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Tail Lamps - Network Rail

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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 04/04/2012 at 05:00 #31210
BoxBoyKit
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Dear all,

I seem to be noticing an increasing number of Network Rail Tail Lamps without the reflective strip. Was wondering if this is just coincidence, or if NR (or any higher power) have decided to do away with the reflective strip?

Added:
If anyone here abouts knows anything...

Last edited: 04/04/2012 at 05:01 by BoxBoyKit
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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 04/04/2012 at 07:26 #31212
Noisynoel
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Network Rail don't have tail lamps, it's the train/frieght operating compmany that have them
Noisynoel
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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 04/04/2012 at 09:26 #31220
jc92
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" said:
Dear all,

I seem to be noticing an increasing number of Network Rail Tail Lamps without the reflective strip. Was wondering if this is just coincidence, or if NR (or any higher power) have decided to do away with the reflective strip?

Added:
If anyone here abouts knows anything...
i shall ask when im next in york, however as far as signalling goes, as long as its there (preferably lit but its not the end of the world isnt) i cant see a problem

"We don't stop camborne wednesdays"
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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 05/04/2012 at 04:24 #31247
BoxBoyKit
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By Network Rail Tail Lamps I meant tail maps used on Network Rail, not by them. My apologies. I don't see it being a problem myself, was just curious if there was any reason for it, or just coincidence I keep seeing trains without the reflective strip.

Tail lamps should, preferably, always be lit, but in the middle of the day there's very little point in sending 7 (unless the red light is on the front with no white lights, which is always fun to shout at the driver as he pulls out).

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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 05/04/2012 at 05:58 #31248
Late Turn
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" said:
...but in the middle of the day there's very little point in sending 7...

9 bells, surely?

Incidentally, the RSSB Rule Book makes no reference to time of day, so it seems that they should be lit at all times. Our (GCR) tail lamps aren't lit duing daylight hours though (and I've never felt the urge to send 9 bells forward as a result!)

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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 05/04/2012 at 09:16 #31252
Danny252
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" said:
" said:
...but in the middle of the day there's very little point in sending 7...

9 bells, surely?

Incidentally, the RSSB Rule Book makes no reference to time of day, so it seems that they should be lit at all times. Our (GCR) tail lamps aren't lit duing daylight hours though (and I've never felt the urge to send 9 bells forward as a result!)
Hopefully 4-5 as well?

Unless it's an unlit lamp at night, but the lamp is in place and the train is definately complete, or incorrect side lamp is displayed, in which case 4-5 doesn't need to be sent, and 2-1 is given

Unless it's a freight train, in which case 5-5 is sent forwards

Unless any separate rear portion can be guaranteed not to enter the advance section, in which case 7 is sent.

Unless the rear portion is likely to roll backwards, in which case 2-5-5 is sent to the box in rear.

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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 05/04/2012 at 09:24 #31253
Late Turn
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In this hypothetical case (implied by BoxBoyKit), the tail lamp was present but unlit - which means you can knock out to the rear (as you say), and generally simplify the whole explanation. 5-5's sadly departed from the RSSB Rule Book too.
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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 05/04/2012 at 09:38 #31254
jc92
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" said:

Incidentally, the RSSB Rule Book makes no reference to time of day, so it seems that they should be lit at all times. Our (GCR) tail lamps aren't lit duing daylight hours though (and I've never felt the urge to send 9 bells forward as a result!)
on the network tail lamps have to lit (flashing etc) at all times, however on heritage lines i dont really think its a neccesity during good visibility, as is the more traditional way. when the "blinker" is being used at peak, i dont expect it to be lit unless its going to be difficult to see

"We don't stop camborne wednesdays"
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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 05/04/2012 at 09:43 #31255
Stephen Fulcher
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Technically it should be lit at all times, and I know of a Signalman or two who would be tempted to stop a train for that in daylight - for example a train needs a lit lamp in a tunnel irrespective of what time it is.

The strip I believe is there so that the headlight of a train in the rear will see the lamp even if it is defective, so logically that should be there at all times too.

