Railroad Signaling Explained: How A Signal System Works at a Control Point

[@evil-wombat]

There's a man who truly loves his job. Thank you for this.

[@3sierra15]

Hi Mark! Really enjoyed the insider tour. I stopped the video and studied the track diagram on the equipment rack until I thought I understood it. But I truly understood the diagram only after you showed us the tracks themselves. Thanks!

[@larryhall2805]

I sure enjoyed this. A few years ago I complained to a signal maintainer new my house on the CSX New Castle subdivision about the company doing away with the color position lights. He laughed at me and told me the RR isn't run for my entertainment. I had to laugh at myself.

[@jovetj]

The fall of "classic" signals is sad, but they will live on in memories and museums.

[@robertblake7145]

I’m impressed with the cleanliness and pristine way everything is neatly wired and laid out. Great job explaining the function. Thanks Bob

[@tracyrreed]

Awesome video. I love this kind of technical detail that us regular people would never get to learn about! Thanks!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm trying to keep it simple without being too vague. It's harder than I thought! Thanks for checking it out!

[@JeffreyBaconBacon]

Thank you, Mark, for this fantastic video. Not long ago I purchased a defunct Ogontz Cab Signal tester and found very little information about it on line. While much simpler than the devices that you taught us about, I like its solid, simple construction and found it fascinating that this small analog device played such an important role in train operation and safety. I really appreciate the time and effort that you put into your educational video. Thank you!

[@ez8664]

This is awesome! I am training to be a dispatcher and this really helps me understand how the signals work out in the field. Thank you for doing this.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

You're very welcome and I'm glad it helped you. I never considered that dispatchers could benefit from it. Share it with your coworkers. Maybe it can be an aid for them as well. Thanks for checking it out!

[@RichardOlsonJr]

I only recently found your videos! I am a rail fan watcher but NEVER had any context to it until I found your videos!!! Thank you for your channel!

[@jdaprince237]

Hey I really appreciate giving some insight in this field, I’ve been working as a signal engineer intern for 9 months already and still have a lot to learn. However, I enjoy you showing the relay room and the control panels.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you! I hope you stick with it. Signaling is a challenging and fascinating field!

[@maverickmohammad4375]

Instablaster.

[@kentdavis6646]

Just wanted to shout out,say hi. I just discovered and subscribed to your channel less than a week ago. I subscribe to a few train topic channels, but I must say, you by far are the best. I've learned so much in just a few short days. I love that you share all this knowledge. Thank you for that!✌️👌🚂

[@businjay]

Just came across your Videos a month or so ago, Just wanted to say thanks for sharing, very fascinating and I hope retirement is treating you well.

[@Pretzel114]

This is awesome! Thank you for making these. I always wanted to work on rail signals just never got around to applying for the job. Great videos!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you! It was fun putting them together and I'm glad you enjoyed them. It was a great career!

[@JDBolt1958]

Great stuff. Safety is the driving force behind train control. Efficient train control benefits all.

[@georgen9755]

which safety ? security guards ? gate security ?? CCTV security room?

[@amtrak1007]

Very cool. Been doing some work reverse engineering these control points for years with Atcsmon. Good work yo.

[@d2sfavs]

nice to see those old relays gone.i bet a ton of energy is saved with the new electronics.love that train that went by with all the EMDs on the head end.thanks for sharing

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure! Thanks for checking it out!

[@gordoncrisp3060]

Those old relays worked with only a few milliamps, but there were a lot of them. However, the real energy hog out there is constant lit signals at big CP's that still use incandescant bulbs.

[@keshanjungra8771]

Hi brother, I hope you are doing well. I just started my railroad career as a maintainer and your videos have been very helpful. Thank you

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I am doing very well, thank you! I am glad to hear they have been helpful. Obviously there are things I don't discuss but the basics are where we all have to start! Good luck in your career and I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoyed mine!

[@BoxcarJerry]

Something to see that single rack processor taking the place of shelves of relays . Thanks again for sharing .

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It is amazing what they can do with modern technology. At times it can make troubleshooting a pain with the "ghost in the machine" stuff you can't see! Thanks for checking it out!

[@christophermccrea7133]

Just applied for the assistant signal maintainer position at NJ Transit so this is golden. Thank you.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Good luck! I hope it helps!

