i was just curious about this. after the UP aquired the CNW, on double track mainlines, did the UP continue running trains as the the CNW did [the “english” way], meaning using the left main as primary verses the regular right main of other railroads? thank you, michael.
I have no specific experience with this region, but if there are any stretches of track that are still double-track ABS, each track was normally only signalled in the normal direction of movement, so they’d pretty much have to run the same way since that’s which track is signalled.
If the tracks are fully CTC signalled then either track can be operated in either direction. Left-hand or right-hand running is totally irrelevant, trains can operate on either track.
Interesting question, I hadn’t really thought about that. [:S]
One thing to keep in mind is only lines built by the C&NW directly were left-hand running. Much of the CNW System was built by it’s subsidiary, the “Omaha Road” (Chicago St.Paul Minneapolis & Omaha), and those double track mains were always run right-handed.
When the UP took over, most of the double track was still signalled for movement in one direction, current of traffic. That, of course was left handed running.
Now the double main is fully CTC equipped and trains can run either direction on either track. Some places due to track/yard layouts and practices, you will see trains seemingly run left-handed.
The installation of CTC has also brought in almost all places, wayside signals. Before, except at CTC/ interlocking (control points) locations and approaches thereto, trains ran only on cab signal indications. Even though wayside signals have been added, the cab signal/Automatic Train Control is still active.
Jeff
I heard recently a similar commentary as noted by Jeff above…
Yes they still operate on the left… or appear so as they still have many left access sidings into old established industries that cannot be cost effectively put around to right side.
Many railroads have gone to signalling that allows for “best way” operations and so left side operations seem to happen with some regularity.