Countdown markers

[Metrailway]

Slightly off topic but London Underground have car markers, labelled 1, 2, 3 etc, ahead of each platform to tell the motorman whether the parts of the train is still by the platforrm. It is used when the emergency alarm is pulled. If the train is partially by the platform, the train will stop. If not, the train will continue till the next station.

 

[Cherry_Picker]

There are countdown markers at signal ME12 on the approach to Marylebone which is situated right in the middle of St Johns Wood Tunnel. They provide quite a useful function as it is hard to judge your distance from a red signal at low speed in complete darkness on a curved approach. I believe they were actually put there at the suggestion of a driver.

Werent they Grafton's baby?

The problem I have with them is that they are arranged in very odd intervals. I think they are designed to be every 25 yards so they are roughly a coach length apart? You still cant see them as you come around the curve approaching ME12 so (I assume) most drivers will react to the APT first. If it shows the signal is off then you can take power and head towards ME10* and if the signal is still at danger then you might as well just crawl around very slowly anyway because it is highly likely you are going to stand at ME10 when 12 clears anyway.


*I appreciate this is very specific information and probably a bit boring if you dont know the specific signals. ME10 is the signal that protects Marylebone station's platforms on the up, ME12 is the signal immediately before ME10.