Train Describer message "LBSP" what does it mean? - BML disruption 04/03

[Vexed]

Currently (1100) just south of Balcombe one of the berths says LBSP on the up line. I understand there is a track circuit failure on the Balcombe viaduct and 9W20 and 1F21 are being held at Haywards Heath (HHE) so the LB part is almost certainly Line Block.

So that leaves the question what does SP stand for? My best guess is Line Block for S&T Protection.

Update at 1120: it looks like the bi-di running is being used on the down line! I have a vague recollection of reading somewhere it was out of use but maybe that was just south of HHE.

Update at 1150: LBSP is gone and things are moving on the up and down lines now

 

[swt_passenger]

Currently (1100) just south of Balcombe one of the berths says LBSP on the up line. I understand there is a track circuit failure on the Balcombe viaduct and 9W20 and 1F21 are being held at Haywards Heath (HHE) so the LB part is almost certainly Line Block.

So that leaves the question what does SP stand for? My best guess is Line Block for S&T Protection.

Update at 1120: it looks like the bi-di running is being used on the down line! I have a vague recollection of reading somewhere it was out of use but maybe that was just south of HHE.

Update at 1150: LBSP is gone and things are moving on the up and down lines now

These sort of codes are not really centrally defined, and can often just be the particular signaller’s preferred shorthand. Your reasoning is as good as any.

 

[JN114]

Signal Protection possibly, but @swt_passenger is right; it’s whatever the signaller wants it to be.

The train describer is essentially the signaller’s whiteboard. Descriptions usually move around automatically, and can be automatically input from timetables on newer installations, but everything else is literally whatever the signaller wants - and only has to make sense to them.

 

[Surreytraveller]

Could be Line Block and the person's initials who the block was given to

 

[4-SUB 4732]

Line Blocked, Signalling Problem would be my guess...

 

[SecretKiwi]

Generally at my location it is Line Block Signal Protection. At least that's how I interpret it...

 

[Vexed]

Thanks for the replies. My mum was caught up in this and was on the last down train before bi di started, with only up trains moving between Haywards Heath and Balcombe Tunnel Jn for about 45 minutes. While I don't won't to wish disruption on anyone, it was nice to see bi di being used live on Traksy instead of me in SimSig!

 

[TheBigD]

In my area various combinations for line bloackages are used, there are no official ones as far as I know.

-LB- = line blockage
LBSP = line blockage signal protection
LB+D = line blockage with detonators
LBDP = line blockage detonator protection

Similar for possessions.

-T3-
POSS
ITEM and then item number in the next berth.

You may also see stuff like...

BLOK = line blocked for whatever reason
BTET = blocked to electric traction
NOGO = usually a siding that's out of use but may be other resons.
FAIL = train failure or equipment failure.
SHUT = line shut.

The 4 characters that bear a resemblance to what you are doing etc etc, are just a visual reminder to the signalman.

No doubt that other ares will use different ones that are familiar to them.

 

[Annetts key]

-OOU = Out Of Use - usually for a siding, loop or headshunt that's out of use.
0Z00 = un-described on old Western electromechanical TD, so sometimes used by S&T testing the TD.
TEST = used by S&T testing the TD or sometimes the signaller testing it
* (space * space space) or **** = un-described (where the TD has received a step forward input from the signalling system, but no description was in the previous TD berth, sometimes described as a snowflake).

Please note that various different display systems have been used over the years, hence what is shown on a computer system may not be relevant to why a certain description is/has been used. As not all displays can show all the characters of the alphabet.

 

[Bill57p9]

There used to be a very descriptive "GONE" in Scotland. IIRC it was Longniddry Power Station.

I have seen RUST in a few places. Is that so that signallers can advise the next train to venture there to venture slowly?

 

[Steve Harris]

Train Describer 'notes' have been discussed before and some members may find https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/train-describer-messages.166204/ and https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/signalling-diagram-abbreviations.241207/ helpful for reference purposes (for the standard one's at least).

 

[Sunset route]

It’s “Line Blockage Signal Protection”, it was being used to protect S&T engineers trying to fix a track circuit failure.

 

[pdeaves]

I have seen RUST in a few places. Is that so that signallers can advise the next train to venture there to venture slowly?

I would interpret that as reminding the signaller to check track circuits work properly.

 

[zwk500]

I have seen RUST in a few places. Is that so that signallers can advise the next train to venture there to venture slowly?

I would interpret that as reminding the signaller to check track circuits work properly.

I interpret rust as a reminder that the Track Cricuits won't work reliably, and therefore that special attention be paid if any train needs to use it. Not unknown in advance of rare freight/railtour movements (or flows starting after some time) for a member of p-way to be sent to the area with some stiff brushes, brillo pads and the like (and a can of oil/grease for any points).

 

[Annetts key]

I interpret rust as a reminder that the Track Cricuits won't work reliably, and therefore that special attention be paid if any train needs to use it. Not unknown in advance of rare freight/railtour movements (or flows starting after some time) for a member of p-way to be sent to the area with some stiff brushes, brillo pads and the like (and a can of oil/grease for any points).

Rust usually means that the rail head is known to be rusty and that the track circuit(s) will not reliably operate correctly with a train. Hence the signaller will have to carry out the relevant instructions (rules) in order to protect the train (as the track circuit is unable to do so).

And good luck getting the P.Way to do anything. If the line is not used enough, the amount of rust needs either the welders with their rail grinder, a grinding train/machine, or a loaded long heavy freight train running with its brakes partially on.