temporary block working

[ikcdab]

TBW is in operation between cogload junction and castle cary due to signalling cables being damaged due to flooding. So what does TBW entail? I assume it isn't a man worth a flag standing at the entrance and exit to the section to let trains in and out. Does it mean that westbury signalbox talks each train past each dead signal... Or is it something else?

 

[Crossover]

Posts 26 and 27 here will probably help

 

[Tomnick]

Broadly speaking, it does consist of a handsignalman at either end of the temporary block section, each working to the instructions of the signalman (or signalmen!) controlling the area. A numbered ticket is issued to each driver at the entry to the section, detailing which signals can be ignored and which must be obeyed - that ticket is then surrendered at the exit signal. The purpose of the exercise is (usually) to avoid having to talk past each signal individually.

 

[156441]

In brief. A handsignaller will stand at the first signal effected which will be held at red. He hands a form to the driver telling him which signals he can disregard in the temporary block section. There is then a hand signaller to accept him out of the section situated at the first 'working' signal.

The signalman authorises the movement into the section when the handsignaller has briefed the driver and will not allow another into the section until the hand signaller at the end of the block confirms that the train has left the temporary section complete.

 

[455driver]

I assume it isn't a man worth a flag standing at the entrance and exit to the section to let trains in and out.

You assume incorrectly because thats about it in a nutshell!

 

[ikcdab]

Many thanks for those replies, I wonder (does anyone know) which signals are out of use here. My assumption is the first failed ones are at Athelney. I only think that because I live just in advance of cogload jct and a train has just gone by at normal speed - not running at caution.
When I walked up towards the jct (along the canal towpath) on Sunday when both lines were shut, there seemed to be some form of orange bollards in the four foot, I assume acting as a last line of defence!

 

[156441]

The bollards are usual inside an engineering possession. That being the case there wouldn't be any passenger trains around at all.

 

[Foxcote]

It's a long time since I was involved in TBW. Apart from getting staff to locations, another reason for delay in setting up TBW, was that it was necessary to prove that the signals to be used were able to maintain a danger aspect at all times. This was easier if a signal post replacement key could be used, and a working SPT was always useful. Checking that this was possible sometimes gave surprise results, and the walking involved could add to the delay. Has this now method changed?

The protocol used to be that a only supervisor could issue TBW tickets, but a hand signalman could collect them.