PTC

[IA and eastern]

In the old days the dispatcher could tell the engineer to go past a red signal. With PTC can the engineer go past a red signal or would the PTC just stop the train. Gary

[beaulieu]

Yes a train can still be "talked" by a signal on the dispatcher's authority. He must first come to a complete stop and after receiving authority from the dispatcher he may proceed. The PTC will keep him from going faster than restricted speed until or unless the PTC system receives a less restrictive signal indication from the signal system if in territory that is signalled. If the problem is in "Dark Territory" and the PTC stop indication is due to an open switch, then the switch must be restored before the PTC system will allow normal allowed train speeds. There are other situations where the PTC system will enforce a stopsuch as two trains on the same track that must be changed before the trains can proceed. The stop then proceed at restricted speed allows helpers or rescue power to reach a stalled or disabled train.

[jeffhergert]

Only Absolute stop signals require being talked by. (Although I've had to be talked by a few clear Absolute signals when PTC lost comm with the signal.)

PTC allows trains to pass red intermediate signals (restricted proceed, restricting and stop and proceed) at restricted speed.

Jeff

[Sunnyland]

Coming back from Chi a few weeks  ago on Texas Eagle and storm knocked out signals and switches near Joliet.  The engineer had to get ok from dispatcher at every red signal to proceed. And our conductor had to get out and manually throw a switch when he had to get in passing track like when he passed our sister Eagle going north, their conductor did the same. Just like the old days before everything was automatic.  We were 2 hours late but we arrived safely. The crew said when lightning hits the tracks, it will take out the signals.  Conductor saw bolt of lightning hit a wind turbine, follow it around in a circle and shut it down.  That had to be dramatic to see, I was on other side of train,but hear people yelling wow and found out what had happened.