Is it just me, or does it seem like that the trains.com website has a lunar aspect displayed for its loading speed lately?
By the way, why are they called aspects?
Mark,
What is a lunar aspect used for in the USA?
In Sydney, a “lunar blue aspect” is used on suburban platforms to indicate to suburban train guards that the line is clear, and a departure signal (two bells) can be given to the driver.
Peter
M636C,
On the CNW, a ‘lunar’ aspect indicated that a train could proceed at Restricted Speed.
I would say that the number of wacko postings on Trains.com is definitely related to lunar aspect.
Dan,
I’m not sure that the phases of the moon have been responsible. The strange subjects and multiplicity of single posters with strange names continue through all moon phases. I could airfreight you some medicinal alcohol!
In New South Wales, where there are multiple aspect signals, controlled signals have the lamps in line vertically, while automatic signals have the lamps staggered, either side of the post. A “call -on” light is used with controlled signals to allow the train to pass at restricted speed, but this is a small green light about half the size of the main aspects, and hooded to be visible from a short distance only.
So in the system I’m used to, the reference to the site’s slow loading speed would be to a “double red with call-on”.
I think I’ve seen a guard’s signal replaced by a set of (slightly blue) white LEDs, so our “lunar aspects” may be on the way out.
Peter