Semaphore Signals

[Colin]

A change I've noticed since MK2: The semaphore signals only drop when the entire train goes through. Is this a correction? I might be wrong, but as a kid I seem to remember then dropping (as in MK1) when the Engine (or first bit of rolling stock) passed them.

[ee16csvt]

In the "old days" Signal Inspectors would not be happy if a signalman replaced a semaphore signal to Danger/Caution before the whole of the train had been seen to have passed beyond the signal concerned. Either observed actually from the box or by virtue of the occupation of Track Circuits on a Panel.

On TCB, as soon as the next track circuit/axle counter section beyond the overlap of a signal showing a proceed aspect becomes occupied, the signal should revert to danger! Replaced to danger by the passage of trains!

The MK2 upgrade readme file states the above should now be the case in RS ....

PB

[Colin]

Oops, Sorry!
Many thanks. Shows I didn't check it. Thanks

[signalman_stu]

As was stated above, it is/was prototypical for semaphores to be held off and/or hand signlas displayed until the entire train had passed them. This was because it was one of the Guards duties to observe signals and dropping the signal before he had passed it would result in an emergency brake application.

It could be used as a last resort in an emergency situation though.

[ee16csvt]

As was stated above, it is/was prototypical for semaphores to be held off and/or hand signlas displayed until the entire train had passed them. This was because it was one of the Guards duties to observe signals and dropping the signal before he had passed it would result in an emergency brake application.

It could be used as a last resort in an emergency situation though.

That's right Stu ... In the days when guards were "guards" unlike nowadays, their just revenue protection agents!

Money Money Money! Performance Performance Performance!

What happened to safety?

PB

[Colin]

Many thanks for your replies. Initially no one seemed to know, so I contacted the Railway Museum in the UK and got this reply:

"As is often the case, apparently simple questions do not always have an equivalent simple answer. I would recommend that you obtain a copy of the book ‘Two Centuries of Railway Signalling’ by Geoffrey Kitchenside and Alan Williams (Oxford Publishing Co., 1998, ISBN 0 86093 541 8). This provides a full history of the evolution of signalling technology by the acknowledged experts in the field. I would of course offer you the opportunity to read the book here, but I notice from your email address that it may present some travelling difficulties."

I'll check if they haven't got a copy of it in one of our libraries. I see that Amazon has it for sale.
Colin

[ee16csvt]

"As is often the case, apparently simple questions do not always have an equivalent simple answer. I would recommend that you obtain a copy of the book ‘Two Centuries of Railway Signalling’ by Geoffrey Kitchenside and Alan Williams (Oxford Publishing Co., 1998, ISBN 0 86093 541 8). This provides a full history of the evolution of signalling technology by the acknowledged experts in the field. I would of course offer you the opportunity to read the book here, but I notice from your email address that it may present some travelling difficulties."


That's typical of the NRM I personally don't rate it or them at all!

But if you have any serious questions regarding signalling I'm sure either signalman stu or myself will be able to help out!

PB

[boleyd]

What is an NRM? I do not use text messaging so a lot of these things are foreign to me.

[USRailFan]

NRM, is, unless I am totally mistaken, the UK's National Rail Museum, situated in York, England.

[Colin]

It stands for National Railway Museum.