Gents, the aspects and indications of signals vary from railroad to railroad.
Here in the east (former Conrail lines), and perhaps down south as well, signal indications convey SPEED.
West of the Mississippi, I understand that signal indications can convey ROUTING as well.
Signals at interlockings will normally display "Stop Signal" UNLESS the dispatcher or operator has cleared them for a movement.
On the other hand, automatic block signals will usually display their LEAST RESTRICTIVE aspect (depending on current of traffic in CTC territory) until a train passes.
An interlocking signal displayed for a movement into yards will almost always be "restricting" (yellow on the bottom), because there aren't any track circuits in such places -- hence, a more favorable signal CAN'T be displayed.
On an interlocking signal (and also on the distant signals that govern the approach to interlockings) with 2 or 3 units, the speed is indicated by the location of the green or yellow aspect.
Green on top = clear
Green in the middle = medium or limited speed (flashing is limited)
Green on the bottom = slow clear (on a 3-unit signal).
It's the placement of the green or yellow that tells you what to do.
The "red" lights are just there to show the unit is working.
cv_acr 7j43k For a route-signaled two-headed signal at the entrance to a siding, how likely will the switch be set for the main if the signal is green over red? And how likely will it be set for diverging if the signal is red over yellow? 100% likely in both cases because Green over Red is the indication for "Clear" and Red over Yellow is the indication for "Diverging Approach". It is 100% unlikely that a Green over Red signal will be displayed if the switch is routed into the siding because that *must* display an indication with "Diverging" in the name. Likewise, the straight route will not display a "Diverging" indication because it's not diverging... None of this is because "one light is for the siding and one is for the main".
7j43k For a route-signaled two-headed signal at the entrance to a siding, how likely will the switch be set for the main if the signal is green over red? And how likely will it be set for diverging if the signal is red over yellow?
For a route-signaled two-headed signal at the entrance to a siding, how likely will the switch be set for the main if the signal is green over red? And how likely will it be set for diverging if the signal is red over yellow?
100% likely in both cases because Green over Red is the indication for "Clear" and Red over Yellow is the indication for "Diverging Approach".
It is 100% unlikely that a Green over Red signal will be displayed if the switch is routed into the siding because that *must* display an indication with "Diverging" in the name. Likewise, the straight route will not display a "Diverging" indication because it's not diverging...
None of this is because "one light is for the siding and one is for the main".
So then, how is the aspect of the lower head generated? Is it especially related to the condition of the diverging track? Say, accessibility through the switch? Or occupancy? Does the condition of the through track generate information for this head?
And how is the aspect of the upper head generated? Is it especially related to the condition of the through track? Say, accessibility through the switch? Or occupancy? Does the condition of the diverging track generate information for this head?
Ed
7j43k So then, how is the aspect of the lower head generated? Is it especially related to the condition of the diverging track? Say, accessibility through the switch? Or occupancy? Does the condition of the through track generate information for this head? And how is the aspect of the upper head generated? Is it especially related to the condition of the through track? Say, accessibility through the switch? Or occupancy? Does the condition of the diverging track generate information for this head? Ed
Have you not listened to the 50 times we've said "no, that's not how things work"?
Chris van der Heide
My Algoma Central Railway Modeling Blog
A signal indication is based on any and all of the following conditions:
- whether the dispatcher has actually cleared a route through the signal (CTC)
- whether an opposing route has been set up (CTC or APB)
- whether or not the switch is normal or diverging (if there is a switch at the location of the signal)
- whether the block beyond the signal is occupied or not (the one that the switch is routed into)
- the indication of the next signal down the line (*not* the following block(s)...)
Take *ALL* of this information into account, and figure out what indication needs to be displayed. ("Stop", "Clear", "Approach", "Diverging Clear", etc.) Then display that indication, based on the chart of signal aspects in your rulebook.
The Signal aspect will be Green over Red (for example) because that's the aspect in the rulebook for "Clear", not because the top and bottom heads independently reflect the status of different tracks.
7j43kSo then, how is the aspect of the lower head generated?
They are NOT generated independently.
