Re: Sydney Light Rail

["Ted Gay" <tedgay@bigpond.com>]

"Samuel Eades" <seades@bigpond.net.au> wrote in message
BF%D5.11637$aD2.45445@news-server.bigpond.net.au">news:BF%D5.11637$aD2.45445@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>
<large snip>

> I wrote that The trams would need to be capable of activating track
> circuits. I did NOT say that they weren't now.

The trams do activate track circuits, which in turn activate the ground
signals and will restore points to the "normal" position after crossing over
or transferring to/from the depot.  The trams are fitted with radios and the
staff are trained in safe-working as applies to the system.  Our DoT
licences state in part "...capable of performing the designated safety work
shown...".  As the light rail is equipped with an ATP system, is it then the
best safety equipped rail system in this country?

> I wrote that It would probably be possible and safe, but PERHAPS not
viable!
> I WAS NOT SAYING IT COULDN'T HAPPEN!!!!

Some years back, (1994?) the guest speaker at the STM annual dinner was an
engineer from GHD (I have long forgotten his name).  His subject was the
then recently announced Sydney Light Rail project.  He proposed track
sharing, trams with freight trains, on a time basis (which is I believe the
way the Yanks do it).
Say after the last tram service at midnight, the light rail contoller
advises the State Rail ( RSA or whoever) that the line in clear.  Diesel
hauled freights use the line 01:00 to 05:00, after confirmation that the
line is clear trams commence service at 06:00.

<further snip>

Ted