NS new signal lights?

shortlinejoe

Member since
December 2009
30 posts

Posted by shortlinejoe on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 7:56 PM

I reciently noted new style signal or block signals along the NS's CNO&TP line that apear to be turned sideways and have what I think may be snow shields. The NS has updated their equipment many times since the era of the Southern, but this one I'm not sure of. By morning we may need more than snow shields here in ChooChoo town, TN.

Shortline Joe

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gmpullman

Member since
August 2003
From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
16,367 posts

Posted by gmpullman on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 10:56 PM

Here in the Cleveland, Ohio area CSX has been taking down the old New York Central GRS type G signals in favor of the newer hooded type.

All last summer there was a new aluminum cantilever bridge by CP 168 where the entire gantry structure was turned 90° to the track. Thern in the Fall they took it down. The riser was square so presumably they will place it over the track, "someday" it is common practice to turn the heads of signals not in service so there is no confusion since a "dark" signal hjas to be interpreted as the most restrictive aspect, usually stop. Sometimes they're covered in canvas tarps.

Here's a photo of the "Darth Vader" hooded signals waiting to go into service. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CSX_BTSub-WEST-BALTIMORE-west-new-darth-gantry-close.jpg

Beside snow those shields have to keep stray light out of the lens area. There was a wreck I think on the BNSF where the engineer swore he had a medium signal when, due to the sun angle he was getting a "false clear" There has been some complaints of new LED signals not generating enough heat to melt away the snow and ice so they have to put heaters in... so much for energy savings!

Happy modeling, Ed

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ALEX WARSHAL

Member since
November 2013
379 posts

Posted by ALEX WARSHAL on Thursday, February 13, 2014 2:38 PM

Hi all, Ed have they replaced the NYC signal bridge in Cleveland/Euclid by the "intersection" of Cleveland Memorial Shoreway and Eddy Rd. I love to look at that one on my way to NY state.

My Layout Photos- http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/ajwarshal/library/

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gmpullman

Member since
August 2003
From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
16,367 posts

Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, February 13, 2014 6:52 PM

Hi, Alex

This is my secon try at replying! The "new and improved" software told me that "We are unable to complete your request at this time. Please try again later" when I clicked submit Reply! And, of course, when I returned to the text box it was EMPTY! I forgot to follow my own rule. Post first, edit later (that's what I'm doing now) So the first 20 minutes of typing and linking has vanished!!!

I have not been by the Eddy Road and Shoreway exit recently. I would have to guess that CSX is not going to invest in any signal upgrades on the Lakefront line since it is no longer part of their main line and it’s only used by Amtrak’s Lakeshore Limited and maybe a few secondary trains.

CSX chose a more southerly route around Cleveland using the old Cleveland Short Line route. NS comes up the Pennsy’s C&P branch from Alliance and that joins the old NYC main just east of the Amtrak station then across the Cuyahoga River at Bridge One near Whiskey Island.

Here's a screen capture from an 8mm film my dad shot around 1962 or so. I used to live about a quarter mile from here! That's "your" signal bridge and the Shoreway in the distance.

Today the outside tracks are storage tracks. I think there's only one active through track. When I was at the Amtrak station a few years ago I noticed that they were ripping out track two and the south controlled siding.

If you want to see the whole film you can see it here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1DdZW8bqks

Good Day To All... Ed

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Texas Zepher

Member since
October 2004
From: Colorful Colorado
8,639 posts

Posted by Texas Zepher on Thursday, February 13, 2014 10:54 PM

shortlinejoe
I reciently noted new style signal or block signals along the NS's CNO&TP line that apear to be turned sideways and have what I think may be snow shields.

Those are probably for the Positive Train Control dictated by the FRA. I seem them here in the Devner area going up all over the place on the UP. I believe it is currently supposed to be implemented by December 2015.

$22 billion dollars worth.