moggie
Member
The other factor affecting reliability of TC operation at Buffer stops is rail head contamination. Rust is an obvious cause as has been mentioned but cumulatively oil deposits can often be disproportionate at these locations due to power cars often sat idling for periods of time. Litter from the platforms sticking to the oily surface and getting mulched over a period contributes. Add a short, stationary vehicle left on it's own at the buffer stop and you have the condition to lose a vehicle. That of course means that the signalling system can them give a main aspect rather than position light aspect onto an occupied section.