What is the Track Block and Automatic System and how does it work?
A system of signalling, for double lines, in which the Starting signal for the section is controlled by an Accepting lever in the signal box in advance. The object of the system is to prevent more than one train being in the section at one time, each signal box is equipped with a device for transmitting and receiving train working signals.
In use the following occurs, When a train is ready to be despatched into the section in advance, the signal man would send the signal for accept train described by sending3 pause 1
The signal man in advance replies with
3 pause 1, and moves his accepting lever to the reverse position, an indicator in the despatching signal box lights and the signal man there can clear his starting signal by moving his Starting signal lever to the reverse position.
In the case where Automatic signals are in place between the signal boxes, the 'description of train' signal must be given in sufficient time to allow the signal man in advance to clear his Starting signal so as not to 'check' or delay the train.
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