Train Direction -- Steering

[Manchester]

Hi All,
Probably may seem like a daft question to those of you who have been interested in trains for many years but bear with me

When a train is moving along and needs to move across/change lines to get to somewhere specific -- say to get to a particular platform amongst many on a busy station or to get onto another line to go towards its destination -- is it the driver who actually directs/steers the train or does someone else initiate that movement/change of direction.

Sorry if its a basic question but am interested to know.

Many Thanks

M

 

[me123]

Hi Manchester

This was a question that I always wondered about when I was young, but the answer is quite simple.

The driver has only one (or sometimes 2) controls, which control acceleration and braking only. He can only drive in a straight line, following the track. He is in control of the train.

The signalman is situated in a box/building usually somewhere along the line. He sets "routes" for the trains between signals, which can involve changing the line. He is in control of where the train goes.

The driver follows the indications on the signals which tell him where he's going to go; a row of white lights indicates a diverging route, or sometimes a number or letter shows which track/platform he is going to.

Hope that's explained it. I've been deliberately simple; the jobs do have more to them than what I said but that's the basics of what happens.

You can have a go at driving on BVE simluator (see elsewhere on the forum) and signalling using simsig, if you want.

 

[Manchester]

Many thanks for that -- its something i've wondered about for some time

 

[voyagerdude220]

And in my own defence about this subject, I personally always thought that the "steering wheel" at the rear of a Class 47's cab (i.e. directly behind the driver's seat) had some kind of effect on the direction of the train, not taking into account that the driver would kind of need to see where he or she was taking the 47, whilst steering it, with the "steering wheel"...

 

[driver9000]

The driver gets an indication of route at the signal by either a row of white lights above the signal called a 'feather' if multiple rputes are possible then there can additonal feathers up to a maximum of 3 for left and right, or a 'theatre box, indicating a letter or a number depending on the location or route selected. In semaphore signalling you can get multiple arms with only the selected routes signal being pulled off, or in some locations only one arm is provided with a theatre box to indicate route.

If the driver gets an indication that is wrong or different to what they are expecting, he/she must stop the train and contact the signaller to challenge the route offered.

Below is an example of a 'stepped' semaphore routing signal, the higher signal is the main 'straight' route the lower signal applies to the diverging line.

http://mark-jamieson.fotopic.net/p50115446.html

Below is an example of a Multiple aspect signal with a No.4 position feather indicating a route to the right, the feather will illuminate when the signal is cleared for that route.

http://railwaysignsandsignals.fotopic.net/p51544341.html

 

[Royston Vasey]

No one has mentioned yet how the train physically gets directed to the signaller's desired piece of line. This is done by changing points like these.

Only one of the switch rails (the two blade-like rails of the points) is "engaged" with the outer rails at any one time, thereby directing the wheels. They move together thanks to a stretcher bar between them, ensuring that only one is in contact with the outer rails at a time. The bogies of the train pivot in order to allow the corner to be taken.

Incidentally the crashes at Grayrigg in 2007 and Potters Bar in 2002 were due to a failure of this stretcher bar/its mounting.

 

[TDK]

The driver gets an indication of route at the signal by either a row of white lights above the signal called a 'feather' if multiple rputes are possible then there can additonal feathers up to a maximum of 3 for left and right, or a 'theatre box, indicating a letter or a number depending on the location or route selected. In semaphore signalling you can get multiple arms with only the selected routes signal being pulled off, or in some locations only one arm is provided with a theatre box to indicate route.

If the driver gets an indication that is wrong or different to what they are expecting, he/she must stop the train and contact the signaller to challenge the route offered.

Below is an example of a 'stepped' semaphore routing signal, the higher signal is the main 'straight' route the lower signal applies to the diverging line.

http://mark-jamieson.fotopic.net/p50115446.html

Below is an example of a Multiple aspect signal with a No.4 position feather indicating a route to the right, the feather will illuminate when the signal is cleared for that route.

http://railwaysignsandsignals.fotopic.net/p51544341.html

"Feather" is not a technical term but a railway slang name. If speaking to the signaller you must use "Junction Indicator". They are numbered.On the left from top to bottom is 1, 2 & 3.On the right of the signal from top to bottom is 4, 5 & 6. You may also hear some people calling them "Lunars" and "Flashes" these are alos Railway Slang names.

 

[driver9000]

Apologies for not making it clear I was using a slang term. I have used the term in conversation with signallers and indeed they have used the term with me, its an easy habit to get into!

 

[Metroland]

Well in all honesty a lot of signallers say feather - or lunar lights on the SR. Unless its been bannned!

But yes, in short the railway is a fixed system controlled with points and crossings, so trains can change tracks and signals. The signalling system is there to keep trains at a safe distance apart, protect the line in case of accident and emergency, tell the driver where he is routed and how far the line is clear ahead.

In simple terms, the Drivers job is to obey signals and speed restrictions and safely control the train. He does not get an overview or choice where he/she is routed.

That's the job of the signalling staff, who control the safe passage of trains to the timetable and minimise delay and look after the safety of the line, normally from panels like this

http://nevardmedia.fotopic.net/p34071763.html

Or a computer based VDU version, or some cases from old style signal boxes which mechanically control points via rods and semaphore signals via moveable wires.

Hand points are retained in sidings (storage lines) usually operated by drivers/shunting staff or at emergency crossover points.

Some railways do not have drivers, or the driving job is automated - such as the Docklands light railway, or Victoria line on London underground. Some lines, on metros and high speed lines, have no lineside signals and information is in cab.

It is technically quite possible to do away with train drivers (or airline pilots for that matter). The main reason for retention is public acceptance, and on the railway they are a useful lookout for problems/ or are retained to work sidings.

 

[P156KWJ]

Apologies for not making it clear I was using a slang term. I have used the term in conversation with signallers and indeed they have used the term with me, its an easy habit to get into!

yeah 'round here we call them feathers, some places call them flashes and lunars.

 

[ungreat]

And in my own defence about this subject, I personally always thought that the "steering wheel" at the rear of a Class 47's cab (i.e. directly behind the driver's seat) had some kind of effect on the direction of the train, not taking into account that the driver would kind of need to see where he or she was taking the 47, whilst steering it, with the "steering wheel"...

Thats the handbrake wheel..many a time ive had fun with passengers on the old DMUs with the curtains up and "steered" a train into a platform with the handbrake!

I have been asked so many times about this,my reply is now"Did you ever have a train set?"..."Yes"

"Did it steer itself?"

"Yes,until I changed the points"

"Congratulations..you are a very very basic signalman"

NOW do you get it!!