Under what circumstance may crews change the engine number or train symbol on track warrants without communicating with the dispatcher?

• A. Crews performing yard or hostling service, using the main track at a yard or terminal
• B. When the Dispatcher Is Available By Radio
• C. During Normal Operations
• D. At Night When The Yard Is Closed

Answer: (A)

In track warrant control, a warrant normally identifies the specific movement by the engine number or train symbol, and changing those identifiers without telling the dispatcher is not allowed because it could create conflicts with other trains. The exception is yard or hostling work conducted on the main track inside a yard or terminal. In that environment, the movement is controlled locally under yard rules, and adjusting the engine number or train symbol on the warrant does not affect other mainline operations. So, crews performing yard or hostling service on the main track at a yard or terminal may make that change without dispatcher communication. If the movement leaves the yard or could impact other traffic, dispatcher notification would be required.