[@christophermccrea7133]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Thank you !!

[@carlosvee3308]

@@christophermccrea7133 hey chris did you ever land the job. im where you was at a year ago lol so any advice helps man

[@derrickwilson7467]

Thanks so much, Mark. I always wondered what was inside the bungalows. Thank you for going into so much detail. I'm a tekkie and I like like to know how things work.

[@paul-andrelarose3389]

Very well done! Locomotives are the "muscles" of a railway, RTC is its "brain" and signalling its "nervous system". 2021/04/14. Ontario, Canada..

[@SuccessIsEngineered]

Thank you for this video. It's exactly what I've been looking for.

[@vrmntthb]

Finally found what I was looking for in your page here and the inter workings of the switching and signal equipment of a class 1 road at least. I’ll be looking into more of your offerings as time permits and am glad this popped up on my iPad...

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Awesome! Welcome to my channel. I appreciate the subscription! Be sure to share it with your friends!

[@Jan-Sietze]

Interesting to see how signaling technology works in the USA. I am a signaling service technician in the Netherlands for 18 years. Most of the technology here was built with the help of the USA after WW2 (and still in use)

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Awesome to hear from signal folks in other countries! Yes, it does vary significantly in different places. I have a Russian subscriber who sent me some photos of their equipment. No matter where we are signaling is still a fascinating career! Thanks for checking it out!

[@markhayes6407]

Very interesting. Nice class teach!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you! More to come!

[@user-zb7tg5hi3t]

The old US&S micro lock. Never saw the control panel on the processor before. Very interesting. Thanks

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It's the only micro lock and micro trax I ever worked with (other than what they had in our training classes), so it was all normal to me! Thanks for checking it out!

[@rdaw33]

Great information, I always wondered what was in the "house".....Next time I take a train, I will be more aware of all the "stuff" that happens that keeps us safe!!!!.......Thanks!!!

[@davec9244]

nice job safety first! the new culture, is the right direction. You and my world changed drastically from antilog, to digital, in the late 90s,2000. I adapted as best I could, this old dog fell behind. Safety was trying to break 40 years of bad habits. When I left it cleared a lot of dead wood, now new smarter, safer wood can grow! thank you stay SAFE

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks. I actually liked the new microprocessor stuff. It did a lot of the work of troubleshooting and testing for you and was very reliable. It was nice though, to be able to actually LOOK at the relays for reference! I was involved in the safety program for 17 years so it came second nature to me. Some bosses, even young ones, didn't like conforming. I never pushed the issue, just asked them "can I get that in writing?".

[@davec9244]

@@MarkClayMcGowan very good had one manager actually write it down, he will never make that mistake again!

[@glennfoster2423]

Mark, I have appended several of your replys to messages, with no purpose other than augmenting the information . I was a bottom-feeder manager for years in MOW and worked hard to keep a good relation with the signal guys. Do you know what a "hotbox" is? I do. It is when you grab a lining bar (track tool) leaning against a large relay case and nearly get knocked on your kbutt. Biggest ground wire and hottest hotbox ever. The maintainer following the tie gang was overjoyed to hear my story, promptly, fixed it and with the two of us, you now know the rest of the story.

[@CT-vm4gf]

Thanks for making this video, it’s fascinating to see how things work.

[@ThumperKJFK]

Thanks. all the years I had wondered what it looked like in the CP House at wayside thank you for the look into your world. amazing. My Dad and I have been shown what it looks like in the lower part of a Tower, the relay room. Loved the smell and sound of all that equipment way back in the day. 1970's

[@ashleywynn4923]

Signalman here for 15yrs now and second generation signalman, the old relay based could handle lightning where as the new electronics don’t like it at all. When I first started we still had de-energized DC coded track and some code line but now we have all ElectroloGix EC5 with PTC.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I worked with almost everything over the years except coded track. Most of our stuff was relay logic until the PTC push the last dozen years of my career. I loved being a signalman but don't miss working! Thanks for checking it out!

