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CSX/Amtrak crash-un-powered armstrong Mainline switches are supposed to have signal actuators?

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  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Dallas, TX
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Posted by CMStPnP on Monday, February 5, 2018 11:07 PM

BaltACD
In the limits of a of Signal Suspension

They are even reporting on Fox News today the signals were out of service and that it was a manually thrown switch that was not aligned correctly leading the Amtrak train into the waiting Freight Train on the siding.    So the News Media has finally caught up with your original comments.......took them some time though.

  • Member since
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  • From: Maryland
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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Monday, February 5, 2018 7:33 PM

CandOforprogress2

Even the old switches that date back to the 1930s near my house on the Erie have signal actuaters that are solid state. What could have gone wrong here?

 

I don't know the exact circuity used these days, but even with CTC, the old original relay track circuits would have seen that manual switch lined to the siding as occupancy and displayed red at both ends of the block. Now, that may have been a permissive red, but would have required the train to slow considerably, able to stop should they see a train or obstruction, and it would have been their warning to look for same.

BUT, signals apparently were suspended, meaning lots of them were likely showing red automaticly due to construction work, and crews had been advised to ignore them - that is what a signal suspension is.

Sheldon 

    

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  • From: Canterlot
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Posted by zugmann on Monday, February 5, 2018 7:32 PM

Euclid
That is a spectacular stretch.

 

Wow. 

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

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Posted by BaltACD on Monday, February 5, 2018 4:35 PM

Euclid
 
BaltACD
PTC has claimed its first deaths, as the Signal Suspension was to allow the installation of equipment required to support PTC in the future on this line. 

That is a spectacular stretch. 

No stretch at all.  If it wasn't for PTC the signals that existed at Dixiana could have lasted for years without the need for replacement and a Signal Suspension to perform the work.  For all I know there may have been some deaths among the signal gangs that are removing the old equipment and installing the new equipment.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by Euclid on Monday, February 5, 2018 3:43 PM

BaltACD
PTC has claimed its first deaths, as the Signal Suspension was to allow the installation of equipment required to support PTC in the future on this line.

That is a spectacular stretch. 

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    May 2003
  • From: US
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Posted by BaltACD on Monday, February 5, 2018 3:36 PM

CandOforprogress2
Even the old switches that date back to the 1930s near my house on the Erie have signal actuaters that are solid state. What could have gone wrong here?

In the limits of a of Signal Suspension - Signal Indications have no meaning - by defination the signals are out of service - no matter the indication that the signals may display.

PTC has claimed its first deaths, as the Signal Suspension was to allow the installation of equipment required to support PTC in the future on this line.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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    March 2016
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CSX/Amtrak crash-un-powered armstrong Mainline switches are supposed to have signal actuators?
Posted by CandOforprogress2 on Monday, February 5, 2018 11:42 AM

Even the old switches that date back to the 1930s near my house on the Erie have signal actuaters that are solid state. What could have gone wrong here?

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