First off, we are talking about CTC or an interlocking since red over yellow or red over green aren't used outside those territories. That means a dispatcher is involved. The dispatcher lines the switches and requests a route. Based on the positions of the switches, the occupancy of the tracks on the selected route, the conditions of the next switches, the limits of the route selected, the system selects the most favorable indication for that set of conditions.
It doesn't figure out the top signal then figure out the bottom signal, it figures out the situation and displays ONE indication, that uses all the heads on the signal.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
dehusmanIt doesn't figure out the top signal then figure out the bottom signal, it figures out the situation and displays ONE indication, that uses all the heads on the signal.
You need two heads to convey the indication. That's because there (at least under NORAC) are over a dozen possible signal aspects that need to be displayed in the field. You can't do that with one signal head with 3 colors of bulb. You need at least two signal heads to get a combination of lights to convey track condition/occupany.
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
dehusman 7j43k So then, how is the aspect of the lower head generated? They are NOT generated independently. First off, we are talking about CTC or an interlocking since red over yellow or red over green aren't used outside those territories. That means a dispatcher is involved. The dispatcher lines the switches and requests a route. Based on the positions of the switches, the occupancy of the tracks on the selected route, the conditions of the next switches, the limits of the route selected, the system selects the most favorable indication for that set of conditions.
7j43k So then, how is the aspect of the lower head generated?
(in the case of a route signaled passing siding)
I maintain that the aspect displayed on the lower head is not influenced by the occupancy of the main that is between switches. And the same holds for that main, with respect to the siding.
Thus the aspects of each head reflect the condition (occupancy) of ONLY its respective track (siding or main) and all other tracks "outwards", including switch position.
You seem to think otherwise. If you do not, then we are in agreement.
7j43k cv_acr 7j43k For a route-signaled two-headed signal at the entrance to a siding, how likely will the switch be set for the main if the signal is green over red? And how likely will it be set for diverging if the signal is red over yellow? 100% likely in both cases because Green over Red is the indication for "Clear" and Red over Yellow is the indication for "Diverging Approach". It is 100% unlikely that a Green over Red signal will be displayed if the switch is routed into the siding because that *must* display an indication with "Diverging" in the name. Likewise, the straight route will not display a "Diverging" indication because it's not diverging... None of this is because "one light is for the siding and one is for the main". So then, how is the aspect of the lower head generated? Is it especially related to the condition of the diverging track? Say, accessibility through the switch? Or occupancy? Does the condition of the through track generate information for this head? And how is the aspect of the upper head generated? Is it especially related to the condition of the through track? Say, accessibility through the switch? Or occupancy? Does the condition of the diverging track generate information for this head? Ed
How they are generated is not really the issue. The issue is that they must be read as one indication.
If you want to understand how they are generated, go back into some old MR issues and find Bruce Cubb's original relay based signal system or Ed Ravenscroft's MZL control and look at the relay circuits they used.
They both used circuits nearly identical to the prototype, slighly simplified, and adapted to our different situation of detection.
The problem with trying to answer your question, is that they are generated differently depending on the exact type of system (CTC, ABS, etc).
Today it seems modelers are not interested in the nitty gritty of signals, they just want some processor to spit out the right indication after looking at the inputs.
Fact is 80 years before computers or PLC's, relay logic did this job just fine - BUT you had to actually understand the whole thing.
As others have commented, prototype signaling is very complex, varries from region to region, railroad to railroad, and era to era.
Our models only need something that looks plausable.
I chose to just have interlocking signals, and their approach signals. And I am doing it with relays. It is amazingly simple once you break it down to its basic elements.
Example - a crossover moving right to left on double track with a diverging route to the left after the crossover - from the direction just described. Three heads on a signal bridge for the right track, two for the left.
Crossover set straight thru - no trains in next blocks - diverging route not selected - right track will be G/R/R, left track needs only two heads G/R
Train in next block sets top G to R for the effected tracks, train in block after next sets top to Y (I don't use this indication, in our model world, the way my layout is designed, we don't need you slowing down for a train half way around the layout, and you will see an approach signal that will be Y half way thru the next block if that is the case anyway).