[@paulgrodkowski1021]

Oops, I forgot to say: thank you for this KZbin video. Regards Paul

[@vinnypinatelli221]

Is this the same for all railway? I have an interview with bnsf in 2 weeks as a signal apprentice and want to learn all I can so this would be very helpful!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

All Class 1, mainline signal systems operate the same way. Their nomenclatures, and signal indication rules may vary from place to place and road to road, but you will be trained on all of that. Good luck! The signal department is, in my opinion, the best job on the railroad!

[@vinnypinatelli221]

@Mark Clay McGowan thank you sir I appreciate it alot !! I hope I get it

[@harminderkharay8887]

Thanks for making and sharing this video 😊

[@chpalmer2007]

Love the high vizwar light on the PTC radio.. LOL!

[@frend33]

Hi, I'm watching you from Belarus. Video super. I would like to know what relay systems you still use and where you can learn more about them, since I myself am engaged in the maintenance of relay systems. Here is our forum. Do you have such a forum? Thanks!

[@americanmultigenic]

Fascinating! I have been semi obsessed with railroad signalling since I was a small boy, and my then friend's father was a signalman at a box on the East Coast Mail Line in England (at a place called Widdrington Station). Watching him set the levers, the crossing (heavy wooden gates, operated via a giant manual crank wheel), and run the trains was utterly mesmerizing as a kid. In another life. . . I would be a signalman in a heartbeat :-) Thanks for this.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I'm glad you enjoyed it and I hope it was informative! I hope you checked out the rest of my "how signals work" stuff. I enjoyed making the video and tried to keep it simple, which was harder than I thought it would be. Being a signalman was a fascinating career! Thanks for checking it out!

[@SuburbanDon]

Good job. I'm on board now.

[@jefferykeeper9034]

Years ago I use too run on a friend's layout that used old telephone relays to run he is signaling system.

[@simflier8298]

Pretty cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@iceandspice89]

This is informative! thank you.

[@-unitrider-7389]

To:Mark McGowan Was curious on something you may be able to clear up. So why does union Pacific do unnecessary GM car moves and when I say that I mean they move lumber from the Pacific NW to the south then interchange it in Colton southern California then it could go varies routes east from the there but I see lumber going back west on the sunset route all the time?? Why send it west again??

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Lumber comes from the south as well as the PNW and what goes where is determined by the shipper, not the railroads. One of my best performing stocks is Louisiana Pacific! Thanks for checking it out!

[@raymondgarafano8604]

This is all so good, batteries, relays approach and stick circuit blocks. Sounds like kid stuff but I had actual blocks on lionel 3 rail track, insulated one running rail from other and applied a battery thru a resistor , train enters a block, relay drops out and a red is given, 1 block behind it would be a ylw so engineer would know that on entering a block, it was known a red would follow.

[@edwardgrayson-d4e]

i notice a lot of times i was in the disp office i seen the big board and a lot of flashing lights on the board what was doing that and why? most were flashing white or a blue color light and yes i recall the battery box that was buried under the ground.

[@oregonsignalfan]

Will the railroad ever sell old equipment to the public? I would really like to get a signal house and a few full size signals.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Oh man! You asked a few years too late! We were giving stuff away right and left a few years ago when we upgraded the system. I gave friends style b cases and colorlights, masts. It was all scrapped. You might keep an eye out for the roads in your area if they still have older equipment in case they upgrade but most class 1 roads have already done it. Sorry, my friend! Thanks for checking out my channel though. I appreciate it!

[@jameswolf195]

Great video. Very educational.

[@CalebLawrence-q7f]

Gosh so many things to learn hehe, are there any easy jobs out there these days?

[@JeffreyBaconBacon]

I picked up an Ogontz Cab Signal Tester CST-60-100-3-3 and would like to learn more about it. I was intrigued by the device's simple, solid construction, as well as it's metal stamped service record and lead seal. I reached out to the manufacturer to learn more, but they didn't have much information about it. I don't think that it's in use anymore because I have not been able to find one for sale, specs, schematics, or anything else about it. You mentioned that you have been working for many years in your field. I'm wondering if you have ever used this or a similar device?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I'm sorry, but I have nothing for you. We never used cab signaling in my territory. There a re a few railroad signal groups on facebook where you may have better luck. Good luck!

[@JeffreyBaconBacon]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Thank you.

[@avt389410]

Hi. Thank you for a such detailed explanation, it was very interesting to compare with our signaling solutions

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks. I'd always wanted to do something like this and people seem to like it. Thanks for checking it out!