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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 05/04/2012 at 11:45 #31262
Signalhunter
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Given all the I.E.C.C.'s etc., covering 100's of route miles, from afar, I can imagine that there are many instances where the tail-lamp is never seen. (by anyone other than the train preparer etc.) Lit or unlit. Reflective strip or not.
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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 05/04/2012 at 11:53 #31264
jc92
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" said:
Given all the I.E.C.C.'s etc., covering 100's of route miles, from afar, I can imagine that there are many instances where the tail-lamp is never seen. (by anyone other than the train preparer etc.) Lit or unlit. Reflective strip or not.
an anglo scots coal train to nottinghamshire will probably come through carlisle PSB, but then proceed over the AB worked S and C (requiring tail lamp) before passing through leeds duty york IECC, then doncaster PSB, before passing between maltby colliery and worksop (requiring tail lamp), then through worksop, thrumpton and west burton to west burton P.S, equally the return journey might pass towards worksop, kiveton park and woodhouse, all requiring sight of a tail lamp.

hopefully this points out that, although there are hundreds of "PSB" route miles, there are still plenty of small sections which rely on tail lamps, meaning they are no less important than before. i

ts still a GSR, even for a box working TCB to observe (where possible) a tail lamp on passing trains, and stop and query a train without one.

"We don't stop camborne wednesdays"
Last edited: 05/04/2012 at 11:54 by jc92
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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 05/04/2012 at 13:16 #31266
DriverCurran
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But then any and all staff be they on or off duty and no matter where they are working should be observing the passing of all trains being ready to report any signs of distress or disorder to the relevent controlling signaller, and one of the items to be observed is that the correct illumination is displayed on and only on each end of the train.

Paul

You have to get a red before you can get any other colour
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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 06/04/2012 at 11:42 #31289
BoxBoyKit
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Personally, if there was no tail lamp at all, then 9 and 4-5 would be sent each way respectively, but for an unlit tail lamp that is clearly there, I would just send 7 to box in advance (and have!), as pointed out by others.

I shall take it then, until suggested otherwise, that any tail lamps without the strip are simply missing the strip, and there is no wonderful elongated notice explaining otherwise? But thank you to those that have answered, and commented.

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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 06/04/2012 at 12:01 #31291
Stephen Fulcher
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It is stated as part of the NR Personal Track Safety course that any staff working lineside are expected to watch out for tail lamps on trains and report in to the Signal Box if there is a train either without one, or with one not lit.

I have even seen a train run what must have been about 80 miles with the white lights from the previous journey displayed on the rear rather than reds - and reported it to the Signalman, who had the train stopped at the next signal where it would not get an ACOA to correct the problem.

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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 06/04/2012 at 13:05 #31297
jc92
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" said:
Personally, if there was no tail lamp at all, then 9 and 4-5 would be sent each way respectively, but for an unlit tail lamp that is clearly there, I would just send 7 to box in advance (and have!), as pointed out by others.

I shall take it then, until suggested otherwise, that any tail lamps without the strip are simply missing the strip, and there is no wonderful elongated notice explaining otherwise? But thank you to those that have answered, and commented.
9 forward and tell signaller in advance tail lamp is present but out, 2-1 back not 7 forward. (unless of course a door is hanging open where the guard has fallen out trying to turn the tail lamp on )
regulation 6 in module TS3.

"We don't stop camborne wednesdays"
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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 06/04/2012 at 13:39 #31304
Late Turn
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" said:
" said:
Personally, if there was no tail lamp at all, then 9 and 4-5 would be sent each way respectively, but for an unlit tail lamp that is clearly there, I would just send 7 to box in advance (and have!), as pointed out by others.
9 forward and tell signaller in advance tail lamp is present but out, 2-1 back not 7 forward. (unless of course a door is hanging open where the guard has fallen out trying to turn the tail lamp on )
regulation 6 in module TS3.

Exactly correct. The relevant extract from the Rule Book is:
Quote:
6.4 If a train passes with a portable tail lamp out
If a train passes with a portable tail lamp on the rear but it is out and you cannot deal with the train yourself, or to do so would mean bringing the train to a sudden stop, you must:
• send train out of section to signal box A as shown in regulation 3.2
• send train passed without tail lamp (9) to signal box C
• tell the signaller at signal box C the tail lamp is out.
You do not need to caution the first train on the opposite line.

...and for completeness, from GSR 19 (Stop and examine):
Quote:
Note: This general signalling regulation does not apply if a train or vehicle is proceeding without authority (train signalling regulation 5) or if a tail lamp is missing or unlit (train signalling regulation 6), in which case you should carry out the instructions in the specific regulation to be found in modules TS2 to TS5 or TS7 or TS8.