Crossover is selected, diverging route not selected, no train in next block - right track will be R/Y (or G for a high speed crossover) /R, left track will be R/R (absolute stop)
Crossover and diverging route both selected, no train in diverging route block - right track will be R/Y/Y, left track still R/R.
In this application, CTC signals convey speed and route, and protect against occupancy ahead, but the rule book will define those speeds and stop rules.
So how are those aspects generated? By a relay logic chain thru the turnout positions, authority from the dispatcher (cab assignment of next block in my case), and detection status of next block.
These logic chains exist in both directions.
Signaling is just too complex for all these generalizations........
Sheldon
A few more thoughts.
I have likely not followed this thread well enough to have really addressed any of the pending questions (or misunderstandings) in my post above.
That is kinda the point.
Without setting up a full set of critria, any conversation about signaling includes too many assumptions to get correct or thoughtful replies.
7j43k Thus the aspects of each head reflect the condition (occupancy) of ONLY its respective track (siding or main) and all other tracks "outwards", including switch position.
Once again NO that's not how it works.
7j43k You seem to think otherwise.
You seem to think otherwise.
That's the first correct thing you've said.
Let's try something else.
Imagine a new completely made-up set of signal aspects where instead of extra signal heads, we introduce extra colours.
So our sample indications/aspects are let's say:
Clear - Green
Approach (stop at next signal) - Yellow
Stop - Red
Diverging Clear (reduce speed through turnout(s)) - Purple
Diverging Approach (reduce speed through turnout(s) and stop at next signal) - Blue
In this system, if lined straight through you'll get a Green (instead of Green over Red) because the indication should be "Clear". If lined into the siding, you'll get a Blue (instead of Red over Yellow) because the indication should be "Diverging Approach".
Apart from my made-up signal colours, this is exactly the same concept as how any other actual North American signal system works! You determine the meaning (indication) required, then display some combination of lights (aspect) to show that indication.
cv_acr Let's try something else. Imagine a new completely made-up set of signal aspects where instead of extra signal heads, we introduce extra colours. So our sample indications/aspects are let's say: Clear - Green Approach (stop at next signal) - Yellow Stop - Red Diverging Clear (reduce speed through turnout(s)) - Purple Diverging Approach (reduce speed through turnout(s) and stop at next signal) - Blue In this system, if lined straight through you'll get a Green (instead of Green over Red) because the indication should be "Clear". If lined into the siding, you'll get a Blue (instead of Red over Yellow) because the indication should be "Diverging Approach". Apart from my made-up signal colours, this is exactly the same concept as how any other actual North American signal system works! You determine the meaning (indication) required, then display some combination of lights (aspect) to show that indication.
I don't think you understand Ed's question/position on this.
Not completely sure I do either, but maybe I do?
But again, as Dave has pointed out, aspects, and signal location differ depending on CTC vs ABS, etc.
And, the lights may look the same, but rule books dictate different meanings/speed restrictions/etc, on different railroads, and in different eras.
I model the 1950's, I know way more about signals from the 1930's to the 50's than what I know about current practice - no flashing yellows in 1950.....etc.
I can't help but note that my questions are being ignored, directly or indirectly.
Rather, I am being accused of ignorance.
For a route-signaled entrance to a passing siding, each head reveals the condition of its route. And does not reveal the condition of the other route (because it has its own head that does that).
That's a physical description of operation.
IF you can show that statement to be untrue, partially or completely, I'd be very interested.
Telling me that there are official rules about HOW to interpret that information is unnecessary. I've know that for a long time.
PS: Sheldon. I agree that they don't understand what I am getting at. But I think my questions are very clear. So it's a puzzle how they're missing the point. Which I tried to make just now. Again.
7j43k I can't help but note that my questions are being ignored, directly or indirectly. Rather, I am being accused of ignorance. For a route-signaled entrance to a passing siding, each head reveals the condition of its route. And does not reveal the condition of the other route (because it has its own head that does that). That's a physical description of operation. IF you can show that statement to be untrue, partially or completely, I'd be very interested. Telling me that there are official rules about HOW to interpret that information is unnecessary. I've know that for a long time. Ed
Ed,
I don't think they understand what you are saying. Honestly it took me a while to understand how you worded things.