[@avt389410]

@@MarkClayMcGowan For me it`s also an interesting because I am signalling engineer too. I am from Russia.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@avt389410 awesome. I have another signalman from Russia who sent me some very cool photographs from his territory.

[@avt389410]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Oh? it could be quite interesting especially if yiu know that Russian signalling was build on Amrican equipment on 40s in 20 sentury. I also have a couple videos with Russian interlocking on me chanell. Sorry for My bad english.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@avt389410 id love to see such a video! Do not worry about your english. I'm sure it is better than my Russian!

[@trainboymike]

can you do video on railroad crossing Signal and who do Works ?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Follow this link kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5zdioCfYrWMa7c to the crossing video or go to the playlist on this video to see all the signal videos I've done. Thanks for checking it out!

[@evanjones2286]

We still use relay logic for everything at amtrak. At least on the south end dc to philly.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

You'd think you'd have the newest stuff as much as the government likes to spend money! Thanks for checking it out!

[@killsalive1]

OMG !!! How this has changed since my days on The Milwaukee Road.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I hope you enjoyed it! When were you on the Milwaukee?

[@killsalive1]

@@MarkClayMcGowan i started in the summer of 70' and went up to just before the end. Worked MOW and Signals.

[@SeanMurrellRTS]

What are the flashing yellow "block tracks" for? I understand the occupancy of the train coming down solid yellow. I also understand the flashing green signal once the train has left the OS likely being a command, stack or fleet signal from the dispatcher. Really cool look inside Thanks!

[@timdavison1404]

Hi again Mark - While watching this video I noticed you refer to a "Dispatcher" - would that be what we in the UK refer to as a Signaller or a Signalman - (I note you refer to your own role as a Signaller where as in the UK we are known as Technicians!) i.e - the person who operates / monitors the signalling functions ? In the UK these Signallers are located at remote points in Signal/Power boxes - For our mainline operations these signal/power boxes are often anything up to 100 miles apart and can communicate with each other via various electronic systems and control areas up to 100 + miles away. Do your dispatchers operate from similar remote signal boxes and if so how far apart can they be and what size area would they control. I obviously appreciate the USA is so much bigger than the UK so I would imagine the scale of operations is so much bigger!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Our dispatchers are the people responsible for keeping trains moving. They line routes depending on where trains need to be placed for meets or at junctions or held for work being done on tracks or signals. All dispatchers on the UP work in Omaha, Nebraska. What you refer to as signallers are probably what we call Control Points but ours are much closer together. The dispatcher has remote control of them whereas signals between control points are all automatic. I refer to myself as a signalman but at the time I retired I was a signal maintainer after having been a Signal Maintenance Foreman for 22 years. Here is a list of signal jobs in America (most roads are the same): Assistant Signalman Signalman Lead Signalman (construction) Signal Construction Foreman Signal Maintenance Foreman Signal Maintainer Electronic Technician I hope this helped and I hope you check some of my videos that show more of how things work as well as trains utilizing the stuff. Always cool to talk to signal guys from around the world. Thanks for checking it out!

[@anazolnierczyk5459]

Those bungalows out in the desert must get hot as heck!

[@b3j8]

So that PTC radio is the reason I see so many bungaloos w/the VHF dipole antennas on the metal poles?

[@freeldeal89]

Not trying to get to personal, but how often are you home? Do you have much of a home life as a signal maintainer?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Maintainers work 7 to 3:30 M-F and are on 24 hour call. How much OT you work is up to you but you are expected to take a certain number of calls. Some districts are high OT, some very little. Construction guys generally work like 8 on 6 off (on UP). I imagine there are still HQ gangs too. Thanks for checking it out!

[@FishplateFilms]

Mark , what does the white lamp mean on the outside of your location boxes/houses? I saw a lot of these during my visit and wondered what they mean? Most of the time they were lit , even during the day. Gregg :-)

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

They are power off indicators. When the AC power is on they are lit solid. If it is off, they flash. The trains (or whomever) report it and we go see what's wrong. Thanks for the question and for checking it out!

