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Rochelle diamond

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Posted by cessna 310 on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 7:15 AM
I assumed that the crew would need to pass the grade crossing which is beyond the signal guarding the diamond. Thanks for the info on the speed and electrically locked switch. Bill
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Posted by David1005 on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 9:57 PM

The switch is well beyond the signal. I assumed that the switch has to be thrown while the train sets back of the signal. Once the switch is thrown the train gets some signal aspect that allowes it to proceed to the switch and onto the industrial track without tiring up the UP. 

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 5:48 PM

BaltACD
I don't know how the signaling on that track is set up. 

Nor do I - but it is worth noting that the signal for BNSF westbound is several hundred feet from the diamond (Actually, it is eastbound, too), while the UP signals are within a short distance from the diamond.  The westbound is just in view at the right of the screen.

In order to completely clear the circuit at the diamond, a train likely has to clear that signal.  Add in the variables Balt mentions and things get interesting, signal-wise.

Perhaps someone far more familiar with the whole layout can enlighten us.

 

LarryWhistling
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Posted by BaltACD on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 3:12 PM

I don't know how the signaling on that track is set up. 

It may be that after a move clears the switch, it must also clear the absolute signal for protection of the diamond to be released.  While the switch is hand throw, it is electric locked into the signal system as the speed on that track is greater than 20 MPH and it is possible for an engine to clear on the track.  Things can be 'strange' when there are hand throw switches within the limits of a control point - with or without electric locks being involved.

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Posted by cessna 310 on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 12:41 PM

Thanks for the response.

Bill

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  • From: Northern New York
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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 12:02 PM

I'm pretty sure it's a manual switch - not controlled by the dispatcher.

The other option would be for the train to come back to him, but that would involve a back-up move that might foul the diamond, and if he rode the point, he'd still have to walk back...

LarryWhistling
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...

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • 69 posts
Rochelle diamond
Posted by cessna 310 on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 11:36 AM

Can anyone tell me why, when the BNSF local exits the industrial park siding, the person at the switch has to walk back to his train?

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