But yes, you are correct about how the individual signal head in a group is controlled, as it applies to interlocking signals and or CTC signals - not so much with ABS or other systems, which sometimes exist within CTC signals.
They are talking about the meaning, you are talking about how they work. As I commented, many people do not know how they work, model or prototype.
7j43k For a route-signaled entrance to a passing siding, each head reveals the condition of its route. And does not reveal the condition of the other route (because it has its own head that does that). That's a physical description of operation.
The point is that's not how it works, it only looks that way on a basic level if you only look at one signal example in isolation but it's not that simple. Your question isn't quite being ignored, we're trying to point out the premise is wrong.
The table of signal indications isn't "how to intepret the information based on how the signal is showing the status of the different tracks", it's "this is the signal indication to use for this situation".
In a simple example of a signal at a siding where one track goes to two, and only looking at that one signal, and ignoring the rest of the signal system which is all tied together, it might sort of look that way, but it's actually more complicated than that.
You're attacking the problem from the wrong direction.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL But yes, you are correct about how the individual signal head in a group is controlled, as it applies to interlocking signals and or CTC signals - not so much with ABS or other systems, which sometimes exist within CTC signals. They are talking about the meaning, you are talking about how they work. As I commented, many people do not know how they work, model or prototype.
But no, that isn't how they work.
The heads do not independently indicate the status of each track.
The signal system evaluates all the conditions, determines what "meaning" needs to be displayed, and displays an appropriate aspect. As a whole. Across all heads of the signal.
cv_acr 7j43k For a route-signaled entrance to a passing siding, each head reveals the condition of its route. And does not reveal the condition of the other route (because it has its own head that does that). That's a physical description of operation. The point is that's not how it works, it only looks that way on a basic level if you only look at one signal example in isolation but it's not that simple. Your question isn't quite being ignored, we're trying to point out the premise is wrong. The table of signal indications isn't "how to intepret the information based on how the signal is showing the status of the different tracks", it's "this is the signal indication to use for this situation". In a simple example of a signal at a siding where one track goes to two, and only looking at that one signal, and ignoring the rest of the signal system which is all tied together, it might sort of look that way, but it's actually more complicated than that. You're attacking the problem from the wrong direction.
Ed is not challenging the idea that you "read" the whole indication.
Fact is from a wiring standpoint, now that I understand his question, he is mostly correct.
In any given interlocking senerio, there is a logic chain for each signal head. That logic chain follows the condition of the respective route, in total.
So using my example in my first post, the upper head would look at dispatcher route selection, position of the crossover, position of the diverging route and detection along the route selected.
Possible routes not selected would default red. If the crossover is thrown to diverge, both top heads will defualt red, the main is not available.
The second head on the right will go green or yellow based on speed restrictions.
The third head would stay red, diverging route not selected.
Routes with detection would default red.
Available routes selected would go green or yellow based on speed restrictions.
cv_acr ATLANTIC CENTRAL But yes, you are correct about how the individual signal head in a group is controlled, as it applies to interlocking signals and or CTC signals - not so much with ABS or other systems, which sometimes exist within CTC signals. They are talking about the meaning, you are talking about how they work. As I commented, many people do not know how they work, model or prototype. But no, that isn't how they work. The heads do not independently indicate the status of each track. The signal system evaluates all the conditions, determines what "meaning" needs to be displayed, and displays an appropriate aspect. As a whole. Across all heads of the signal.
I know, each head responds to a logic chain, but those logic chains do "follow" the possible routes. Having designed and built my own relay based signal system, I have some experiance here, not to mention many years of industrial control experiance before computers and PLC's......
The only difference between what you are saying and what Ed is saying is that when the routes "interact" both can be in the same logic chain for a given signal head.
On that point you are correct.
