Can anyone confirm what this is?

[kieranhendy]

Hi everyone, currently trying to determine what this is on signal RY 1031 at Northampton. Our guesses were either a CD RA indicator or a route indicator for the depot/sidings just beyond the station. We've tried watching train spotting and cab ride videos but it never seems to be on to confirm any of our theories. Any help figuring out if it is or isn't a route indicator would be very appreciated!


Thanks

 

[Ash Bridge]

I’m no expert but is it not an RA indicator?

apologies I was being a little bit lazy and didn’t read your post fully then just noticed you already mentioned this!

 

[The Planner]

Hi everyone, currently trying to determine what this is on signal RY 1031 at Northampton. Our guesses were either a CD RA indicator or a route indicator for the depot/sidings just beyond the station. We've tried watching train spotting and cab ride videos but it never seems to be on to confirm any of our theories. Any help figuring out if it is or isn't a route indicator would be very appreciated!


Thanks

View attachment 93108

It is an RA. The one on the right is for EMU arrivals line.

 

[kieranhendy]

It is an RA. The one on the right is for EMU arrivals line.

Thank you - am I correct in assuming it would only display "CD" and "RA" on it rather than any other indications?

 

[Horizon22]

If it wasn't shown clearly on the videos, do they dispatch by CD/RA at Northampton? It might be guard-dispatcher or driver-dispatcher dispatch using bat and flag. I am aware this takes place at some locations even though the technology is there for a plethora of reasons.

 

[The Planner]

Thank you - am I correct in assuming it would only display "CD" and "RA" on it rather than any other indications?

RA only I think.

 

[mr_moo]

Definately just RA. Also, confirming what The Planner said - the box on the right is a route indicator for the position light (shunt) signal when routed to the EMU sidings. Here's the signalling scheme plan extract:

 

[Annetts key]

If it wasn't shown clearly on the videos, do they dispatch by CD/RA at Northampton? It might be guard-dispatcher or driver-dispatcher dispatch using bat and flag. I am aware this takes place at some locations even though the technology is there for a plethora of reasons.

It depends on the TOC and any agreements with the unions.

At many stations, for a in service passenger train, the guard/conductor/train manager signals to the driver via the buzzer when to start after getting the hand signal from the station staff (if it’s a staffed station).

If it’s a driver only operated empty coaching stock train (or similar), then the station staff use the RA button or switch to illuminate the RA indicator. The RA will only illuminate if the signal is showing a proceed aspect. And will go out when the signal goes back to danger.

 

[LowLevel]

I think it might be provided but not used? I don't believe Northampton has dispatch staff, all trains are guard self dispatch.

 

[Crossover]

Could it be there for the odd Pendo that calls, or do they self-dispatch at Northampton as well? I believe Avanti are RA dispatch across much of the network