Alarms on overhead gantries

[SteveP29]

I'm on the 09:30 of Edinburgh.
We just passed through Grantshouse as we approached each pylon for the overhead wires, there were alarms going off. Any ideas what these are for and why they were going off?

 

[DaveNewcastle]

This question comes up quite regularly!

Do a search for TOWS. (Train Operated Warning System).

Where the sightlines are poor (as they are on the curves between Houndswood and the bank down to Oxwellmains), then lookouts cannot give adequate warning of approaching trains. These are automated sirens, triggered by the train itself. Consequently, from the point of view of someone on the train, they appear to be sounding continuously.

 

[Wyvern]

THe OP didnt say they seemed to be sounding continuously but each time the train passed a gantry

 

[DaveNewcastle]

Is this remark for me ?

THe OP didnt say they seemed to be sounding continuously but each time the train passed a gantry

If so, then I'm sorry that I'm unable to work out the distinction you were trying to make.

However I can assure you that the sounders in the TOWS area to the north of Grantshouses operate continuously while a train is eithin the area. From the vantage point of regular passengers on trains through the area in times of engineering work, then it appears that they are always on. As one might expect, the volume rises on the approach to each sounder and diminishes after passing it, as it is on approaching and leaving any sound-source, and it is true that a significant number of them are attached OHLE masts.

Here's a few of the other threads referring to the system:-

Tows

Bell ringing on sections of line?

Is your Zollner LOWS equitment collecting dust??

Marsden Query

Grayrigg Charges

Hope these help.