Control points, controlled signals and intermediate

[NW Mailing List]

A couple points....... 
  
First, I have enjoyed this discussion.  Prototype signaling is something that has been somewhat "mysterious" to me so I appreciate all of the explanations offered. 
  
Second, like Jim Cochran, I hope to implement a signaling system on my model railroad.  Thus far, I believe what we need for a model railroad is far less complex than what the prototype did; that being said, I don't mean to imply there aren't complications that need to be addressed from the modeler's point of view. 
  
Third, it is my understanding that train crews had to be qualified on a given district and/or division to work; this would involve some "student trips" to familiarize the crew members with the "road map" of that territory. 
  
Please keep the questions and answers coming. 
  
Jim Brewer 
Glenwood MD 

----- Original Message -----

From: "NW Mailing List" <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org> 
To: "NW Mailing List" <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org> 
Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 8:01:28 PM 
Subject: Re: Control points, controlled signals and intermediate 

Dick, 
I would agree with you that once you learned the signal indications, and the route, and familiarized yourself with the TT, it might not have been extremely difficult to know what you needed to do to operate your train safely according to the signals.  However, if you were given an arbitrary track plan, could you determine what signals with what aspects should be placed at which locations to provide for protection and efficiency in all operations in exactly the way the N&W would have?  I for one, should I ever be in a position to implement a model layout, would like to be able to at least approximate a control system using signals in the way the N&W would have, much in the same way that I would like to purchase/construct good approximations of their rolling stock, motive power, track side facilities, etc.  It is one thing to be able to read a map, and quite another to be able to produce one. 
Jim Cochran 


On Wed, Aug 21, 2013 at 2:13 PM, NW Mailing List < nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org > wrote: 



I agree with Jimmy, that some are making signals more complicated than they really are. 

There are 2 basic types of signal systems. Route signalling, which is primarily used in the UK, where railways and railway signalling were invented, and speed signalling, primarily used in North America.  

Norfolk Southern uses a hybrid system. Our signals can display 1) the aspect of the next and sometimes 2nd signal ahead, 2) the route to be taken ( the "diverging" aspects) and 3) the type of speed to be observed (maximum authorized speed, medium speed, restricted speed). 

The engineer can then use the signal indications, along with the timetable and bulletin information, and his route knowledge to safely operate his train. 

Dick Kimball 

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