And that just might by why control points (interlockings) don't have a numeric identifier like intermediate signals. Switches and signals for control points are all numbered, and these numbers appear on the control panels or arrays used by the dispatcher ("point controller", to coin a phrase). The numbers for switches within control points are rarely of use to anyone except the dispatcher or signal maintainers--or trackmen armed with diagrams.
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
Now, it is quite common for switches at pass tracks/sidings to be labeled "CPxx," with the xx representing the nearest mp. This naming, of course, cannot be applied at a plant such as the approach to a large yard or to a station such as Chicago's Union Station, where there are many switches close together. There, the switches have to be identified in some orderly manner that is immediately apparent to whoever is controlling them. Some roads still use "East YY" and "West YY," or "North ZZ" and "South ZZ" in their Employee TimeTables for lineside switches, placing those names on the bungalows.
Johnny
Deggesty Now, it is quite common for switches at pass tracks/sidings to be labeled "CPxx," with the xx representing the nearest mp. This naming, of course, cannot be applied at a plant such as the approach to a large yard or to a station such as Chicago's Union Station, where there are many switches close together. There, the switches have to be identified in some orderly manner that is immediately apparent to whoever is controlling them. Some roads still use "East YY" and "West YY," or "North ZZ" and "South ZZ" in their Employee TimeTables for lineside switches, placing those names on the bungalows.
CP + milepost was a NYC naming convention. ConRail carried this through and CSX has continued it in the former NYC territories that it got from the ConRail division.
CSX tends to NAME all it's new control points. New sidings may get the designation EE, WE, NE or SE as appropriate.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
UP uses both, a CP number and a station name. The number is used for official things, like track authorities. The name in more informal conversations.
Jeff
Whilst listening in on the Chicago Line in Utica, I'll normally hear crews call "CP123" or "Automatic 123" at signals.
NYC used some alpha designations for CPs as well. What is now known as CP291 at Liverpool is shown as CP J.G. in my October 27, 1963 NYC timetable. The same document shows CP's serially numbered from east to west starting at Albany, and again at Syracuse.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
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