What is the maximum speed limit when the controlling locomotive is a car body type operated long hood forward?

When the controlling locomotive is a car body type operated long hood forward, the maximum speed limit is set at 45 MPH. This limitation is primarily due to safety considerations related to visibility and control. Operating a locomotive in this configuration can present challenges; the long hood forward position restricts the engineer's view of the track ahead, particularly in the event of an emergency or while navigating through complex track configurations.

By enforcing a maximum speed limit of 45 MPH, the railway enhances safety by allowing the engineer sufficient time to react to potential hazards and ensuring that the train remains manageable at lower speeds. This approach helps mitigate the risks associated with limited visibility from the long hood and promotes safer operation of the train under these specific conditions.

While higher speed limits may apply to locomotives operated in a more favorable configuration, adherence to this reduced speed when operating long hood forward is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the train handling protocols.