[@bfurailroad1104]

@@MarkClayMcGowan So let me understand this, if AC power is lost, and circuits are running on battery power, the outside lite is flashing to indicate loss of AC power? I have phone numbers of all yard managers in the area I drive, so when I see a light flashing I should call so they can call relay?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@bfurailroad1104 that is correct, sir!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Also, at crossings there is a number that you can call that will get things rolling more quickly

[@FishplateFilms]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Thanks Mark ! I guessed it may be something like that. Working in Tehachapi would of been a great place , no one to hassle you and loads of trains. The guy I spoke to liked his section and he was retiring soon as well , you probably knew him as he worked for UP for many years like yourself. Look forward to more videos sir. Gregg.

[@ocsrc]

Do you use ATCS over the air ? As well as PTC ?

[@FishplateFilms]

Nice to see different gear Mark! Is that Micro Lock? Looks the same colour as what we use in some places? I just saw it written on the CPU ...LOL. Thanks for the insight and look forward to more. Cheers Gregg.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Yes on the microlok. I think I said we use microcode once. We do not. We did back in the 80s but replaced it with electrocode 4. That was upgraded to EC 5, electrologic and microlok in the PTC project.

[@jkinkamo]

Thanks! That's really cool. Actually I was expecting VCOR down.

[@victordaniel3314]

Very good , thanks!!!!!!

[@alexsteel5959]

Take a look at the complexity of the interlocking at Clapham junction. Just for fun 🤣. It’ll blow your mind!

[@nickpetralia223]

man that is crazy. it actually looks like a blown up version of a packaging machines electrical panel.

[@tamimarvel7389]

Mark, hi ! My grandchild Bree and I were up there at the museum and met you 0nl your first day. Well, my grandchild decided to heqd up there làst night and we are searching for them today! I am wondering ,if you see them could you let them know? Ty!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Oh! I hope all turned out well. I just now saw this comment

[@matthias.9834]

cool and very impressive, thanks

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Glad you liked it!

[@jtveg]

Great work. ✔️💯🏆 Thanks so much for sharing. 😉👌🏼

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it and hope you find the time to check out the rest of my "how things work" pieces. Mark

[@k3nfr0st39]

Just curious what's the work life balance as in how long can one be expected to be away from home?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It depends on the department you're in. Trainmen can expect to be away from home a LOT. Like 50% of the time. Track and Signal construction work varying schedules from five days a week to 8 on 6 off. Maintenance in those as well as communications are generally five days a week and generally on 24 hr call.

[@robadams5799]

I need to have this dumbed down a little.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I tried to keep it simple, but railroad signaling really isn't simple and is difficult to explain. That's why they spend so much on our training. I'm retired now and have no access to the equipment inside, so I can't do more stuff like this. Sorry.

[@HeizMohammed-e2s]

Hi Mark,I am an Electronics and Communication Engineer by qualificaation.I would like to get into the field of railraod signalling.Can you please let me know how can I enter this field? Are there any certifications for this?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

All hiring at all railroads starts online at UP, BNSF, etc. .com. Your electronics experience would certainly help you be noticed in the signal or communications dept. In signal, no matter what, you are most likely to start out in construction. You need no certifications. The railroad will provide all the training you will need. It's an interesting career. Good Luck!

[@louiscano6566]

Hi Mark,do you have a train layout of your own for a hobby or anything,sure that would be outstanding,all the knowledge behind the scene stuff...??

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

No, I do not. I never was into modeling. Maybe if I'd had room over the years but my kids took all that up!

[@izzymillar4568]

What kind of cab signal system does UP have ?cause on the FECrailway they have a proprietary cab signal system.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

While our control equipment has it intalled, we have never used it on my territory so I am unqualified to answer. Thanks for checking it out though!

[@MrSeebsy]

Those relays (above your right shoulder) almost look like British Rail BRB938A Relays.

[@chefjavier]

How long the batteries last in case the power goes off?

[@RailfanNetwork]

Very interesting!!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for checking it out!

[@3sierra15]

Hi Mark! Really curious to know how the dispatcher's commands get from Omaha to Middle Nowhere, California? Is it telephone, T1, microwave, satellite, or all of the above? Or maybe the internet and a VPN ? Thanks!

[@morrisonak]

Dispatcher office => fiber optic => microwave shot => control point.

