Split Use Level Crossings

[RichmondCommu]

G'day everyone,

I have a level crossing query where such an installation protects both the mainline and a private siding. The example that I have in mind is Spondon where the level crossing protects three tracks; the MML and a private siding into the Accordis plant. Now assuming that the private siding is not controlled by the EMCC who controls the level crossing when shunting is taking place?

Any suggestions would be very welcome!

Many thanks,

Richmond Commuter!

 

[LowLevel]

In terms of Spondon particularly, the plant is closed now, but the method of working is still in the Local Instructions within the London and North Eastern route sectional appendix. The local instructions for each crossing in each situation would vary, but I've included the instructions for Spondon in particular for your reference:

"Movements over the station level crossing.

When a movement to or from Accordis Sidings or Derwent Cogeneration
Power Station Sidings requires to pass over the siding’s portion of the station level crossing, the Shunter must request the
Signaller at Derby box to lower the level crossing barriers. When this has been done, the Shunter must lock the barriers
down by means of a local switch housed in a locked cupboard, which is opened by a BR number 1 key. The Shunter must
then illuminate the appropriate Drivers white light.
When the movement is clear of the level crossing the Shunter must stop the movement until he has extinguished the
Driver’s white light, replaced the local switch to normal. The Shunter must then inform the Signaller at Derby box
accordingly.

Accordis Sidings. Arriving trains.

Trains propelled from the Down Through siding must be preceded on foot by the
Shunter to warn anyone in the vicinity of the sidings of the movement.
When the train is positioned within the sidings the vehicles must be secured before the locomotive is detached.
Shunters of trains requiring to occupy the internal road crossing at the East End of the sidings must stand on the crossing
and stop the road traffic before giving the Driver of the locomotive permission to proceed.

Accordis Sidings. Departing trains.

When the train is ready to depart from the sidings to the Down Through siding the
instructions concerning movements over the station level crossing, as defined above, must be adhered to. "

 

[RichmondCommu]

In terms of Spondon particularly, the plant is closed now, but the method of working is still in the Local Instructions within the London and North Eastern route sectional appendix. The local instructions for each crossing in each situation would vary, but I've included the instructions for Spondon in particular for your reference:

"Movements over the station level crossing.

When a movement to or from Accordis Sidings or Derwent Cogeneration
Power Station Sidings requires to pass over the siding’s portion of the station level crossing, the Shunter must request the
Signaller at Derby box to lower the level crossing barriers. When this has been done, the Shunter must lock the barriers
down by means of a local switch housed in a locked cupboard, which is opened by a BR number 1 key. The Shunter must
then illuminate the appropriate Drivers white light.
When the movement is clear of the level crossing the Shunter must stop the movement until he has extinguished the
Driver’s white light, replaced the local switch to normal. The Shunter must then inform the Signaller at Derby box
accordingly.

Accordis Sidings. Arriving trains.

Trains propelled from the Down Through siding must be preceded on foot by the
Shunter to warn anyone in the vicinity of the sidings of the movement.
When the train is positioned within the sidings the vehicles must be secured before the locomotive is detached.
Shunters of trains requiring to occupy the internal road crossing at the East End of the sidings must stand on the crossing
and stop the road traffic before giving the Driver of the locomotive permission to proceed.

Accordis Sidings. Departing trains.

When the train is ready to depart from the sidings to the Down Through siding the
instructions concerning movements over the station level crossing, as defined above, must be adhered to. "

Fantastic, many thanks for this! Two questions; how does the Shunter contact the Signaller and what is a Drivers whote light?

Thanks again!

 

[LowLevel]

I would hazard a guess that there is a lineside telephone adjacent to the box with the local locking switch for that purpose that would connect the shunter directly to the signaller. Otherwise you could use a signal post telephone or a mobile phone to ring the signaller.

The white light, would, I assume, be a crossing operating correctly light as found on crossings that are locally monitored by the driver in normal operation (see here on Automatic Barrier Crossings Locally Monitored or Automatic Open Crossing Locally monitored for examples - http://www.tillyweb.biz/crossings/research/chapter3/odyframe.htm ) indicating to the driver that the barriers are down and the lights are operating correctly to road traffic, but this time operated by the shunter as a local arrangement once he has locked the barriers in place (I'd assume this can't be overidden by the Derby signaller).