Signal Post Telephones-Still Used?

[Leyland155]

Evening all. Since the implementation of GSM-R (and the earlier CSR), signal post telephones have been needed on fewer occasions, but are there still situations where they may still be used? After all, many are still in-situ; even in resignalled areas. A second question I have is are there any semaphore signals on electrified lines? If the answer is no, which I imagine is the case, have there been any instances in the past?

 

[30907]

To your second query: semaphores on electrified lines existed in the Arun Valley and East Kent until a couple of years ago. Going back, much of the SR network was mechanically signalled, including the LBSCR overhead system. I assume Lancaster to Morecambe was also semaphore, and (?partially) the Woodhead and MSJA lines.

 

[Marklund]

Not everyone who uses SPTs have access to GSMR.

 

[LAX54]

All our(Colchester) signals, even the new ones (well 2010) all have SPT's in full working order, still used by PWAY / S&T and of course when the GSM-R falls over.

 

[Railsigns]

A semaphore signal currently controls the exit from the EMU sidings at Clacton-on-Sea. There have been many other instances of semaphores on electrified lines in the past. The electrification of the line to Grangemouth, currently under way, will result in more semaphores on an electrified line at a future date.

 

[jdxn]

Evening all. Since the implementation of GSM-R (and the earlier CSR), signal post telephones have been needed on fewer occasions, but are there still situations where they may still be used? After all, many are still in-situ; even in resignalled areas.

Some SPTs have been removed in limited clearance areas when re signalling has taken place, but there are still uses for them. Relief drivers, trackworkers etc. It's also a good method of verifying the location of a track worker if there is any doubt when discussing a line blockage. BTW CSR is still in use between Paddington and LHR for Heathrow Express & Connect.

 

[Leyland155]

Thanks for all the replies so far, it's good to know that SPT's still serve a purpose for track workers and during faults etc. It's surprising that there were, and still are, electrified lines with semaphores, I had no idea! I would have though that during electrification, especially if OHLE is being installed, it would be necessary or desirable to change the signalling layout.

BTW CSR is still in use between Paddington and LHR for Heathrow Express & Connect.

That's interesting, is it due to the track between Airport Junction and the airport not being owned by Network Rail?

 

[otomous]

Evening all. Since the implementation of GSM-R (and the earlier CSR), signal post telephones have been needed on fewer occasions, but are there still situations where they may still be used? After all, many are still in-situ; even in resignalled areas. A second question I have is are there any semaphore signals on electrified lines? If the answer is no, which I imagine is the case, have there been any instances in the past?

SPTs are still needed if the GSMR fails. I've used them a fair few times despite having CSR then GSMR.

 

[infobleep]

Some of the sidings around Wilesden in London have semaphore signals. I think some of the lines are electrified l.

 

[Hellzapoppin]

The rules state that an alternative means of communication must be available which is why SPTs are still used, maintained and installed as part of resignalling projects.

 

[Railsigns]

The East Suffolk Line resignalling of about five years ago did not provide SPTs at any new signals.

 

[Hellzapoppin]

The question of should they be there or not is one that does the rounds on a regular basis. In the projects I've worked on they have been installed because the rules say so. It could be that derogation has been sought and agreed for some projects.

 

[alxndr]

SPTs are certainly still in use. I've only seen them used once or twice by drivers, but their worth was proved to me recently when one was the only method of communication in a mobile telephone blackspot.

 

[tsr]

Semaphores control certain electrified movements around Dorking and Littlehampton.

 

[cin88]

SPTs are very much still in use, I sat a course completely unrelated to anything trackside recently and we were told to use an SPT if we find ourselves needing to talk to the signaller.

 

[LowLevel]

They prefer SPTs or fixed lineside phones to be used over mobiles whenever possible.

They most definitely have their uses. One was used to block the line on 27/12/17 when a freight train crashed into a tree south? of Leamington and blocked the line. The much vaunted GSMR fitted to the loco was disabled. Happily the passenger service hasn't started up yet.

 

[Dstock7080]

SPTs have been decommissioned on LU network, except NR Rules sections Queens Pk-Harrow & Wealdstone, Putney Bridge-Wimbledon, Turnham Green-Richmond

 

[XCTurbostar]

I still include SPTs in my Telecoms Designs even to this day. As mentioned, it is still a requirement to provide them where a significant risk has been identified.

 

[rebmcr]

SPTs have been decommissioned on LU network, except NR Rules sections Queens Pk-Harrow & Wealdstone, Putney Bridge-Wimbledon, Turnham Green-Richmond

Do the tunnel wires remain active?

 

[jdxn]

That's interesting, is it due to the track between Airport Junction and the airport not being owned by Network Rail?

Suspect that is some of the history. The whole area is fitted with GSM-R now (otherwise ETCS testing could not take place)
The plan is to drop CSR in 2018

 

[TheEdge]

All our(Colchester) signals, even the new ones (well 2010) all have SPT's in full working order, still used by PWAY / S&T and of course when the GSM-R falls over.

Aww, that saddens me, I got to use the SPT on P3 at Ipswich as the train's GSM-R was in use contacting fleet. I liked the mental image of a confused signaller hearing a phone ringing but having no call on his GSM-R terminal before clearly the old copies of the Metro off the SPT handset.

You've shattered that!

 

[Hornet]

Always found SPT's handy to stand on when cleaning MAS (Multi Aspect Signal) Head lenses.

 

[philthetube]

SPTs have been decommissioned on LU network, except NR Rules sections Queens Pk-Harrow & Wealdstone, Putney Bridge-Wimbledon, Turnham Green-Richmond

Also in use Harrow on the Hill, Amersham, primarily for the benefit of Chiltern services who do not have direct coms with LUL signallers via radio.

 

[Lrd]

Do the tunnel wires remain active?

The wires are no longer maintained (and have been removed from the rule book) but are still in situ and still work (in most areas). The preference being to use the radio system/auto phone.

 

[tsr]

My main interaction with SPTs tends to be to close the doors (covers) when they've been left open. I can't abide an SPT case with the door left ajar!

My career to date has actually seen a lot more use of Emergency Telephones, which can be used to dial all manner of parts of the network, compared to SPTs, which obviously offer direct communication with rather fewer people!

Now then folks, how many of you have been standing near an SPT and heard it ring, and realised the signaller was calling you? Other than any S&T folks testing stuff, having the signaller call you at the SPT seems to be something of a rare privilege!

 

[Hellzapoppin]

I remember the klaxons fitted on the relay room wall which went off when you were required to call the signaller, then the nearest spt was useful especially if the relay room was a fair walk away.

 

[Marklund]

My main interaction with SPTs tends to be to close the doors (covers) when they've been left open. I can't abide an SPT case with the door left ajar!

The springs on some of the doors of the early DAC phones are poor, and often break leaving them to flap about in the wind, while the newer ones are so stong they just about take your fingers off!

 

[Elecman]

Yes a bit like Arkwrights till in (Still) Open all Hours

 

[nom de guerre]

semaphores on electrified lines existed in the Arun Valley and East Kent until a couple of years ago.

Still a few main line semaphore signals left on electrified parts of the Southern: Bognor, Deal, Hastings, Littlehampton.

IIRC Newhaven Marine's last survivor has been replaced.

 

[Marklund]

A second question I have is are there any semaphore signals on electrified lines? If the answer is no, which I imagine is the case, have there been any instances in the past?

Many mechanical shunting signals over the years, even when the main signals were MAS. Stockport had them until not that long ago. Woodhead route had them too.