When a signal goes out

[jimrice4449]

All of the above is good data but I want to emphasize "the most restrictive indication normally displayed by that signal" In Spokane there is an interlocking (Napa St) that has some dark tracks leading into it. These tracks have approach (distant) signals that ordinarily display yellow and don't change to indicate track occupancy. Since the track speed is less than "medium" a train coming up on these signals showing no indication would not have to take any action other than to "approach next signal prepared to stop". This is admitedly a rare situation but the rare situations can "git ya".

[kenneo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jimrice4449

All of the above is good data but I want to emphasize "the most restrictive indication normally displayed by that signal" In Spokane there is an interlocking (Napa St) that has some dark tracks leading into it. These tracks have approach (distant) signals that ordinarily display yellow and don't change to indicate track occupancy. Since the track speed is less than "medium" a train coming up on these signals showing no indication would not have to take any action other than to "approach next signal prepared to stop". This is admitedly a rare situation but the rare situations can "git ya".

The posts concerning brake applications were, esentially, off topic, but connected to the thred.

You are correct about distant signals. They can either be "automatic" or not. Actually, if the signal has the ability to display track occupancy as well as approach (distant) signal indications, it must display a sign or plate stating that it is "semi-automatic" (usually a triangle with SA on it). Simple distant signals must bear a "D" plate. In either case, no number is affixed to the signal mast and the train must approach the home signal prepared to stop unless its indication instructs otherwise and the engineer can see it.

[jimrice4449]

All the above is good data but I'd like to emphasize "the most restrictive indication normally displayed by that signal" In Spokane Wa there is an interlocking (Napa St) that has some dark (non-signaled) tracks running into it. On the BNSF line to Hillyard, Kettle Falls & Canada there is a signal for southbound trains at Mission St. It"s the distant signal for Napa St interlocking and doesn't show track. occupancy. It normally displays yellow. Since the normal track speed is less than "medium" a train may pass this signal at track speed "prepared to stop at next signal" if the signal is dark.

[jimrice4449]

All the above is good data but I'd like to emphasize "the most restrictive indication normally displayed by that signal" In Spokane Wa there is an interlocking (Napa St) that has some dark (non-signaled) tracks running into it. On the BNSF line to Hillyard, Kettle Falls & Canada there is a signal for southbound trains at Mission St. It"s the distant signal for Napa St interlocking and doesn't show track. occupancy. It normally displays yellow. Since the normal track speed is less than "medium" a train may pass this signal at track speed "prepared to stop at next signal" if the signal is dark.
jimrice4449

[BigJim]

Kenneo,
Thanks for mentioning the number boards, I hadn't thought about what could come through them!

[daveklepper]

And the nose door!

[BigJim]

Actually the nose doors of todays wide-bodys appear to be pretty safe. They open outward, there is a lip and a seal so anything trying to come in has to make an S turn to do it.

The windshield would be the weakest link in this senario.

As an aside,
A RF told me how he and a R/H Foreman had to ride a train out of Ft. Wayne during a snow storm. The lead loco had a low nose. Somewhere along the way they ran into a snow drift. The snow knocked out the windshieds and filled the cab pinning the RF & R/H Foreman to the back of the bulkhead!

[kenneo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by daveklepper

And the nose door!

You are correct, Dave. I had forgotten about the nose doors looking for other employment until long after I had posted the note. Figured I would just ignore the lapse.

[kenneo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BigJim

Kenneo,
Thanks for mentioning the number boards, I hadn't thought about what could come through them!

There was an article in TRAINS of the accident north of Denver sometime after it happened. It quoted the accident investigation as reporting that anything that could be dislodged to admit the gasoline had been dislodged. Headlights. Train indicators. Number boards. Nose door. I don't remember any windshield damage (broken out, type). The gasoline that entered the nose also opened the door between the cab and the nose compartment and "filled" the cab with flaming gas.

I'm glad that the new doors on full width low-nose motors are designed to seal when something attempts to pu***hrough them, such as in an accident. Looks like the next weak link is the front windows.