It’s probably not the right thread but there are 197’s fitted with it so we will stretch it haha.
The Method of work that we use, and this is on a single line where the system has replaced token signalling, is that at designated stations which are passing points / the old token exchange points or terminus stations such as Welshpool, Newtown, Aberystwyth where the guard would traditionally have to check a signal for a proceed aspect, then once the driver has a Movement Authority (MA) displayed on the in-cab display then they give ‘2’ on the buzzer and the guard can only dispatch once they have received this.
Having worked both sides, I can’t see any advantage for the guard. You have to be listening out for the buzzer which when busy or you have to do something else can be Easily missed. We are taught that if you’re unsure to check with the driver and no driver I know would take issue it. But the problem comes when you don’t realise you’ve not had 2 or that you think you’ve had it but perhaps that was the last stop. So if you do start to Make a mistake there is no glaring red signal that might just cause you Stop what you’re doing. Or even as part of the dispatch procedure under conventional signalling I was taught that once you’ve closed the doors always double check the starting signal just before you get back on the train (and has saved me once) which you also can’t do under ERTMS.
Among train crew it is generally regarded as not ideal but not really much other choice.
And I don’t believe there is any planned change for this MOW when the 197’s come into use.
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those of us who don’t sign 67’s only get paid in euro shopper chocolate bars and energy drinks (wouldn’t even give me the white chocolate bars
).
