, process and industrial switching. In 2001, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recommended minimal guidelines for the operation of remote control locomotives. Refer to: [NOTICE OF SAFETY ADVISORY 2001-01] - "Recommended minimal guidelines for the operation of remote control locomotives". www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/safety/advisories/sa2001_01.pdf.

The term "remotely controlled locomotives" or "remote control locomotives" refers to a locomotive which, through use of a radio transmitter and a receiver system, can be operated by a person not physically located at the controls within the confines of the locomotive cab. This term "remote control locomotives" does not refer to the use of distributive power (DP)in which a locomotive or a group of locomotives entrained or at the rear of a train consist is remotely controlled from the lead locomotive of the train consist.

Acronyms used within RCL operations RCL - Remote Control Locomotive LRC - Locomotive Remote Control FRA - Federal Railroad Administration RCO - Remote Control Operator RCU - Remote Control Receiver OCU - Operator Control Transmitter RCT - Remote Control Transmitter AAR - Association of American Railroads ASLRRA - American Shortline Railroad Association

Other terms Belly Box - OCU or transmitter attached to a support vest Receiver - RCU Remote control systems that receives coded messages from the transmitter (OCU) and commands the locomotive to operate