1. CE 515 Railroad Engineering Communications & Signals Source: Armstrong Ch 7, AREMA Ch. 7 “Transportation exists to conquer space and time -”

2. Track Switches Provide the ability for a Train to Change Tracks Four Aspects for Successful Switches – Does anyone know them? Switch Components Discussed in Week 3 http://www.sounddoc.com/lamyswitch2lo.jpg

3. Switch Terminology-Manual Examples Mainline into Siding Normal-Straight Route Reverse-Diverging Route Facing Movement-Movement Over Points which Face in Direction Opposite of Train Movement Trailing Movement-Movement Over Points which Face in Direction Same of Train Movement

4. Switch Circuit Controller Ties the Manually Operated Switch into the Proceed Signal If the Point is not in Safe Operating Condition, Signal will display “Stop” AREMA 7-24

5. Electric Switch Lock Interlocks Manual Switch with Signal Circuits – Does not allow operation unless Signal Allows or Sealed Emergency Release – Required on Sidings for Movements over 20 mph Arema 7-25

6. Dual Controlled Power Switch Electric motor powers Can be operated Remotely or at Switch Manually Arema 7-27

7. Highway Crossings Signs and Train Whistle used to Alert Use of Circuits Allowed for Bells, Lights, and Gates Newer Detectors can Predict Speed Arema 7-29

8. Crossing Gates Main Purpose to Keep Traffic from Entering Tracks after One Train Clears and Second Approaches Use of 4 Quadrant Gates Safer than Two Quadrant http://www.translationdirectory.com/images_articles/wikipe dia/railroads/Four_quadrant_gates_at_Chertsey_England.jpg

9. Operation Lifesaver Founded in 1972 Non-profit group for ending of Train Collisions at Crossings Coordinators in Every State Provide Educational Material and PSAs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsszZpC6 MBs-example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsszZpC6 MBs-example

10. Automated Train Horn Crossings Allow for Compromise Between Residents and Railroad Safety Horns on a Recorded Loop, Instead of Sounded up to ¼ Mile Away Used In Residential Areas Ames been Using System Since 1998, Safety found to be about the Same (Iowa DOT Report, http://www.iowadot.gov/trainhornstudy.pdf) http://www.iowadot.gov/trainhornstudy.pdf

11. Centralized Traffic Control http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU080ixw 8aY – UP Harriman Dispatch Center (Omaha) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU080ixw 8aY Allow for Operations of Trains to be Controlled from One Point Receive Information from Tracks Is still Dark Territory Do Not Control Signals Directly

12. Defect Detectors Help Prevent Expensive and Dangerous Derailments – Hot Box Detector – Hot Wheel Detector – Dragging Wheel Detector – Wheel Defect Detector – Slide Fence – Flood Detectors – Fire Detectors – High/Wide Load Detectors