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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 06/04/2012 at 13:49 #31308
BoxBoyKit
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NYMR doesn't use the RGS rulebook...so in my opinion I did correct. But hey ho.
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Tail Lamps - Network Rail 06/04/2012 at 14:35 #31312
Late Turn
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The rest of us seem to be discussing the situation on Network Rail - as suggested by the thread title!
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Re: Tail Lamps - Network Rail 06/04/2012 at 19:01 #31325
Danny252
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" said:
NYMR doesn't use the RGS rulebook...so in my opinion I did correct. But hey ho.
Though BR(WR) 1960 states exactly the same as the RGS, so I suggest you take a look at your Regulation 19...

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The following user said thank you: jc92
Re: Tail Lamps - Network Rail 06/04/2012 at 19:33 #31328
BoxBoyKit
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And the actual question of the thread was nothing to do with sending bell signals, and was merely trying to distinguish between new rules and coinsidence...but that's how discussions can change on this forum! (not a complaint, by the way).

As for Reg 19, there isn't a Reg 19 in my signalling Regulations, and Signalmans General Instruction 19 is to do with Oil Signal Lamps. Reg 8 however does state if the tail lamp is out when it should be lit, 9 should be sent forward, as stated above. However, in both incidences where I have sent 7 in stead, it was questionable as to whether or not the tail lamp should be lit, certainly at the point it passed me, but by the time it got to the other end of the line it would have been dark.

You may disagree with me, but the rulebook is about interpretation, and in my opinion in those instances I did the correct thing. If it was pitch black with no tail lamp then that would be a different matter.

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Re: Tail Lamps - Network Rail 07/04/2012 at 09:56 #31344
Danny252
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I wonder which set of rules the NYMR book is based on - I thought BR had standardised all the reg numbers (they were certainly different before). Maybe differences remained (everyone but the WR always had to do things differently...), or the NYMR might've decided to renumber them.
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Re: Tail Lamps - Network Rail 07/04/2012 at 12:13 #31347
ralphjwchadkirk
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" said:
Personally, if there was no tail lamp at all, then 9 and 4-5 would be sent each way respectively, but for an unlit tail lamp that is clearly there, I would just send 7 to box in advance (and have!), as pointed out by others.
On my railway, we cannot send 7 to the box in advance for a unlit tail lamp. Our rule book says:
Quote:
If a Signalman observes or becomes aware of anything unusual in a train during ifs passage, such as signals of alarm, goods falling of, a vehicle on fire, a hot axle-box or other mishap (except a tail lamp missing, tail larnp out or a divided train for which see Regulations 19 and 20), he must, after the Traln Entering Section signal has been acknowledged send to the Signalman in advance the Stop and Examine Train signal. The Signalman in advance must also be advised of the reason for sending the Stop and Examine Train signal.

Regulation 19 governs for us trains without tail lamps which says:
Quote:
Should a train pass without a tail lamp or the Signalman be unable to satisfy himself whether or not that tail lamp is on the train, he must irnmediately send the Train Passed Without Tail lamp signal (9 consecutively) to the token station in advance. He must not place the token in the instrument, nor send the Train Out of Section signal to the token station on rear, but must send the Train Passed Without Tail lamp signal (4-5).

Quote:
Should a train pass with a tail light out when it should be burning, and the Signalman can plainly see the lamp and is satisfied that the train is complete, or should a freight tain pass with side lamp missing when it should be exhibited or with side light out when it should be burning or with incorrect side light or lamp exhibited, the Signalman must send the Train Out of Section signal to the token station in rear, and the Train Passed Without Tail lamp signal (9 consecutively) to the token stadon in advance, and where practicable also advise the Signalman in advance of the circumstances.

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Re: Tail Lamps - Network Rail 07/04/2012 at 13:54 #31350
headshot119
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" said:

Quote:
Should a train pass with a tail light out when it should be burning, and the Signalman can plainly see the lamp and is satisfied that the train is complete, or should a freight tain pass with side lamp missing when it should be exhibited or with side light out when it should be burning or with incorrect side light or lamp exhibited, the Signalman must send the Train Out of Section signal to the token station in rear, and the Train Passed Without Tail lamp signal (9 consecutively) to the token stadon in advance, and where practicable also advise the Signalman in advance of the circumstances.
Almost word for word what our regs say.

"Passengers for New Lane, should be seated in the rear coach of the train " - Opinions are my own and not those of my employer
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Re: Tail Lamps - Network Rail 07/04/2012 at 14:28 #31351
Stephen Fulcher
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Most preserved railways work more-or-less to the rules that were in place on BR in the 1970s I believe.
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Re: Tail Lamps - Network Rail 09/04/2012 at 11:54 #31416
GB
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Have heard that the powers that be were looking at getting rid of the lamp altogether and replace it with just a reflective strip.
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