From: Steve_Hooper@mindlink.bc.ca (Steve Hooper)
Subject: Re: Switch Heaters?
Organization: MIND LINK! - British Columbia, Canada
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 18:48:32 GMT

> Tom Vervaeke writes:
>
> I visited the main switch at Palmer Lake where the single track meets
> the double track.  There was obviously a switch, with its assorted power
> connections, etc.., but no heater of any kind. No propane tank, no
> natural gas line (I looked for a meter). I felt the switch and all
> surrounding equipment with my hand for heat and did not find any (it was
> about 10 degrees F outside). This is a busy intersection. Within about
> 15 minutes two northbound BN empty unit coal trains came whizzing by. I
> checked the switch each time and no heat.  I did notice that indeed the
> ballast has been removed below all portions of the switch mechanism.


You'd see it if one exists.  They are rather obvious when you look at them.
In the above case, they must not utilize them in this area.

>
> I waited in hope of a southbound train so the switch would have to be
> reset. No luck. Had to make it home to the family for dinner
> (priorities!!!). Was assuming the heater might come on prior to the
> switch moving.


Nope...as a rule, they run full time.  I *THINK* they work on a temperature
basis.  IE When the temp. drops below a certain amount, they come on.  I may
be wrong on that though.

>           How much force is exerted when the switch is moved? Locally
>           the track is controlled by the Sante Fe dispatcher #10 from
>           Albequerque, NM. I was sitting there thinking what would
>           happen if an animal or human had his foot in the switch when
>           it started moving. Would it be strong  enough to cause serious
>           damage or is there a sensor to sense resistance? Also, how
>           fast do these things move?


They do not SNAP over...rather, it takes about 5-7 seconds for the points to
unlock, move over, then lock again.  Also, it is not a huge amount of force
being used.  But it IS enough force to crush a foot.  And no, there is no
sensor to stop the movement.

It happens often that the switch does not move over all the way and the
dispatcher does not get a "lock" indication on his panel and is unable to set
the signals.  Thus he calls the train and gives them an authority (in Canada
it is a Rule 564) on paper.  It reads something like "May pass Signal XXX and
proceed Eastward.  Dual Control Switches must/shall not be placed in hand
position and lined for the route to be used."  wherein he will say all of the
above and use either must or shall not.  In both cases, the rule requires you
to stop at the signal, then proceed at restricted speed, and inspect the
switch to ensure it is properly lined.  He can ONLY give a "shall not" if the
switch is locked on his panel.  If it is not locked on his panel, he must
give a MUST on the authority.  The train crew then must get off the unit,
inspect the switch, and in most cases remove a piece of ballast that is
caught in the points.  To do that they move the small handle from POWER to
HAND position, then line the switch manually.  Then, as the lead wheels of
the unit hit the switch, you restore it to POWER position and leap on the
trailing ladder of the unit.

Hope that all makes sense :)


--

 steve_hooper@mindlink.bc.ca   []  The Great White North in
 OR      a777@mindlink.bc.ca   []   Vancouver, BC, CANADA
Conductor on the Cascade Sub.  []         CP Rail
                     Opinions are my OWN!
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