Branch signaling continued

NW Mailing List nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org
Tue Nov 12 02:54:06 EST 2013


Lynn,
Let me see if I can drill this concept into your head. Block
signals /_*ARE NOT*_/ switch indicators! Let me say that one more
time...BLOCK SIGNALS_/*ARE NOT*/_ SWITCH INDICATORS!!! Therefore, forget
the switch points, we are running on _/*SIGNAL INDICATION*/_!!!

Here in Roanoke, you will find that the Forwarding Yard Ladder, The
Empty Side Ladder and the Motive Power Ladder all have*/_switch
indicators_/*. Their only purpose is to indicate which way a switch is
aligned. They offer absolutely ZERO, NIL, ZILCH, NOTHING in the way of
block protection! They also_/*DO NOT*/_ protect you if the switch points
are gapped or lined incorrectly. Why? Because you are working
at_/*restricted speed*/_.
Out on the road (and some places through yards), you have _/*block
protection */__/*signals*/_. These signals control your_/*movement*/_.
In order to comply with these signals, one must know the definition of
the signal aspects (If I am not very much mistaken, the N&WHS Commissary
sells a book showing signal aspects and their definition). I suggest you
learn the definitions.
You mention a second head.
For example, what is the difference between an "Approach" and an
"Advance Approach" aspect?
The "Approach", by definition,_/*requires*/_ you to _/*"Be prepared
to stop at the next signal. If exceeding medium speed, immediately take
action to reduce to that speed"*/_. That means you need to slow down.
Even though the next signal may not be a "Stop", you still need to be
prepared to stop. You can go a long way and take up a lot of time
running on "Approach" signals. OR...
The "Advance Approach", by definition, _/*allows*/_ you to,
_/*"Proceed prepared to stop at the second signal"*/_. It does not
require you to reduce speed (Although, in most cases there is a short
distance block involved and the need to reduce speed may be warranted.)
Do you understand the difference?
Using this example, on your own, apply this to the difference
between the "Approach" and "Approach Diverging" signal aspects. Now tell
me why the second head is useful?

Jimmy Lisle


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