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CE 515 Railroad Engineering. Communications & Signals Source: Armstrong Ch 7, AREMA Ch. 7. “Transportation exists to conquer space and time -”. Track Switches. Provide the ability for a Train to Change Tracks Four Aspects for Successful Switches Does anyone know them?
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CE 515 Railroad Engineering Communications & Signals Source: Armstrong Ch 7, AREMA Ch. 7 “Transportation exists to conquer space and time -”
Track Switches • Provide the ability for a Train to Change Tracks • Four Aspects for Successful Switches • Does anyone know them? • Switch Components Discussed in Week 3 http://www.sounddoc.com/lamyswitch2lo.jpg
Switch Terminology-Manual Examples Mainline into Siding • Normal-Straight Route • Reverse-Diverging Route • Facing Movement-Movement Over Points which Face in Direction Opposite of Train Movement • Trailing Movement-Movement Over Points which Face in Direction Same of Train Movement
Switch Circuit Controller • Ties the Manually Operated Switch into the Proceed Signal • If the Point is not in Safe Operating Condition, Signal will display “Stop” • AREMA 7-24
Electric Switch Lock • Interlocks Manual Switch with Signal Circuits • Does not allow operation unless Signal Allows or Sealed Emergency Release • Required on Sidings for Movements over 20 mph • Arema 7-25
Dual Controlled Power Switch • Electric motor powers • Can be operated Remotely or at Switch Manually • Arema 7-27
Highway Crossings • Signs and Train Whistle used to Alert • Use of Circuits Allowed for Bells, Lights, and Gates • Newer Detectors can Predict Speed • Arema 7-29
Crossing Gates • Main Purpose to Keep Traffic from Entering Tracks after One Train Clears and Second Approaches • Use of 4 Quadrant Gates Safer than Two Quadrant http://www.translationdirectory.com/images_articles/wikipedia/railroads/Four_quadrant_gates_at_Chertsey_England.jpg
Operation Lifesaver • Founded in 1972 • Non-profit group for ending of Train Collisions at Crossings • Coordinators in Every State • Provide Educational Material and PSAs • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsszZpC6MBs-example
Automated Train Horn Crossings • Allow for Compromise Between Residents and Railroad Safety • Horns on a Recorded Loop, Instead of Sounded up to ¼ Mile Away • Used In Residential Areas • Ames been Using System Since 1998, Safety found to be about the Same (Iowa DOT Report, http://www.iowadot.gov/trainhornstudy.pdf)
Centralized Traffic Control • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU080ixw8aY – UP Harriman Dispatch Center (Omaha) • Allow for Operations of Trains to be Controlled from One Point • Receive Information from Tracks • Is still Dark Territory • Do Not Control Signals Directly
Defect Detectors • Help Prevent Expensive and Dangerous Derailments • Hot Box Detector • Hot Wheel Detector • Dragging Wheel Detector • Wheel Defect Detector • Slide Fence • Flood Detectors • Fire Detectors • High/Wide Load Detectors