Re: "lost" trains

[pdwyer <pdwyerNOpdSPAM@ecn.net.au.invalid>]

In article <oN9lOHUiPEc2+rJjoWldEoJSHFdD@4ax.com>, RNS
<steam3801@hotmail.com> wrote:
> A few months after the Cowan Bank accident block working was
> introduced on the down between Cowan and Hawkesbury River before
> NL35
> was allowed to proceed because, according to the Cowan signalperson
> "the signals are flashing red and green" !!!!

And this means????

Signalling systems are designed to be fail safe. That is, when they a
train path is set and the way is clear, the signal will display a clear
indication.

If there is a problem with the system, such as an intermittent relay
contact failure, fine points detection, faulty track relay etc, the
system may 'fail' momentarily and recover. This leads the signal to go
green 'it's clear' to red 'its not clear/systems sick' and vice versa.

They probably introduced block working to prevent drivers slamming on
the brakes and to reduce stress.

Oh, and as for the sand, which some people STILL can't believe, is far
more common to have whole 'heavy' trains disappear in shunting areas,
rather than main lines, but it does happen.


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