Rules for the Operation of Cars and Trains 2½-Inch Gauge and Larger

• It is recommended that all riding cars have effective brakes.
• All trains must be able to demonstrate the ability to stop safely.
• Either Couplers and safety chains, or drawbars, must be used between locomotives and all cars of a train. All safety chains must have welded links and have a minimum stock diameter of 0.110-inch. Trains operated on the multi-gauge loop may use smaller, appropriately sized chain.
• The attaching points for safety chains must be firmly mounted to the structure of each car and locomotive.
• All trains with passengers occupying more than two cars or with more than six total passengers must have a conductor on the last riding car to enforce passenger and train safety. Any such train must have 2-way radio communication between engineer and conductor.
• No car will exceed a load of one adult per axle.
• Loading of trains will be done at the stations, unless otherwise directed by the engineer / conductor.
• All cars are to be constructed in a safe and sturdy manner. Cars must be free of sharp edges and pinch points.
• It is recommended that all riding cars have seats.
• All cars coupled together must maintain 75% vertical engagement of the couplers.
• Rocking of cars should be kept to a minimum.
• Seats on cars that are not attached to the car cannot be higher than the front to back length of the seat. Seats must be restrained from sliding off.
• Seat height on freight type riding cars is to be a maximum of 18 inches from the railhead for 7¼-inch gauge. Smaller gauges should adjust seat height appropriately.
• Passenger-carrying seats must not turn or rotate.
• PLS reserves the right to declare a car or train unsafe for service and prohibit its use.

Approved by the PLS Membership August 21, 2004