Some months earlier an article(perhaps Ask Trains)appeared,which explained the means used to determine what train would have right of way when tracks crossed one another.In some cases it would be a different railroad.If you recall what issue this was in please let me know;Thank you Jim W.
ajaarmSome months earlier an article(perhaps Ask Trains)appeared,which explained the means used to determine what train would have right of way when tracks crossed one another.In some cases it would be a different railroad.If you recall what issue this was in please let me know;Thank you Jim W.
There is no general rule for crossings of two or more railways. There is a specific rule for every at-grade crossing. Priority for use of the crossing depends 100% on the agreement for that specific crossing between the two railways, which they negotiate however they wish. The rule will usually be posted in the employee timetables or special timetable instructions for both railways, sometimes in the General Orders, and sometimes only in track bulletins. Some common forms of these agreements are:
Crossings that are "same railway" can be stop-sign both routes, stop-sign one route, automatic interlockings, or manual interlockings. The priority is as set out in the employee timetable. Generally, crossings that are stop sign both routes or automatic interlocking are first come, first serve. Crossings that are manual interlockings are per dispatcher discretion. Crossings that are stop sign one route have fixed priority.
Often the special instructions will require the inferior route at a stop-sign one route only, or both routes at a stop sign both routes, to not occupy the crossing unless the train movement can be made in one continuous motion, or near-continuous, without occupying the crossing while switching. Crossings that are signalized (automatic block, manual block) fall under block system rules that govern continuous motion and reverse moves.
RWM
I recall reading somewhere about a situation at an automatic interlocking where two trains hit the circuit at exactly the same time. They both got red signals. Who got to go first was decided by a flip of a coin.
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...
tree68I recall reading somewhere about a situation at an automatic interlocking where two trains hit the circuit at exactly the same time. They both got red signals. Who got to go first was decided by a flip of a coin.
Circuit designs for many years (since the 1930s at least) are designed to prevent that from occurring. There are probably some old, very cheap circuits still in service that are not so equipped. A couple of days someone was telling me they went into a B Case in Chicago a week ago to survey it for a PTC interface and the equipment inside dated to 1912.
What often happens is the interlocking isn't working at all due to shunted track -- and had there been only one train, it also would have got a red signal.
The account was from the days of steam, so it probably went back that far. The crews walked to the diamond to sort things out.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.