Since 1952, the east side of Sherman Hill (Wyo.) has been basically triple tracked, and in the 1980’s the west side also. But contemporary photos of non-Positive Train Control signals on Sherman Hill suggest something big may be in the works! Or, UP management may be stuck between a rock and a hard place, and don’t know what to do there.
This forum contributor suggests everyone keep an eye on Sherman Hill, because what the future will be there is not clear.
Wow! Nobody has anything to say!
How about this? Mothball Main 3 on the east and on the west and run trains right running. With PSR, there shouldn’t be that many trains anyway … What is UP waiting for? Old age to solve any dilemmas for them?
If the government limits train lengths, Main 3 could quickly be reopened.
Non Positive Train Control signal?
Jeff
jeffhergert:
Haste makes waste, they say! And that goes for posting too, and referred to old, target units.
While, it is my understanding, it is not necessary to erect new signals to install positive train control, UP usually does. In the Sherman Hill case, the old signal where widely left standing and operational. That suggests to at least me that UP hasn’t figured out the lessor of many evils yet. Or, they have something really big on the drawing board.
If you hear anything, let us know.
Thanks.
Depending upon the character of the traffic being handled - lines either require PTC or the don’t. If PTC is required, the carriers have found it more economical to install new signals and the electronics to operate them. If the traffic does not require the installation of PTC the carriers are more than happy to continue maintenance of the existing system.
The carriers have made decisions about the routing traffic over their various potential routings in accordance with PTC requirements.
PTC is required when any of the following exist:
Does Sherman Hill meet any of these?
It was said that search light style signals were incompatible with PTC because they have moving parts that change the color.
They may not be the preferred type, and they be changing them out in many places, but they do work with PTC. We have a few still in operation. One such signal actually replaced a color light signal when they had just started installing PTC.
Jeff