Andy Parkinson Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Hi, Can anyone answer how track speed restrictions are indicated to Canadian train crews? There doesn't appear to be lineside speed restrictions signs as in the UK so is a trains speed governed by signal indications rather than an engineers route knowledge? Thanks, Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davknigh Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Speed restrictions would generally be posted in the timetable for the subdivision. Special restrictions around work areas would have a special bulletin plus flags at the site (plus a lot of guys and equipment standing around ). HTH David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Parkinson Posted November 20, 2011 Author Share Posted November 20, 2011 Thanks David, Presumably this means that between specific locations or mileposts the trackspeed would be set in the timetable and this is what the crew would adhere to? Regards, Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davknigh Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Now that you asked the question I thought I'd better check and I have consulted a CN, CP & TH&B timetable to be sure. All give limits for each subdivision for different classes of train. Some are more specific as to speed between certain mileposts due to track conditions or even specific tracks on multi track main lines. On the bigger subs such as the Kingston Sub (About 340 miles) that runs between Montreal and Toronto it gets complicated with no less than 40 general restrictions plus 21 additional restrictions that involve level crossings (this is for westbound trains only). That said this is information from a 1975 timetable but I doubt that all that much has changed since then. HTH David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Wintle Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Thanks David, Presumably this means that between specific locations or mileposts the trackspeed would be set in the timetable and this is what the crew would adhere to? Regards, Andy That would be my observation from riding at the front of GO trains (and able to overhear the crew if in the right type of cab car). For instance, the crossover onto the Newmarket Sub on the way out of Toronto had a (IIRC) 20mph restriction until they upgraded the switches (when it went up to 45, I think), but there was no lineside indication. Temporary speed restrictions for track work etc. would be on their trip instructions (and they would have to get clearance from the track gang by radio if there was active work). Normal speed limits are indicated at the lineside. Adrian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talltim Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 How do they cope with emergency TSRs initiated after the train has received its orders? I know that they have radio, but you can't safely assume that you could get through all the time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave1905 Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 I will assume that Cannadian practice is similar to US practice. Permanent speed restrictions are listed in the timetable special instructions for each subdivision. There typically is a subdivision speed and then the exceptions to that are listed by milepost range in the special instructions. In addition there should be signage along the right of way marking the start and end of the permanent speed restrictions. Speed restrictions through turnouts are set by rules or special instructions.and exceptions are noted in the timetable subdivision special instructions. Temporary speed restrictions are issued by a track bulletin (form A in the General Code of Operating Rules, GCOR) and are marked with temporary speed restriction signs. They are considered an "unforseen speed restriction" to any trains that have already been "cleared" and so the dispatcher has to verbally give the restriction to the trains. In CTC the dispatcher can put a track bock on the block with the restriction to prevent the train from being lined into the area and failing that (or in non-CTC territory) the train would encounter the temprary speed restriction signs for which there is no form A bulletin to cover. The train would have to reduce speed to restricted and contact the dispatcher. If for some reason the dispatcher cannot contact the trains, then the person applying the speed restriction would have to protect the speed restriction until the dispatcher could. As stated before this is how the US GCOR rules work. I am sure the Canadian rules would operate in a very similar manner. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dana Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 dont know my self but here's the rules from transport canada http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/railsafety/menu.htm Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave1905 Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 Quickly skimming the rules at the above link, the names of documents are different and the signs may look a bit different, but the concepts are pretty much the same. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
6959 Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 dont know my self but here's the rules from transport canada http://www.tc.gc.ca/...safety/menu.htm I tried to access this several times but it time out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
6959 Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 When I rode on The Canadian in 1969 it seemed to have two speeds, slow and stop. Most of the CPR and CN trains that went past our house did not seem to go much over 35mph. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grant Newhouse Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 I believe it varies. In Brampton on CN's Georgetown sub there are not speed restrictions posted ( to my knowledge ) but out in British Colombia CN and CP have signs everywhere. I went through the Rockies by train and got a good look at the right of way, allot more in terms of sign's out there then on Ontario. Must vary from sub to sub. Grant Newhouse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium BR60103 Posted January 26, 2012 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 26, 2012 The Canadian Trackside Guide shows permissible speed signs in the drawings. Top circular, bottom diamond. Top is for pasenger. I think I've seen signs permitting a higher speed for designated stock -- Turbo Train comes to mind. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Wintle Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 The Canadian Trackside Guide shows permissible speed signs in the drawings. Top circular, bottom diamond. Top is for pasenger. I think I've seen signs permitting a higher speed for designated stock -- Turbo Train comes to mind. You do still see dual speed limit signs on the main lines with the upper limit marked LRC (VIA's attempt at an HST). Adrian . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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