Train speed limits

[jeffhergert]

On the UP there are two types of permanent speed restriction signs. On the former SP they have a while rectangle shaped sign that is placed 2 miles from the beginning of the restriction.

On the rest of the system, a yellow chevron pointing down is placed 2500 feet from the beginning of the restriction. A green chevron pointing up is placed at the end of the restriction. There are a few places, because of the number of tracks or junctions, each track having a different speed, where signs are not maintained.

The only time a sign is placed at the beginning of a restriction is where the change is from a lower to a higher speed.

Jeff

[al-in-chgo]

With the new LED technology, do you think we will see concrete but changeable speed limits posted along high-traffic track with poor weather? I’m thinking especially of Horseshoe Curve. Instead of Green over Yellow or whatever to indicate a cautious approach, do you think we’ll be seeing a flashing orange “40 mph,” that sort of thing?

I don’t remember, but – engines have speedometers, don’t they? [D)]

They already have that–it’s called a block signal system. Operating/train-handling rules take care of what few weather considerations play into train speeds.

(I’d like to see your system employed on some highways, to give higher speed limits in light traffic conditions! Oh, and lower ones for rough weather, of course.)

Yes, locomotives do have speedometers. One hopes they’re functional and accurate.

Actually, on the mountainous (middle) part of the West Virginia Turnpike, the assumed speed limit is 60 (sometimes 65); but when a downgrade is in effect due to fog, snow, crowding, whatever, the signs flash in orange the new speed limits (45 on up in my experience).

[CShaveRR]

Oh, I’ve seen it in places, too, where sharp curves have lower limits when they’re wet or icy.

[Anonymous]

Permanent track speeds for a Sub Division are listed in the Employee Timetable. Permanent speed restrictions, in addition to being listed in the timetable, will generally have a sign in place to identify the points restriction.

Temporary speed restrictions are issued on train messages or train orders issued by the dispatcher and there may or may not be signs displayed to identify the restriction, normally the train message will identify the presence or absence of signs.

AMEN…Those speed signs you see are restrictions as in “slow down to this speed”. Maximum Speed rarely, if ever, is posted. Maximum Speed, District Speed, is only found in the Employee TT. (Works almost the opposite of your highway signs - another reason why non-railroaders need to stay away from the tracks)

Those speeds are determined by track geometry, track condition, signal system and a host of railroad related considerations.

Depends on the railroad. CP displays all permanent speed restrictions AND where “maximum” speed is allowed on trackside speed signs.

The exact opposite of CN btw. CN displays no speed signs, one reason I hate running the Weston trains up the Valley Line. (Don’t do it often so can’t just go from memory where the speeds change)

[oltmannd]

That would be 90 MPH. Canadian railways never converted to metric.

Barry, Regina

IMPRESSIVE! THAT’S ALMOST A “METROLINER” STANDARD USING DIESEL-ELECTRIC!!

Here’s a 100 mph train. Diesel Electric, no tilt http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=212690 in the USA. They’ve been running at 100 mph here over 30 years.