Deepgreen
Established Member
On the face of it, setting back one or two car lengths would seem to be the obvious thing, but - if the platform starter (there is one at Merstham) had gone back, then it's even less simple. Many stations, when part of re-signalling schemes, are losing their starters in favour of signals spaced more evenly, but not necessarily positioned at stations. This means that a short overshoot will at least not conflict with signals and should allow a short setback with permission. I say, 'should", because I know it's not that simple. I do wonder whether having to change ends on a 12 car train to set back, say, one or two cars is sensible - why can't the driver set back from the front cab at a crawl until in the correct position (when protected in rear by the previous signal)? Freight drivers reverse their trains from their cabs for far greater distances.
Regarding SDO, having both ends enabled with the feature would allow safe platform access from a minor overshoot.
Regarding SDO, having both ends enabled with the feature would allow safe platform access from a minor overshoot.