WCML Signalling question - probably simple.

[Phil H]

Northampton loop - train travelling down from MK towards Northampton passes a signal, regardless whether red, amber, double amber or green for the up side for Northampton to MK.... as it passes, a white light shows on the side of the opposite side of the track, same side aso the passing train almost like it is on a PIR sensor.
What does this mean?

 

[es373]

My guess is it's something to do with tpws/aws testing or maybe a manual crossing?
Haven't got the faintest!

 

[Schnellzug]

yes, is it on a foot crossing? They sometimes have white lights that illuminate if it is or isn't safe to cross.

 

[DarloRich]

Northampton loop - train travelling down from MK towards Northampton passes a signal, regardless whether red, amber, double amber or green for the up side for Northampton to MK.... as it passes, a white light shows on the side of the opposite side of the track, same side aso the passing train almost like it is on a PIR sensor.
What does this mean?

where is this situated?

 

[driver9000]

Sorry to be pedantic, but the signal is colour is yellow not amber

It sounds like a barrow crossing, the white light indicates no trains are coming and when a train approaches the light goes out. Without seeing a photograph of it I wouldn't like to say for definite.

 

[Rugd1022]

Sounds like the barrow crossing off the south end of the main platforms at N'pton station to me

 

[ChrisCooper]

If it was a crossing light though, surely the light would be out when the train passes, but it sounds like from this that it's on? The lights are a simple failsafe in that on means "safe", off means "danger" so that in the event of a failure (power failure, bulb failure) it will revert to danger.

The only other time I can think of white lights on the railways is for locally monitored crossings where a flashing white light tells the train driver that the road signals on the crossing are operating correctly. There wouldn't be one of those on the Northampton Loop though as they are only provided on low speed lines, as the driver has to be able to stop clear of the crossing if the light is not showing or the crossing is obstructed.

 

[Crossover]

If it was a crossing light though, surely the light would be out when the train passes, but it sounds like from this that it's on? The lights are a simple failsafe in that on means "safe", off means "danger" so that in the event of a failure (power failure, bulb failure) it will revert to danger.

I suspect it is done as such as if the bulb were to go, you then get a right-side failure...essentially failing to a "safe" aspect

 

[Phil H]

There is no crossing anywhere near as the line isd on an embankment. It can be seen near the bridge where Courtenhall Road passes under, if you go into the village of Milton Malsor and take the footpath that runs towards the M1 from between the garages near the church and the old folks bungalows. If you the village, you can clearly see the footpath.
PS - Apologies for calling the LED lights amber.

 

[Phil H]

Sorry to revive an old post...found the answer to this quandry....

It is a security light on a barn near the track !!! Doh !!!

 

[AlterEgo]

Sorry to revive an old post...found the answer to this quandry....

It is a security light on a barn near the track !!! Doh !!!

Brilliant!!!

The mystery is solved!