I have a couple of questions that I can't seem to find the answers on the net. (Probably because I don't know the correct terminology) As I understand it most roads use either left hand or right hand running. I have noticed that some double track have signals on both sides facing in both directions, for trains travelling in any direction. My question is if two trains are travelling in the same direction, one would use the right hand signal and the other the left hand signal. Is it common practice to have signals on both the left and the right side of the track? Also I have noticed on some signals that there is a smaller signal underneath the main signal. Since there isn't a diverging point near where I have seen this, what is the smaller signal in place for. What is it's purpose? Almost done with the questions. (Been saving them up) Is there a diff. between a control point and a signal point? Last but not least, again as I understand it most absolute signals are marked with a letter like A. Is there another way to tell the type of signal and are the numbers but no letters a way to identify the signal? The books I have and have looked at haven't been clear on that point. Thanks in advance :tb-cool:
Well gee thats a whole lot of of questions. Basicly this would be week one in conductor training. The quick answer is it depends, remember logic and railroads do not mix. As far as, left hand, right hand running it depends on what type of block signal system is being used. I will try to answer some questions later, but start with the GCOR. (link below) http://www.trainweb.com/gcor/index.html Take a look at sections 6 and 9-14. Adam
1/No. The R/H signal is governing the signal on the R/H track, the L/H signal is for the track on the L/H side. On the railroad those tracks will be numbered and also given timetable directions ie. on the BNSF, the track on the farthest right is normally westbound and will be track #1 however while track # 1 is always #1 it can be used for eastbound movements in CTC. The track scenario you are describing is CTC(Centralized Traffic Control). In CTC not only does the signal indicate block usage, but it also gives your train its authority to operate on the track controlled by that signal. This takes us to the glossary definition of "main track" ...A track extending through yards and between stations that must not be occupied without authority or protection. 1a/Yes and no. It all depends on the railroad and the usage for the signals. On a single track you may see a signal mast on both sides of the track with the signal targets showing on either,but not both sides of each mast. The signal aspect facing you is the one that governs your train. 1b. That would depend on the railroad, for instance if just the large signal is displayed, lets say a green aspect. That indication could mean "slow clear" but if the signal is green and the smaller signal is lighted(usually white) that could mean "clear" . As I say, this is most likely carrier specific. There is a situation where there may be a crossover ahead and the signal governing that will have a double target, but they are normally of the same size. eg. on the BNSF a Green over Red will mean clear but a Red over Green will indicate diverging clear meaning your train will be taking the crossover. However this signal will have been preceeded by a flashing yellow or yellow over yellow aspect with the indication of approach medium, This means you must reduce speed and be prepared to enter a diverging route(in this case a crossover) 2. That could again be a carrier specific definition. "Control Point" on the BNSF is defined... The location of absolute signals controlled by a control operator. The BNSF has no definition for "Signal Point". 3/.In CTC a signal WITHOUT a number plate on the mast is an absolute signal,all others are intermediate signals. HOWEVER an absolute signal does not necessarily have to have a NAME (ie Union Ave. A Plant) it can also have a number(ie CP82.1-which you will find entering Rochelle IL on the BNSF). You have just been given the answers to about 3 of the more than 300 questions you will face on your conductors exam. And you had better score a 90% or better or you wont get the job. Hope I helped you out. CT
The UP dosent use a lot of name locations, which I sort of like from a MoW point of view. Our gangs protect themselves, I think NS has the local foreman designated EIC were our EIC's have to do there homework. But my point is, say CPA103, it referances a MP location. Less confusion for some machine opperator who dosent know the teritory. CP's are now called OS on the UP, for "operated signal". A few tricks of the trade I shouldnt share. If some one fouls a OS/CP with a machine. Unless he blows right through it. Ummmm "Sorry Dispatcher, we were working kinda close and someone droped a claw bar over the joints." "Could we get a RR cop out here, some guy is stealing scrap and draging it over the plant. Like they wont to fill out the paper work anyhow...
