Some signalling questions

[gardno8]

Hi there,

When a train approaches the entrance signal to SLW, will the pilot be holding a red flag?

Also, the new 'signaller's agent' with the end of degrading working sign. What is their role? Do they hold a red flag and do they communicate with the driver at all?

 

[driver9000]

The Pilot doesn't hold a red flag, the train is stopped at a signal. The new Signallers agent doesn't hold a flag and is there to observe trains passing the EW board if one has been provided. They don't communicate with the Driver as they will stop at the board for instructions from the Signaller to return to the proper line when not accompanied by the Pilot.

The Rule book briefing leaflet says "The Signaller's agent is positioned to be able to observe all movements past the sign for trains in the wrong direction and is able to make an emergency call to the Signaller for any unauthorised movements".

 

[rower40]

Would it also be the Signaller's Agent's role to observe the tail-light of a train leaving the SLW section, and report any absence to the signaller?

 

[gardno8]

The Pilot doesn't hold a red flag, the train is stopped at a signal. The new Signallers agent doesn't hold a flag and is there to observe trains passing the EW board if one has been provided. They don't communicate with the Driver as they will stop at the board for instructions from the Signaller to return to the proper line when not accompanied by the Pilot.

The Rule book briefing leaflet says "The Signaller's agent is positioned to be able to observe all movements past the sign for trains in the wrong direction and is able to make an emergency call to the Signaller for any unauthorised movements".

Thank you

 

[NSEWonderer]

Would it also be the Signaller's Agent's role to observe the tail-light of a train leaving the SLW section, and report any absence to the signaller?

Yes, only simply to watch train movement passing the EW board and if required making an emergency call if required especially if a train enters the section unauthorised, they'd not be reporting absences as that id expect would be the signaller initiating such conversation.

 

[driver9000]

Yes, only simply to watch train movement passing the EW board and if required making an emergency call if required especially if a train enters the section unauthorised, they'd not be reporting absences as that id expect would be the signaller initiating such conversation.

I would hope a Signaller's agent would report a train leaving the SLW section without a tail light as anyone seeing a train pass without a tail light should do so.

 

[NSEWonderer]

I would hope a Signaller's agent would report a train leaving the SLW section without a tail light as anyone seeing a train pass without a tail light should do so.

I must have missed the tail lights part some how, just saw the absence part

 

[gardno8]

Hi there,

When would an intermediate handsignaller be put in place in reference to the new single line working?

Thanks

 

[Supercoss]

If the single line was divided into two sections (where authorised) for wrong direction moves over Track Circuit Block
So a long section, split into two sections to allow more trains to pass
This is the only work for Handsignallers now, since December 2025 .

Absolute Block area, at /opposite any intermediate signal box that is open

 

[Supercoss]

Train passed without tail lamp not specific to Signallers Agent, The agent just has to have eyes on the Exit sign and unless advised by controlling signaller that a train has been given movement authority to exit single line in the wrong direction ( and proceed beyond sign ) they are required to make an emergency call to that signaller advising unauthorised movement beyond sign , no specific requirement to observe train complete with tail lamp.

 

[gardno8]

Train passed without tail lamp not specific to Signallers Agent, The agent just has to have eyes on the Exit sign and unless advised by controlling signaller that a train has been given movement authority to exit single line in the wrong direction ( and proceed beyond sign ) they are required to make an emergency call to that signaller advising unauthorised movement beyond sign , no specific requirement to observe train complete with tail lamp.
View attachment 196795

Thank you

 

[gardno8]

Are there any working intermediate signal boxes in the UK? If so, where are they located?

Thank you

 

[74A]

Im not sure what you mean by intermediate signal box.

Do you mean intermediate block section perhaps ?

 

[gardno8]

Hi there,

In the rule book it states for single line working that a hand signal would be placed at an 'intermediate signal box'. I'd never heard of one...

 

[Iron_Duke]

Hi there,

In the rule book it states for single line working that a hand signal would be placed at an 'intermediate signal box'. I'd never heard of one...

The meaning in the rulebook is that your single line section would be between signalboxes A and C but signalbox B exists between them. The Signaller at signalbox B would be the 'intermediate signalbox'. There is no such thing as an 'intermediate signalbox' in normal operation.

 

[NEDdrv]

There used to be one at Bardon Mill on the Newcastle to Carlisle line. It was normally locked out but could be opened for SLW.

 

[gardno8]

The meaning in the rulebook is that your single line section would be between signalboxes A and C but signalbox B exists between them. The Signaller at signalbox B would be the 'intermediate signalbox'. There is no such thing as an 'intermediate signalbox' in normal operation.

Thank you

 

[endofthetunnel]

Three questions in three threads about Single Line Working… are you in training? It feels like you should ask someone in person for a proper explanation of it all!
SLW is much more complex in writing than in reality