It isn't often that we think of new technology and railroads. But Buckingham Branch Railroad is one of the first short line railroads in America to install the newest signal technology, using bright LED signals, and with the ability to use something called PTC - Positive Train Control. PTC is something that railroads are working with now...the ability of a rail traffic control center to "stop" a train, essentially to prevent collisions. With BB hosting Amtrak three days a week on our line, from Orange, VA to Clifton Forge, VA, this is essential technology for us.
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Can signals in the US be on the left side of the track? Asking because that’s where they will fit on my model railroad layout
ReplyDeleteYes, signals can be positioned left-handedly when visibility and/or clearance is a problem for typical right-hand installation.
DeleteAlso, how far into a block does a train usually go before the signal turns red?
ReplyDeleteBlock occupancy can depend upon a number of factors including latency between the occupancy sensor triggering the dispatcher display, then back to the signal before dropping to a red indication. That response can take anywhere between a few milliseconds to a few seconds depending upon network traffic, or a track warrant is in effect that requires the dispatcher's action to protect the train's movement.
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