Re: New questions for rail experts

[David Johnson <trainman@ozemail.com.au>]

Chris Gordon wrote:

> > > A catchpoint would have just derailed the train, down the embankment and
> > > still smashed it up.  A catchpoint would not have helped, it may have
> > > made it worse.
> >
> > Catchpoint are intended to direct the train somewhere *relatively*
> > safe, not down an embankment.
>
> I would think somewhere relatively safe would be left on the tracks,
> derailing a train is not safe.  Yes there are cases where de-railing a
> train is better than a head on, but better design of the signalling and
> safeworking should stop the train well before a possible head on.
>
> The system of catchpoints in NSW turns a chance of an accident into a
> accident.
>
> Having catchpoint on a main line is dangerous.  In NSW if a train goes
> through a signal at stop at speed, then it will be derailed.
> (regardless of anything else)

Not necessarily.  The catchpoints are usually only opened when there is a chance
of a collision.  For example, Gordon.  A train arriving at platform 2 on the
down will have the road set out the other end until a timeout proves the train
has stopped.  Same at Berowra on the down.  The catchpoints remain closed until
the train has been proved to have stopped, then the catchpoints open to prevent
the train from rolling into another one overtaking.

--
David Johnson
trainman@ozemail.com.au
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~trainman/
------------------------------------
These comments are made in a private
capacity and do not represent the
official view of State Rail.
C.O.W.S. Page 11.