Eastern Railroad Discussion > Cab signal system on the B&A

Does anyone know when Conrail replaced the New York Central signal system on the B&A with the cab signal system used today?  What was the reasoning behind the decision to change out the signals?  Were the old signals on the B&A the same as those used on much of the rest of the New York Central System?  Some images are below of the old signals on the line. 

http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2008051312465422201.jpg&order=byrail&page=124&key=81&photoindex=3&maxpage=478&maxphotoindex=3&key2=
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200803181610544311.jpg&order=byrail&page=207&key=81&photoindex=3&maxpage=478&maxphotoindex=3&key2=
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200803181631264487.jpg&order=byrail&page=207&key=81&photoindex=2&maxpage=478&maxphotoindex=3&key2=
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200803181608124258.jpg&order=byrail&page=208&key=81&photoindex=0&maxpage=478&maxphotoindex=3&key2=
 

They went from vs signals to can signals in the 80's on the b&a when they went from double track to single track. I am guessing they used this system as it was compatible with amtrak's cab signals on the northeast corridor as well as the cab signals on the old Pennsy main line to keep the equipment interchangeable.

Posted from Android

By installing cab signals they accomplished two objectives: using the rails for code lines, they were able to eliminate a lot of wayside infrastructure, and keeping trains moving more smoothly on a difficult mountain district, with heavy grades and nasty winters.

Pictures are reminders of the small  bullsewye signals used on New York Central eastern lines and have apparently escaped the manufacturers who build HO-gauge model railroad signals.

JL

The B&A was one of only two? lines in which they removed the intermediate signals. This is not a requirement for cab signals.

There is just as much infrastructure involved in cab signalling - almost more - as continuous preventive maintenance of cab signal equipment is required.

It did not eliminate "code line". Cab signals work off of pulses in the rail, but the signaling must still be sent to the equipment for block occupancy.

Although you don't nessesarly see it, there are still blocks involved.

Loose cabs and you are at restricted
Speed still until a more favorable cab is received or you can go on absolute block.

The winters are not that nasty on the mountain compared to many other places.

Where I work I can get 90mph wimdsnin blowimg snow with massive drifts. We run cabs with wayside signals at 70mph.

Communications is achieved between fiber, code line installed in the 30's, radio and sat.

Only time we usually have a failure is during lightning season and a dog house takes a direct hit.

Even then, they replaced all the electronics within a day.

The B&A enjoys a nice fiber run due to the massive fiber digs of the 1990's of the early dot com era.



PRR1361 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> By installing cab signals they accomplished two
> objectives: using the rails for code lines, they
> were able to eliminate a lot of wayside
> infrastructure, and keeping trains moving more
> smoothly on a difficult mountain district, with
> heavy grades and nasty winters.

Posted from iPhone