Re: New Signal Panel at Ringwood

[David Langley <del@ancc.com.au>]

MattyQ wrote:

> Last time I visited Newport box, I was told they switch Willie in for 30
> mins during the a.m. peak because a train splits there. However, this was
> still in the days of The Met so I'm not sure if this working is still
> carried out. I recall a rather lengthy thread about uncoupling Comeng's in
> service. Bayside may have abolished this move. Can someone comment please?

Being a country resident I do not see the subn area regularly but when last at
Frankston, they were splitting and coupling sets in the sidings there. The
Com-eng trains have the Scharfenberg type and can be uncoupled in safety from
the cabs. The problem as I see it in conservative Victoria is the moving of a
train a little way with out any supervision of the public. I would imagine that
the practice is still permitted.

> >The interesting thing about Sandringham and Lilydale is the departure
> signal
> >doen't clear until it is time to depart as it protects a level crossing.
>
> In Brisbane, Shorncliffe and Ferny Grove are terminal stations adjacent
> level crossings. The method of operation at these stations is - the Train
> Controller will clear the starting signal on his UTC workstation. This will
> drive any points to the correct position. A white light will illuminate on a
> keyswitch located on a post on the platform. When the train is ready to
> depart, the guard operates the keyswitch. This triggers the booms then
> clears the signal.
>
> Naturally, if the guard operates the keyswitch when the white light is not
> lit, nothing will happen. Also, there is a cancelling switch to restore the
> signal should the train fail or such.
>
> Maybe the driver does a similar thing at Sandringham and Lilydale. Can
> someone clarify this operation please?

At Sandringham certainly (and Lilydale 99% certainly) a key switch on the
platform is operated by the station staff prior to departure of the train.

David Langley.