power58 Very interesting stuff, Hi tech. I have looked for the Time table (CSX Chicago Division New Rock Sub.) but could not find it listed anywhere. Thanks Don
Very interesting stuff, Hi tech. I have looked for the Time table (CSX Chicago Division New Rock Sub.) but could not find it listed anywhere. Thanks Don
Switch may have been installed since the Timetable was printed. It would then be covered in a Division General Bulletin, and it will remain on General Bulletin until such time as a new Division Timetable is prepared and printed.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
CSX also has one at the siding in Shelby NC.
Russell
Those are power switches that can be accessed by train crews via radio. A train approaching the switch can query it by dialing an access code on their radio key pad. (There could possibly be some that might announce their position when a train occupies an approach circuit without being asked. Ones I'm familiar with have to be asked.) They can line the switch also by dialing the proper code on their radio key pad. This allows the train to make sure it's lined properly, or line the switch if not, without stopping.
The switch will announce over the radio how it's lined, or after it has changed it's position. Installations on a main track in unsignalled territory usually also have signals that might look like block signals, but only indicate how the switch is lined. (In signalled territory, the switch would be tied into the block signal circuitry.) Ones on yard tracks might not have signals, only the normal switch target.
If the switch can't line itself or confirm how it's lined for some reason, which it also might announce over the radio, the crew can stop and line it by hand. If it doesn't announce it's status, the train approaches prepared to stop until it can visually determine it's status.
The codes and exact instructions for operation will be found in the time table.
Jeff
I hear a CSX Talking Switch a MP 55.3 Minooka Il. about once a day. The scanner picks up 160.920 with the message " CSX East end Switch is Normal Repete Switch is Normal. Sometimes it will be the West end switch is Normal. I can't find any info on the talking switch. Talking detectors are common but this is the only talking switch I have heard on the scanner.
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