Update;
Just like any new idea, we are always interested in improvements.
Today the signal crew; Seanna, and Steve Watson, rewired the signals so that each signal can be controlled by itself.
Each signal head (Red and green) has its own switch (DPDT Centre off) on a simplified track diagram in the dispatchers’ shack.
This should give the dispatcher full control of the crossing, and please the operating crews.
…now to train the dispatcher(s) !!!
Train the train dispatchers? That may be the hardest part.
This past week, the signal crew installed signals protecting the block between Craigleigh, and St.Helens
Today; Saturday, July 9th, the signals were activated, in spite of a major downpour, and rather damp conditions.
Green on top, right Fred? (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)
Fred Mills said:
This past week, the signal crew installed signals protecting the block between Craigleigh, and St.Helens
Today; Saturday, July 9th, the signals were activated, in spite of a major downpour, and rather damp conditions.
Who activates those signals? The yard Crew in Craigleigh?
Yes, the yardmaster at Craigleigh. The Dispatcher has to give clearance, to the train crew, but occupancy of the block is controlled by the yardmaster.
The reason for the signals, is that often crews would disregard the yard limits at Craigleigh, and would suddenly appear in the yard, disrupting movements within the yard limits. There had to be some control for the yardmaster to prevent trains from appearing in his yard limits without his knowledge.
Contact between the Dispatcher and yardmaster are also being improved.
I never knew there were yard limits in Craigleigh. Most of the time when I worked there, my first inkling of a train coming in, is a guy walking into the area with a throttle in his hand and looking down the track behind the shed…(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)
Signal update (2017) on the Ironwood Peter’s Pond & Western Railroad…
The signal systems were once again activated for the 2017 season. Slight modifications have been made to the newest application; from St.Helens to Craigleigh…just the power supply and LEDS…
There are indications that the station at Firgrove, may finally have electricity installed. This will mean that the train order board will be electrified, to save the station staff from having to climb a ladder to fill the lantern, twice a week…!!..and will it be long before the needed approach signal is installed at the Firgrove mile board…who knows…lots of things happening…
Fred Mills
