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Essential Aspects of Railroad Track Switches and Signal Systems

This guide explores critical components of railroad engineering related to track switches and signaling systems, emphasizing their role in enabling trains to change tracks safely. Key aspects include switch terminology, types of movements (facing and trailing), and safety features such as switch circuit controllers, electric switch locks, and dual-controlled power switches. It highlights the importance of automated systems in preventing collisions at crossings and enhances safety through the use of detectors and centralized traffic control, ensuring efficient train operations.

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Essential Aspects of Railroad Track Switches and Signal Systems

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  1. CE 515 Railroad Engineering Communications & Signals Source: Armstrong Ch 7, AREMA Ch. 7 “Transportation exists to conquer space and time -”

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Dual Controlled Power Switch • Electric motor powers • Can be operated Remotely or at Switch Manually • Arema 7-27

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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)

  11. 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

  12. 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

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