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Hi again, Ive also always wondered how the points at a junction work? Are they operated by a big electromagnet? Also I know about the signals controlled by the trains wheels shorting out the two conductors at the side of each rail.
How about the points at a junction, must be signal box controlled, is this automatic by computer or manual by user watching screen showing progress of train along sections of track?
Thanks very much...
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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These questions could be innocent curiosity, but one must be cautious about how they are answered these days. "Loose brains derail trains."
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
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was indeed innocent curiosity, guess i boobed again. never mind, see my quote to other post.
cheers...
quote:Originally posted by Mr. Toy: These questions could be innocent curiosity, but one must be cautious about how they are answered these days. "Loose brains derail trains."
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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Let's not get paranoid here. The question could be answered fairly simply without giving away specifics.
Point blades are moved by electric motors or pneumatic pistons. Mostly controlled remotely by an operator using either a PC or electric switches on a panel / model board. There is obviously protection in such remote systems to prevent any unauthorised movement. In the UK, but less so in the USA, we have automatic route setting which can regulate the trains and set routes according to timetable and prediction strategies. There's always an operator watching over it.
Geoff M.
steve1977 Member # 2123
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thanks very much. Are the old signal boxes still in fasion these days on modern lines or is all control really done at train stations themselves inside the rooms on the platform?
I dont seem to see much of them these days like on the good old steam lines.
cheers again...
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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Very few stations control the trains. The signalboxes are usually well away from the station for various reasons.
The Medway Valley line near you is controlled by local lever frame signalboxes, but each end (and much of Kent for that matter) is controlled by Ashford IECC.
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