But on a basic level, he does seem to understand where the information comes from for each signal head.
cv_acr 7j43k For a route-signaled entrance to a passing siding, each head reveals the condition of its route. And does not reveal the condition of the other route (because it has its own head that does that). That's a physical description of operation. The point is that's not how it works, it only looks that way on a basic level if you only look at one signal example in isolation but it's not that simple. Your question isn't quite being ignored, we're trying to point out the premise is wrong.
Actually, some of them ARE being ignored. And I do not believe I have asserted the signal I am using as an example operates all by it's lonesome. I do assert that the ABS system will cause more restrictive indications, as necessary.
I know that. Those are rules. I am talking about physical reality.
See my comments about ABS, above.
7j43k The table of signal indications isn't "how to intepret the information based on how the signal is showing the status of the different tracks", it's "this is the signal indication to use for this situation". I know that. Those are rules. I am talking about physical reality.
If the rules and tables are so irrelevant to the design of the system, how does your straightforward "physical reality" explain how a Yellow over Yellow aproach signal is generated in your system and what meaning to infer from it?
cv_acr If the rules and tables are so irrelevant to the design of the system, how does your straightforward "physical reality" explain how a Yellow over Yellow aproach signal is generated in your system and what meaning to infer from it?
I didn't say the rules and tables were especially irrelevant to the design of the system. If they WERE irrelevant to the design, they would very likely also be irrelevant to the operation. And then, what point are they?
My straightforward "physical reality" explains yellow over yellow as being based on physical imputs. Based in reality. How do YOU think a yellow over yellow would be generated?
I believe I no longer know what you're arguing.
In past posts in this thread you've stated:
1. The top head refers to the main track
2. The bottom head refers to the siding
3. That a yellow over yellow was likely "not possible" (since clearly you can't be lined into the main track and siding at the same time)
It's been demonstrated that yellow over yellow is a real thing (and what it means, and when it would be used).
You keep doubling down on each head being set independently based on main track or siding.
So if each head of a signal has it's own independent input, based on your rule what conditions would drive a yellow over yellow?
Obviously everything is done with a number of different physical inputs, logic relays and drivers. But it's more involved than just setting heads separately based on track conditions.
My point all along is just that there's more to it than "top light main, bottom light siding" and that doesn't account for the design of special approach signals, restricting signals, etc.
Eastern speed signalling is also a bit more involved than western route signalling, but really quite similar when it comes down to it, just with additional indications and logic to differentiate between allowable speeds to take through diverging routes, where the western route signalling just says "take diverging and know what speed you're supposed to take at that point". Otherwise the logic is all similar except you'll get slightly different versions of signal indications for "Slow Clear" vs. "Medium Clear" etc.
cv_acr It's been demonstrated that yellow over yellow is a real thing (and what it means, and when it would be used).
And yet no one can demonstrate how to get a yellow over yellow on the entering signal to a siding with route-signaling.
You keep doubling down on each head being set independently based on main track or siding. So if each head of a signal has it's own independent input, based on your rule what conditions would drive a yellow over yellow?
Based on my "rule", it can't happen. So, again, show me how it happens in the above circumstance.
Obviously everything is done with a number of different physical inputs, logic relays and drivers. But it's more involved than just setting heads separately based on track conditions. My point all along is just that there's more to it than "top light main, bottom light siding" and that doesn't account for the design of special approach signals, restricting signals, etc.
I am not talking about special approach signals. Nor restricting signals. Nor etc.
I am talking about a plain ole siding. Route signaled. All by itself. Out in nowhere. About as simple as it can be. With interlocking for each switch.
OF COURSE, if you make things more complex, there will have to be more complex signaling. With additional physical inputs. But that isn't what we're talking about. At least, I'm not. And haven't been.
So. Tell me. What are the circumstances that would generate a yellow over yellow for the plain ole siding described above.
Remember. YOU'RE the guy who is asserting it can happen. Not me. So........
7j43kSo. Tell me. What are the circumstances that would generate a yellow over yellow for the plain ole siding described above. Remember. YOU'RE the guy who is asserting it can happen. Not me. So........
Very simple.
Lets use the 1980 BN signal rules in the CCOR.
Yellow over Yellow. Rule 501A. Proceed prepared to stop at the second signal.
