For all of You Train Lovers

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[Coronet_Arch]

The Black Diamond inspection locomotive. It is the last surviving inspection locomotive.

 

[Photon440]

CN's new Sutton-Spaulding double track extension in the Chicago area.

 

[j-c-c-62]

Are there hard and fast rules as to which track goes which way here in the US or around the world?

 

[Photon440]

Are there hard and fast rules as to which track goes which way here in the US or around the world?

In the past, it was usual for traffic on double track areas to stick to the right in North America, although there were a few exceptions on some railroads such as the former CNW. With constant communication via Rail Traffic Control and red and green signals at switch points, it is possible to use either track safely but that is not generally the case.

Because industrial sidings and spur lines are still usually placed on the right, or the need to sideline a defective rail car on a siding, past practices remain in place for the most part.

Also, in the case of passenger service, the stations were often located on the right which would decrease passenger safety if the train arrived on the other track.

 

[j-c-c-62]

So then the pic above my question above is the exception to the norm in the US for likely some of the reasons you mention, correct?
Being it's a "double track" vs a siding?

 

[YY1]

Do we know if the trains are traveling in the same direction?

 

[j-c-c-62]

Do we know if the trains are traveling in the same direction?

We do not, nor do know if one train is backing up with an engine at the rear of the train.