Don't know why you say there was communications problem? Once a engineer departs his initial station it is not unusual not to talk to the dispatcher or anyone else until the run is completed. The dispatcher communicates via signal indication. Unless there is a change in a trains work orders there is no reason to talk to the engineer, just ties the radio. I have been told by people involved the signal were working fine, no problem there.
I really appreciate you being patient with me and sharing your knowledge of the RR, and your experience.
“You are missing the concept of a block signal system. “
Maybe. However, I do think I understand how that part works.
I see the lights in the photo, and understand what you are saying.
Now, this signal would likely be 10 yards from the switch.
Since it takes freight trains MILES, not FEET, to stop, if moving at 40 mph, there must be other lights preceding that one, that tell the engineer to go slow.
One poster linked a picture of all the possible traffic signals combinations and their meaning.
How did both trains get up to 40 mph, on the same track, headed for each other?
Are you telling me that the engineer, with a train going 40 mph, sees a light 10 yards from a switch, and is supposed to be able to stop?
“Don’t know why you say there was communications problem?”
I was wondering if there was one.
I was assuming that besides the switches, and lights, that the trains communicated with each other, and with a central terminal.
“I have been told by people involved the signal were working fine, no problem there. “
I’d guess there’s no trains on the track, what with the people walking in the middle of it.
Wonder what color it turns when there is a train?
: )