Its probably territory with a 60-79 mph max speed. Both siding switches lined for main. Next signal does not display not stop. Signal after that displays stop. Both blocks to the stop are not occupied.
That wasn't that hard was it?
Now I have a couple questions for you. You assert that the top signal indicates the condition of the main track and the bottom signal indicates the condition of the siding.
On single main track, no siding for 10 miles, there is a two headed signal that displays yellow over yellow. If the bottom signal pertains to the siding, how does it display yellow over yellow if there is no siding?
At a location there is a siding on both sides of the main track (east siding and west siding). The signal approaching one end displays diverging approach, red over yellow. To which siding does the signal apply and how does it apply when one siding switch is lined for the main and one is lined for the siding?
At the end of a siding, where the track goes from a main and a siding to a single main, the LEAVING signals have two heads. Once again, if the lower signal head pertains to the siding, why is there a lower head when beyond the switch there is no siding, only single main?
dehusman 7j43k So. Tell me. What are the circumstances that would generate a yellow over yellow for the plain ole siding described above. Remember. YOU'RE the guy who is asserting it can happen. Not me. So........ Very simple. Lets use the 1980 BN signal rules in the CCOR. Yellow over Yellow. Rule 501A. Proceed prepared to stop at the second signal. Its probably territory with a 60-79 mph max speed. Both siding switches lined for main. Next signal does not display not stop. Signal after that displays stop. Both blocks to the stop are not occupied. That wasn't that hard was it?
7j43k So. Tell me. What are the circumstances that would generate a yellow over yellow for the plain ole siding described above. Remember. YOU'RE the guy who is asserting it can happen. Not me. So........
Interesting. for "my" siding, one could do the same thing with flashing yellow over red. Followed by yellow at the siding leaving-signal. Did BN not have flashing yellow in 1980?
Now I have a couple questions for you. You assert that the top signal indicates the condition of the main track and the bottom signal indicates the condition of the siding. On single main track, no siding for 10 miles, there is a two headed signal that displays yellow over yellow. If the bottom signal pertains to the siding, how does it display yellow over yellow if there is no siding?
The discussion is only about a passing siding. So this doesn't apply. Sounds like it's speed signaling, though.
It applies to the route through the interlocking. I am presuming there are three signals at the other end of the interlocking, right?
Because there is, at this location, a need to give the engineer more information than a single head can. And, therefore, this is not the "simple siding" that I am referring to.
Forgot to add two more sceanrios that Ed can explain for us using the "top signal main, bottom signal siding" hypothesis.
Beginning of two main track territory. Approaching from single track. You get a diverging approach. How does the bottom signal work if BOTH tracks are main tracks?
Junction between two subdivisions. Approaching from single track. You get a diverging approach. How does the bottom signal work if BOTH tracks are main tracks?
By the way, I know the answers to these questions, and all the above situations are valid. I want to see how the "top main, bottom siding" folks explain it.
7j43kDid BN not have flashing yellow in 1980?
Yes they had flashing signals, but for different indications.
7j43kThe discussion is only about a passing siding. So this doesn't apply. Sounds like it's speed signaling, though.
There are no "these are just for sidings" signals. The indications apply the same wherever they are displayed.
7j43kIt applies to the route through the interlocking. I am presuming there are three signals at the other end of the interlocking, right?
Its not an interlocking, its the end of a station with a siding on either side of the main, a control point just like anyother control point a the end of a station with a single siding. There would be a leaving signal on each siding and on the main.
7j43kBecause there is, at this location, a need to give the engineer more information than a single head can. And, therefore, this is not the "simple siding" that I am referring to.
But its the same signal, its the same aspect, its the same indication, it has the same requirements, there is absolutely no difference in the rules based on the location, whether there is a siding or there is not a siding.
If the same signal is displayed whether or not there is a siding, whether or not the siding is occupied, then that would be pretty rock solid case that the lower signal head doesn't "belong" to the siding.
The signal indication is based on the overall condition of the tracks and the switches in the route. The upper signal is NOT tied to the main and the lower signal is NOT tied to the siding. The signal system does not figure out the top head, then figure out the bottom head, the signal head doesn't decide what to display. If figures out the indication for the entire signal and you read the whole signal, all together.
