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| Sykes block indicator 07/01/2025 at 18:44 #159842 | |
itwithlyam
5 posts |
Hi all, I am working on a project to do with absolute block signalling based in the southern region, and I have come across the Sykes block indicator, which apparently was the main block indicator used in the region. What was the commutator locking slide for? Thanks  Post has attachments. Log in to view them. Log in to reply |
| Sykes block indicator 07/01/2025 at 19:12 #159843 | |
DriverCurran
698 posts 
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The slide would be used in connection with T3 working. Once the PICOP had his signal protection the instrument would be turned directly to train on line, not passing line clear and not collecting £200, although if you failed to do this you would probably meet with a nurse to collect a pot for providing a sample. On a serious note the slide would then lock the instrument at train on line to prevent you accidently placing the instrument to normal. Paul You have to get a red before you can get any other colour Log in to reply The following user said thank you: itwithlyam |
| Sykes block indicator 07/01/2025 at 20:14 #159844 | |
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itwithlyam
5 posts |
Is it used only with T3 working or just generally when the indicator should be at train on line?
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| Sykes block indicator 07/01/2025 at 20:49 #159845 | |
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DriverCurran
698 posts
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I've only seen it used for T3 working, although I suspect that you could use it anytime that you want to ensure that you wanted to ensure that there was no means to return the indictator to line normal. Paul You have to get a red before you can get any other colour Log in to reply |
| Sykes block indicator 07/01/2025 at 21:47 #159847 | |
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TUT
549 posts
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The modern rule book states that a block instrument reminder such as this is to be used when A train or vehicles are detained or left at the home signal or within the clearing point and when a train ir vehicles are left in the block section. Also when maintaining the block indicator at train on line for a possession or a line blockage. They should also be used when blocking back or when placing the block indicator to train on line due to an obstruction or other emergency. Last edited: 07/01/2025 at 21:48 by TUT Reason: None given Log in to reply |
| Sykes block indicator Yesterday at 18:12 #159862 | |
jc92
3704 posts |
It can be used for anything which requires the block at train on line in principle. I'll bow down to Mr Currans superior local knowledge but I'm not sure if they qualify as a true reminder appliance compared to placing a more conventional collar on the commutator handle which I'm more familiar with. The GWR 1947 instruments have this along with a matching one to hold the commutator at normal for when the clearing point isnt available but doesnt warrant blocking back. Reminds you not to peg line clear. "We don't stop camborne wednesdays" Log in to reply |
| Sykes block indicator Today at 06:50 #159865 | |
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TUT
549 posts
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It is not really good practice to overuse reminders. I would not advocate the use of such a device when the block is at train on line merely for a train passing normally through a section. It should be used when the block needs to be maintained specially at train on line. The reason is that obviously if it's always on whenever the block is at train on line and therefore you always, as part of your normal routine, are constantly taking it off and placing the block to normal and taking it off and placing the block to normal and taking it off and placing the block to normal then you get into the habit of doing that without thinking. And so it isn't really reminding you of anything. If everything is emphasised, nothing is. The 47s are an absolute fantastic design. The flaps have little lugs (if lugs is the word I want) which fit into notches in the commutator and prevent its movement. Those absolutely count as block instrument reminders, are absolutely used exclusively instead of the great red plastic things they seem to use on BR penguin indicators and I can't see how the Sykes one isn't a form of block instrument reminder? Last edited: Today at 06:54 by TUT Reason: None given Log in to reply |
| Sykes block indicator Today at 09:08 #159866 | |
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kbarber
1767 posts |
My personal take on the 1947 block flaps (and the key covers likewise provided on Spagnoletti instruments) is that, apart from TIIIs and obstructions, you'd use the red flap when blocked back or when a train was stood at your home signal (though a berth track rendered that use pretty much superfluous and in practice I never knew anything stood long enough to bother - which is probably my excuse for never remembering). Likewise you'd use the white flap as a reminder of a train within the home but occupying the clearing point, so effectively a Reg 5 reminder where it was authorised. Absolutely agree with TUT that reminders shouldn't be used for normal working; totally defeats the object of having them. Log in to reply |
| Sykes block indicator Today at 09:11 #159867 | |
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jc92
3704 posts |
I wasn't advocating use for routine working which would be pointless, merely that they can be used as a reminder for anything that requires it. The other use I can think of for the white flap is at conflicting junctions after accepting something on a conflicting route. it's a handy reminder not to overlap clearing points. "We don't stop camborne wednesdays" Last edited: Today at 09:14 by jc92 Reason: None given Log in to reply |