Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The ROCK 3.0: TWC, ABS, Signaling and PQ Update

I've been thinking about signaling and details on the layout lately.  I've re-entered into conversations with Richard over at Custom Signal Systems.  He has been great to work with to discuss the various options.

Here's a drawing I came up with that will outline the desired signals on the layout.  I have listed the BLMA cantilever bridge kit, but have decided to go with TrainCat instead.


The RI Illinois Division was Track Warrant Control with Automatic Block Signaling (ABS).  Track warrants will be issued by the dispatcher and crews will adhere to block signals out on the road.  We're still discussing the details, but it appears the signals at the double crossover will be controlled via toggle switches.  A crew will line their route and hit the appropriate toggle switch to match the signaling.

Here are the basic signal rules that crews will need to follow:


Custom Signal Systems

In other news, the glue has dried at Philadelphia Quartz (PQ).  The track arrangement is pretty darn close to the real thing.  The left track will hold 10 sand hoppers plus one spot for chemical unloading at the end.  The middle track has a total of three spots (one spot covered inside a building) for chemical loading, and the right track has a total of 8 spots for tank car loading.  The middle track on the prototype has a dog leg as seen in the photo below.  There will be bushes and general overgrowth between the sand loading track on the left and the mainline.  Again, I'm very pleased with the gentle sloping ramps made out of cardboard strips down from the mainline ballast height.  


This evening, I worked on the tracks in the back of the Ottawa Silica plant.



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