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Nx Panel Block Joints

You are here: Home > Forum > Miscellaneous > The real thing (signalling) > Nx Panel Block Joints

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Nx Panel Block Joints 27/04/2012 at 06:34 #31873
ozrail
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197 posts
I've noticed on the Nx Panel were I work there are small white boxes inside some of the black boxes representing the block joints. I have no idea why they are there or what they represent. Today I asked the local Signal Engineer, but him so far have received no reply or explanation. Can anyone help?
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 27/04/2012 at 07:09 #31874
AndyG
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1835 posts
They are to indicate the ends of the overlaps from signals.
I can only help one person a day. Today's not your day. Tomorrow doesn't look too good either.
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 27/04/2012 at 07:59 #31877
ozrail
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197 posts
That may be right, but on the panel it even has the white boxes on block joints in automatic signalling sections. Could they be for overlaps on signals within a uncontrolled section?
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 27/04/2012 at 08:04 #31878
onlydjw
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456 posts
Yes.
God bless, Daniel Wilson
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 27/04/2012 at 08:38 #31879
Stephen Fulcher
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2026 posts
Automatic signals have the same requirement for an overlap as any controlled signal.

They may not have different track circuits for the overlap like a controlled signal, but the overlap is still there.

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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 27/04/2012 at 10:16 #31882
ozrail
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197 posts
I have been looking at the panel for a week now trying see a pattern to the locations of the white squares, but I can now see what you’re all talking about. Should have mentioned it’s the Strathfield Signal Box in Australia, and it’s a Westinghouse built Nx panel commissioned in 1982. Which in the end follows UK signalling convention.
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 27/04/2012 at 12:53 #31885
Firefly
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521 posts
Perhaps a photo would help
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 27/04/2012 at 13:36 #31886
ozrail
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197 posts

Here is a photo taken from my phone. Notice some block joints have the white boxes and some do not.

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Last edited: 27/04/2012 at 13:38 by ozrail
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 27/04/2012 at 14:28 #31887
GeoffM
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6285 posts
Are the top two lines freight-only?
SimSig Boss
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 27/04/2012 at 16:06 #31889
Signalhunter
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177 posts
" said:
Are the top two lines freight-only?
If they are now, surely, they weren't originally. Otherwise, P1 is not needed.

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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 27/04/2012 at 19:42 #31895
Firefly
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521 posts
Are the blue and brown lines electrified? Could it be sub station boundaries? (isolation sections)
Last edited: 27/04/2012 at 19:43 by Firefly
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 27/04/2012 at 22:36 #31901
ozrail
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197 posts
The photo is of the six lines between Strathfield and Sydney Central. The top green line are called the Main Lines and are mainly used by long distance or fast trains, the Brown Lines are called the Suburban lines and are used by semi-fast trains and the Blue lines are the Local lines are used by all stations trains. But any train can use any line. They all have 1500 volt dc overhead and at this location at Croydon it is around 10 kilometres from Sydney. The little white block also appear on block joints after points and on recently commissioned signalling as well. I will take another photo today and post it to shown the other locations.
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 28/04/2012 at 01:26 #31903
GeoffM
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6285 posts
" said:
" said:
Are the top two lines freight-only?
If they are now, surely, they weren't originally. Otherwise, P1 is not needed.
Not necessarily. Different country, different rules. In any case I'm sure there are, or at least were, numbered platforms for freight only use in the UK.

Moot point now anyway!

SimSig Boss
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 28/04/2012 at 13:09 #31911
ozrail
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197 posts
After testing the panel signals at work today I can confirm that the white blocks mark the point at which the second signal to the rear will show a clear indication. In other words the clearing point for the signal and its overlap. Thanks again for everyones help.
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 28/04/2012 at 15:17 #31912
postal
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5190 posts
" said:
In any case I'm sure there are, or at least were, numbered platforms for freight only use in the UK.
Not so sure about freight, but certainly for mails. Royal Mail used platforms which were closed to the public but which were numbered in the station sequence. From personal experience I know of such platforms Plymouth, Stafford and Preston. Those at Preston and Stafford were separated from the rest of the station and only reached by subway or footbridge.

In 1996, Royal Mail moved from handling of loose mail bags to roll-cages and the platforms at Plymouth and Stafford were raised above normal height to allow for the easy transfer of the cages. Use of Preston ceased at that point with the work going into the terminal at Dallam, Warrington.

“In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 29/04/2012 at 15:35 #31957
jc92
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3630 posts
does nottingham parcels platform also count?
"We don't stop camborne wednesdays"
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 29/04/2012 at 23:04 #31987
BarryM
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2158 posts
" said:
After testing the panel signals at work today I can confirm that the white blocks mark the point at which the second signal to the rear will show a clear indication. In other words the clearing point for the signal and its overlap. Thanks again for everyones help.
Ozrail, Railcorp's Chief Engineer Signals and Control Systems confirms your observations.

Barry
Sydney NSW

Barry, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Re: Nx Panel Block Joints 30/04/2012 at 04:36 #31991
ozrail
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197 posts
Thanks, Barry, that's good to know. Can't beat your source.
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