[@84hansennr]

I work in the LASU, and I have a question. Every once in a while I'll be running on greens, and I'll come across a flashing yellow then another green. I'm not following anyone and I don't understand why there was a random flasher. Do you know why?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It could be the dispatcher hadn't cleared the next control point yet but did before you got to the next intermediate or, more likely, just a ghost in the machine. With the new system we get calls for signals cycling and we never find the problem and it never comes back.

[@peapaw2010]

Could be a bad bulb/LED for the green aspect at that intermediate and it's just (correctly) downgrading to the flashing yellow too.

[@84hansennr]

@@peapaw2010 That makes sense. I know I'm not following anyone and I can see on the PTC that the next block is clear.

[@Master_ofReality]

Are there many jobs in this field? I might have an interview for a job doing this on Wednesday. I have an EE degree and some engineering experience, but looking to do something more along these lines

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

They are around. Just have to keep your eyes on the company websites. Good luck!

[@carlosvee3308]

any luck on landing the job?

[@bernardbunney520]

Is that a fiberglass house working with SP installed a lot of them

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

The one at Ansel is an old SP cabin. It was installed in 1979. There are a few left.

[@blueringedoctopus4778]

Nice UP plug

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Not really. They weren't real happy about me posting these but I was already retired. Thanks for checking it out!

[@mrgq1969]

Mark Clay McGowan I'm a 23 yr railroader and the first thing I said when I came across your video was "wow! I wonder how fast it took UP to fire this guy for posting this?" 😂 glad to know you were smart enough to wait till after retirement lol. Thanks for your years of service keeping trains moving. Enjoy your retirement!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@mrgq1969 thanks! I don't know why it was such a big deal. I gave away no secrets and made UP look good at the same time! Thanks for checking it out!

[@qod712]

Halo pak, apakah ada petugas kebersihan dan pelumasan wesel di negara anda? *Wesel = railroad switch

[@anthonyventi362]

I Subscribed

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Awesome! I appreciate it!

[@ictrains9731]

Reminds me of phone company office visits with my dad.

[@josuereyes8223]

Thanks for the Video! Apologies for chiming in, I am interested in your thoughts. Have you ever tried - Januke Henatalie Formula (Sure I saw it on Google)? It is a good one off guide for dominating DCC model railroads without the headache. Ive heard some decent things about it and my m8 at very last got amazing success with it.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

No. I haven't. I'm not a model railroader and know very little about it other than it looks cool!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I grew up with a friend who's Dad was a phone company man and we'd go in the exchange building in Tehachapi back when all the phones were connected to realys. It was amazing and always had that "electric" smell. Thanks for checking it out!

[@kens.3729]

And here we Thought that Magic was used to make Everything Function as Efficiently as it does.👍

[@SOU6900]

Would like to experience the inside of a relay shack(?) that's stuffed to the gills with old school CTC relays, and hear them clicking as code comes in and code gets sent back to the dispatchers board.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

You're about 30 years too late! Thanks for checking it out!

[@SOU6900]

@@MarkClayMcGowan 😆 Oh I know I'm too late. Would still be neat to experience it anyway though.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@SOU6900 it was a cool sound. The code machines never stopped chattering and you could hear relays working so you always knew when something was happening!

[@robertborchert932]

Very nice indeed. As a lad, I toured an AT&T switching station, in 1970. To this day, I still remember the symphony of relays and stepper switches...and the smell of the lube oil and warm coils. Fantastic reduction in gear required today! Somehow, I find it really cool that those shelves weren't wiped clean. The ghost imprints of the old gear is very cool indeed.

[@sunshane69]

What’s in your work truck

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Well, I've been retired for over four years, but my truck had FAR too many things in it to list here. Main items were digital and analog meters, a short finder, a megger, a terminal wrench, my laptop, and of course, a shovel!

[@deadhead82]

Dispatcher for this sub is actually in San Bernardino

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

UP dispatches this sub and their dispatchers are in Omaha. BNSF dispatches from Berdoo but they aren't involved on the Tehachapi.

[@deadhead82]

@@MarkClayMcGowanMojave sub is dispatched from San Bernardino. UP & BNSF run the San Bernardino office. BNSF owns the building but we dispatch the LA Basin and the Mojave sub from here. BNSF wanted the Mojave sub run in their office since they run so many trains on it. I am currently the 3rd shift trick dispatcher.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I never knew that. It was dispatched from Omaha when I visited the Harriman center in 98 and was still there when I left the mountain in 2000. No one ever mentioned it moved. I stand corrected.

