Absolute Block Simulator part 1

We kindly have a chance to see how the National Network trains its signallers upon the Absolute block system thanks to the operations and training staff at LNW Manchester training ,Salford signalling simulator and training facility.
In this first part of the video we see how signallers are trained to operate the block system as well as some other interesting rules and regulations to learn to safely signal trains as we follow a simulated train through Hornby Junction.

[@TheMofRider2]

A great piece of educational practice work and an amazing place for those interested in signalling. May it prosper long and well.

[@YerDa67]

Very informative video! Just started working AB. Pretty complicated, but very interesting.

[@irseminorrailwayssection9491]

Have a check out on KZbin at the other railway control videos for absolute block, there’s a few out there, it’s pretty run of the mill once you get used to it, of course I’m used to the other side of it ( the actual wiring side which is far more complicated) 😄

[@daviga1]

Is there a term for that type of lever, with the safety on the grip?

[@irseminorrailwayssection9491]

If I’m reading g the question right, catch handle locking is what you’re after, the catch being the final part that drives the interlocking, when you squeeze the handle it releases the locking from position a to b or if the levers reverse d to c, then when you move the lever reverse it moves the locking from b to c or going normal c to b, only once you’ve completely released the catch handle does the locking finally allow the drive from c to d in reverse or b to a going normal. So it proves the levers correct and the handles released too.

[@irseminorrailwayssection9491]

This video should help from our Facebook page facebook.com/share/r/VgHAMeR5i4idWdga/?mibextid=UalRPS

[@MarkGerald78]

What if the barriers were broke and never came down? What is the emergency procedure? Thank you for the video

[@irseminorrailwayssection9491]

If the barriers never came down the signal would not clear, persons would be dispatched to get the crossing barriers down and trains running and the fault located, there are robust plans always in place and they vary depending on barrier types and the area but have many similarities.

[@Luigi-uj5ml]

Good evening, it is not yet entirely clear to me whether those old electric block systems (Absolute block system, if I am not mistaken) with a wooden case were or were not influenced by the passage of trains for the purpose of occupying and freeing the section (block) towards to which and from which the train was respectively headed or from which the train came. Furthermore, it is not clear whether there is an electrical connection between the lever that controls the opening of the starting signal and the apparatus with wooden case. In other words, was it possible to pull the lever that activated the starting signal towards you without first having received electrical consent from the next station? However, it is common ground that where there is a token block it is possible to activate the lever that opens the starting signal even before having handed over the token to the driver, unless there is an error on my part. Thank you very much for your availability and collaboration

[@jonathanp896]

Hi, The Block Instruments are manually operated by the signallers. In the box I used to work the block instrument would also automatically go to "Train On Line" if a track circuit in section was occupied, but I am not sure if this is standard. The starting signal is indeed normally electrically interlocked so that Line Clear or Train On Line must be displayed before it can be pulled off. In Electric Train Token working there is similar interlocking, so that the signal cannot be pulled off until a token has been released.

[@dwindows1976]

Maybe this isn’t for me.

[@irseminorrailwayssection9491]

Have a go. You never know. On a plus side you’re your own boss. There’s a kettle and a fire 😏

[@iknowyoureright8564]

It’s a gift mate,….once you get the hang of it…..you’ll do the whole thing, route set, and train on line in 30 seconds. And there is only so many routes you can have…..once you know them you’re laughing. Plus the interlocking won’t allow you to make too many mistakes. 😂

[@YerDa67]

@@iknowyoureright8564Agreed! It’s difficult at first, but it comes eventually. Only thing is when something goes wrong… 😂