Puzzling WCML signal check

[IanBanks-Jones]

Whilst driving along the A4146* earlier, I saw two pendolino's, both on the down fast, both at a standstill at signals. The thing that confused me was the fact that there was an empty block of track between them. Anyone know what was going on?

*The A4146 is the road that runs parallel with the section between linslade tunnel and a mile or two south of Bletchley.

 

[postye]

There was a trespass incident that halted all trains briefly around 1830 this evening, could've been that.

 

[IanBanks-Jones]

Sorry, neglected to say that it was at about 08.45-09.00 this morning

 

[Crossover]

Possibly needed as overrun protection or something? Can't remember the exact terminology off hand

 

[A-driver]

Possibly needed as overrun protection or something? Can't remember the exact terminology off hand

Double blocking is often the term used. But if they stopped everything at once due to a trespasser they may well have just put red signals up as soon as possible so trains wouldn't necessarily be signal at every signal-especially if they needed to get an isolation.

 

[455driver]

What radio system do VWC use?
If its CSR or GSMR then a stop message would stop everything dead and not necessarily at signals.

 

[A-driver]

What radio system do VWC use?
If its CSR or GSMR then a stop message would stop everything dead and not necessarily at signals.

True but that would be used as a last resort in a true emergency. If trespassers are on a section of track and trains can be stopped in a normal signalling sequence before coming close to the affected area then that would be favoured.