These photographs were sent to me by Gilman Abar which he took whilst doing a survey for State Rail of NSW in November 1993. This diesel was taken in Newcastle He cannot remember where these four freight motors were taken. Ideas, anyone? A signal at an interlocking which was being upgraded Steam locomotive taken at maitland, it is returning home after an excursion.
Thanks for posting the photos Alan. Beleive it or not I actually met Gil when he was in sydney doing an audit on our Signalling system. The second photo with the 4 electric locomotives was taken at Enfield on the south end of the yard. The yard is the larget yard in the southern hemisphere. Since this photo was taken the whole yard has been resignalled and rebuilt. I was actually in that exact spot last Tuesday doing an inspection I just realised the picture of the signals are signals I used to maintain when I was a Signal Electrician. The signals were protecting a junction at Chullora Junction. The lower quadrant signal on the left was the authority to enter the industrial sidings while the main upper quadrant signal was authority to proceed along the mainline. An interesting note is the lower quadrant signal had a mechanism called a Reids reverser attached that put the mechanical signal to stop after the passage of a train . These photos have brought back memories, it's a small world isn't it? [ 26. July 2002, 22:47: Message edited by: Colonel ]
Was the "Reid" reverser a mechanical or electrcial device? I take it from its name it may include a reid switch activated by the rail vehicle wheels. I have used similar systems for both position and speed detection (hall effect sensors) in control systems for conveyors and deisel generators. We miss out on signaling over here on the SA west coast. The only automatic/ electrical signaling I can think of are the 8 sets of railroad crossing signals for the road traffic. Not much for an 800km odd network. There are reflective targets mounted on the mainline point stands and even cast metal "attend to derailer" signs on some. I guesss thay could be regaurded as "signals".
The reids reverser is the white rectangular box underneath the signal on the left. It consists of an electrical coil and armature that when energised holds in a mechanical lever that then allows the signal to clear. When a train goes passed the signal and occupies the track detection circuit the Reids reverser de-energises and returns the signal back to the stop position.
That is one colorful steam engine, Paul, what kind and why don't they have smokestacks like our steamers did? Thanks for the answer Paul
Paul, I have some more photos of signal equipment that I will send to you. Feel free to use them any way you wish.
I believe that the picture of the steam loco is a New South Wales streamlined 38 Pacific class. Possibly 3801 which I believe is preserved and regularly runs tourist trains around Sydney. She has a preserved sister engine 3830 that is unstreamlined and I beleive they have been double headed on more than one special occassion. Both loco's have ventured out in the typical green and black liveries in the past decade depicting different eras of their types operation in the NSWR. I believe that there is a 38class preservation society in NSW?? They may even have a web page some where. Cheers
I checked my notes for NSW and the photo was taken at Maitland on 18 November 1993. There is a web page for 3801 tours at http://www.3801limited.com.au/news/index.htm
