Control points, controlled signals and intermediate signals

[NW Mailing List]

On 8/20/2013 2:20 PM, NW Mailing List wrote:

> For the engineer, the signal indicates the speed to 

> operate...really...period.

Lynn,
     You have to be careful how you qualify your 
statements...really...period!

For example the definition of a "Clear" signal is: Proceed at prescribed 
speed.
So, what is the "prescribed speed"?
     It could be 10 mph or 15 mph or 25 mph, etc., etc. It depends on 
where you are.
Where do you find what is the prescribed speed?
     From the Employee Timetable. Maximum authorized speed for portions 
of track are posted in the ETT. A District may have more than one long 
sections of track where the maximum authorized speeds are different.
     Then, you have curves where the speed is restricted to something 
lower than the maximum. These restricted curves are also listed in the ETT.

Now, throw in the definition of "Restricted Speed" which is: A speed 
that will permit stopping short of train, engine, obstruction, or switch 
not properly lined and looking out for a broken rail, but not exceeding 
15 mph.
     There is a lot of leeway in there. Maybe conditions allow you to 
see far enough ahead that it is safe to run 15 mph. Or it could be so 
foggy that you have to put the brakeman/conductor on the ground and walk 
ahead of the train, in which case you are at the most crawling along.

So, speed isn't necessarily...speed...really...

Jimmy Lisle