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Hi, as you can imagine by now I'm particulary interested in the technical side of railways because I think its fascinating how all this amazing technology works.
Ive always wondered does the driver communicate with the signal man by two way radio (if so I havent seen a train with aerials onboard b4), or is the communication sent along the track (2 silver rails), although I understand the track also uses control currents for say the AWS, etc. But this is by induction coils and beacons and not the track.
I guess internal communications are just by PA system and internal intercom or telephone system.
cheers for any knowledge...
john1082 Member # 2068
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The engineer & conductor are in radio communications with the dispatcher and other trains. It is likely that the workers trackside also monitor those frequencies as well so that they can get out of the way if needed.
The radio antenna can take several forms, either something that looks like a firecracker or a small, slender blade like device. Either way, they're small.
[This message has been edited by john1082 (edited 12-08-2002).]
RRCHINA Member # 1514
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The January 2003 issue of TRAINS magazine has a very informative story about signal systems on the BNSF (formerly Santa Fe) main line between Belen, NM and Southern CA. This is BNSF's Transcon line, its busiest. BNSF, and other major RR's have an elaborate communication system which reqires all track or other workers to have radios and be in communication with the dispatcher who may be 1500 miles away. There are repeater radio towers situated along the railroad so that all communications can reach employees at any time. Also, employees may talk with each other, with rules controlling such communication of course, and so it makes for a very safe operation if all follow the rules and dispatcher's orders..
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