We are right back where we started.
dehusman 7j43k So. Tell me. What are the circumstances that would generate a yellow over yellow for the plain ole siding described above. Remember. YOU'RE the guy who is asserting it can happen. Not me. So........ Very simple. Lets use the 1980 BN signal rules in the CCOR. Yellow over Yellow. Rule 501A. Proceed prepared to stop at the second signal. Its probably territory with a 60-79 mph max speed. Both siding switches lined for main. Next signal does not display not stop. Signal after that displays stop. Both blocks to the stop are not occupied. That wasn't that hard was it? Now I have a couple questions for you. You assert that the top signal indicates the condition of the main track and the bottom signal indicates the condition of the siding. On single main track, no siding for 10 miles, there is a two headed signal that displays yellow over yellow. If the bottom signal pertains to the siding, how does it display yellow over yellow if there is no siding? At a location there is a siding on both sides of the main track (east siding and west siding). The signal approaching one end displays diverging approach, red over yellow. To which siding does the signal apply and how does it apply when one siding switch is lined for the main and one is lined for the siding? At the end of a siding, where the track goes from a main and a siding to a single main, the LEAVING signals have two heads. Once again, if the lower signal head pertains to the siding, why is there a lower head when beyond the switch there is no siding, only single main?
I knew this was headed here next, exactly my point earlier, too many facts not in evidence.
Dave, I understand, but Ed is just talking about that one isolated example, a two head signal located at (lets assume just before) a siding.
I also understand, we cannot assume that every railroad, in every era, even with the same general operating conditions, would signal that siding the same way.
For some railroads, in some eras, on some systems, Ed would be correct, and one head would always be red.
This whole discussion is a prime example of why we do not need truely prototypical signals on our model layouts.........
And why it has taken decades for the rail industry to start to standardize signal practice.
Real railroads deal with hundreds of miles of varied operating conditions, we are a lucky if we are dealing with hundreds of feet.........or a handful of scale miles.
For those without prototype experiance, the variations can be a lot to learn about and absorb. It took me while and still don't have your kind of knowledge, even with my son being an Engineer.......
But I know enough to understand just how much more there is for me to know, and I know enough to make my model system look realistic and function well.
I suspect Ed may be on a similar journey.
Yellow over yellow is a speed/occupancy aspect, not a route control aspect.
And there is the complext part, some signals are speed/occupancy only, some include route control/indication, some permissive, some are absolute, all tell the engineer what he should be prepared for next........but you already know all this.....
Oh yes, and then there is the difference between an interlocking and a control point......
OK, I'm getting bored, back to drawing the new layout plan......
PS - ok, one last question for Dave or others, I know Dave has real world experiance in the Cab, does Dave (or others) have knowledge of how relays (back in the day), along with the track circuits, generated all these complex aspects? (I do, my first job as a "grown up" envolved designing complex relay circuits, later I converted relay circuits into PLC logic....)
ATLANTIC CENTRALDave, I understand, but Ed is just talking about that one isolated example, a two head signal located at (lets assume just before) a siding.
The hypothesis that has been put forward that Chris and I are discussing is that on a two headed signal, the top head indicates the condition of the main track and that the bottom signal indicates the condition of the siding.
In the very limited example of a siding, when the switch is lined for the main, the top head may have a color other than red. When the switch is lined for the siding, the bottom head may have a color other than red. However that still doen't prove the hypothesis because there are dozens of examples of signals with two heads at other places that don't follow that logic, you can have two heads and not have a siding. There are NO signal indications that say anything about a siding. There are no rules that tell a crew to interpret signals that way. I've taught rules classes to trainmen and that's not how it was taught.
If somebody wants to use that as a rule of thumb in the one and only one case of a signal approaching a siding, restricting to just those 4 signal indications, just on route signals, they will probably get the gist of the signal right. However if they try to translate that logic to other signals, it ain't going to work.
Why create a special case exception that only works in one specific circumstance? Just do it right the first time.