Working a Branch Line Ground Frame

[sulzer27jd]

A question more out of curiosity than any other reason.

 

On a branchline, at a halt with no passing looping but worked by tablet, a ground frame is used to give access to the sidings. Would the key to unlock the ground frame be kept at the station or would it go with the tablet from the nearest signal box?

 

The reason I ask is that my layout is based on the above. It is a single track halt with signals protecting a level crossing. They are operated from a separate ground frame at the station. At the other end there is a ground frame to provide access to the small yard. The pick-up goods will leave from the branch terminus and occupy the whole section until it reaches the junction box. On its way it will call at the halt to shunt the yard. If the key to unlock the ground frame is with the tablet then the train will pull up at the ground frame. If it is kept in the station then the train will pull up at the station and shunt from there. It really makes no odds other than where I park the brake van and the rest of the train, but I would like it to look right. Any suggestions?

 

Thanks John

Edited April 30, 2020 by sulzer27jd
Removed error

[iands]

The similar situation that I've come across (Eastern Region) was by use of an Annette's key attached to the Train Staff obtained from the signal box giving access to the branch (freight only branch, no longer with a "working" station on the line). 

[Grovenor]

Your first paragraph is a bit confusing, you say 'not worked by tablet' then you continue to talk about the tablet.

Any ground frame in a single line section should only be released by someone in possession of the movement authority, tablet, staff or key token. hence the ground frame key should be attached to the tablet.

One advantage of key tokens is that the GF lock can use the key token directly, no need of a seperate key.

Edited April 30, 2020 by Grovenor

[The Stationmaster]

For the sort of operation you describe there would be a Train Staff for the branch with an Annett's Key incorporated in the end of it to unlock the ground frame.  However that system would only allow one train to be anywhere on the branch at any one time.  

 

If you want a situation where a train could be locked in sidings at the terminus while a passenger train runs you would use a key token system allowing trains to be locked-in at sidings with a token instrument available to put that token back and allow another to be obtained for the other train.

[SM42]

A location where a similar arrangment currently occurs is at Calvert sidings north of Aylesbury.

 

The token, collected at Aylesbury North Loop, unlocks the ground frame at Calvert. There is also a token machine there allowing the train to be locked in and clear line for another train, when the ground frame is again locked closed.

 

Care has to be taken with the handling of the token if you are locking one in as it is just as easy to lock one out and release the token for another train.

 

https://www.gov.uk/raib-reports/two-trains-in-the-same-section-at-aylesbury

 

This incident was before Aylesbury Vale Parkway was built. .

 

Andy

[sulzer27jd]

2 hours ago, The Stationmaster said:

If you want a situation where a train could be locked in sidings at the terminus while a passenger train runs you would use a key token system allowing trains to be locked-in at sidings with a token instrument available to put that token back and allow another to be obtained for the other train.

This is the situation I would have on the branch. The goods would work around the passenger services and be held at the terminus waiting for the passenger arrival, before then heading back towards the junction. 
 

That would mean the goods pulling up nearer the ground frame rather than waiting at the station. 
 

thanks

 

John

[sulzer27jd]

3 hours ago, Grovenor said:

Your first paragraph is a bit confusing, you say 'not worked by tablet' then you continue to talk about the tablet.

Any ground frame in a single line section should only be released by someone in possession of the movement authority, tablet, staff or key token. hence the ground frame key should be attached to the tablet.

One advantage of key tokens is that the GF lock can use the key token directly, no need of a seperate key.

Apologies for the confusion. That should say it was worked by tablet. 
 

john