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Cab signaling requires a different set of standards in order to provide the necessary level of safety. Cab signals are (usually) transmitted through the rail a
by kposehn 8y ago
Cab signaling requires a different set of standards in order to provide the necessary level of safety.
Cab signals are (usually) transmitted through the rail and picked up by a special receiver on the leading axle of the locomotive. Each locomotive has to be equipped and the rails themselves have to be checked and blocked. This also means the rails have a higher maintenance requirement as opposed to lineside signals which can be more easily maintained.
However, some countries (Brazil predominantly) have embraced a GPS based cab signal system where lineside signals are almost totally eliminated. However, this was done with federal subsidies to cover the expense iirc.
Another example is the US Northeast Corridor where cab signals are used along with lineside signals to provide a level of redundancy at speed.
Unfortunately there’s no easy solution, but I lean towards the Brazilian GPS based systems from Wabtec.
- ComradeTaco 8y agoAs a random piece of trivia, in cab signaling was pioneered in the 1920's and implemented commercially by Pennsylvania Railroad the 1930's while upgrading their main line between New York City and Washington D.C. You can see in this photo that the engineer had one indicator that would light up for each signal aspect: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/31/85/83/3185833fba11b79498ff9c658e730fc4.jpg https://i.pinimg.com/originals/31/85/83/3185833fba11b79498ff...
- gsnedders 8y agoRealistically, in the UK, it's going to be ETCS with balises: all new build stock at this point either has ETCS in-cab signalling fitted, or is designed for its fitment. That said, the rollout of the infrastructure side of ETCS is somewhat delayed, but it is happening in places (Thameslink is ETCS Level 2 with conventional signal overlay, albeit with shorter blocks in ETCS; Crossrail is ETCS Level 2 with no overlay).