[@joshuanelson5084]

What is the typical jurisdiction for a maintainer? For example is it by county? Or a certain mileage of track from the yard you work out of?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

They are generally denoted by specific control points and are determined by equipment count. There may be a district sixty miles long with single main, eight control points, twelve intermediates and five crosssings and another district fifteen miles long with double track, five control points, eight intermediates and 20 crossings. When I was the Tehachapi maintainer my territory began at CPSP 356 and ended at CPSP 389 with 25 miles of double main, eight miles of single main and 56 miles of non signaled branch lines (1- 48 miles, 1- 8 miles) . I had five CPs, 18 power switches, 20 hand throws, 12 intermediate locations, nine mainline crossings, six branch crossings, 22 DED, one high wide, two HBD and one slide fence. Yeah. It was a bitch to keep up with! Thanks for the question and for checking it out!

[@joshuanelson5084]

Thanks for the response. Good Info. I am currently in the interview process for a signal apprenticeship with BNSF out of Spokane, WA so I’m trying to gather as much info as I can. What is the on call schedule typically like? I’m sure it’s vastly different depending on the district or yard you’re working out of, just trying to get a basic understanding of what the job requires. Thanks for the time!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@joshuanelson5084 we were on 24 call but could check out if we wanted to. I understand BNSF has standby pay which SP and UP did not. They pay for maintainers to stay marked up. I spent most of my career (22 years) as a Maintenance Foremen and the seven years prior to that as a gang foreman. I rarely worked overtime but that was generally my choice.

[@boxofsakura5833]

@@joshuanelson5084 Good luck on your interview venture for an apprenticeship in rail signaling. Mine took 7 months in my country.

[@telliepoobear]

Do you know a Dispatcher Jim Murphy (JPM)

[@casanova419]

Tell Jack Pot Money D.Casanova said hello. Was in west colton 98-06.

[@JessyP-u6q]

1 SW

[@rowdyman1463]

Did you catch any hell for this video from the company

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

No. They had no problem with the content. They just didn't want me shooting videos while I was on duty. Thus "The Forbidden Video Files" playlist!

[@raobalvindersingh1256]

i am working in Indian Railways as signal engineer. I want to know how can i apply for similar job in U.S/canada and how much salary i can expect from there?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

All applications for major railroads here are done online. uprr.com, bnsf.com, etc. Here are the other major roads: CSX, Norfolk Southern, Amtrak, Canadian Pacific. As far as pay, anywhere from around 60,000 annually to well over 100,000 depending on the job. Good luck and thanks for checking it out!

[@raobalvindersingh1256]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Thank you sir

[@raghavkonduri7290]

Hi Mark nice video I have been working on design side of Signalling can you share your mail to be in touch.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

[e-mail]

[@rearspeaker6364]

no trying to ruin your party because i like your videos, would there be any legal issues with the technical aspects of some of your videos-- just saying, cover your @??.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I considered that but I'm giving away no trade secrets or discussing actual circuitry or technology and I'm doing nothing illegal. Their problem when I was still working wasn't content, it was shooting videos on their time.

[@rearspeaker6364]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Ok, hate to see someone getting burned by doing something the like to do.

[@gordoncrisp3060]

NIce. You've got air conditioned bungalows! The cheapo company I work for does not. The VHLC likes to go into thermal runaway and lock up.....

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

We learned our lesson long ago. A/C is cheaper than train delays and overtime! Thanks for checking it out!

[@rearspeaker6364]

union switch and signal.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

What about them?

[@rearspeaker6364]

@@MarkClayMcGowan nothing at all- forgot to add the symbol on the signal board-U,with the two "s"inside it means Union switch and Signal.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@rearspeaker6364 ahhh...yes. they were bought by a company called Ansaldo about ten years ago. I guess they still use US&S in some cases.

[@sovietrazors]

Microlok !

[@jkinkamo]

And that's cool!

[@kens.3729]

Even with ALL the Equipment, Human Errors like running a Red could be catastrophic without PTC.

[@djbeezy]

You kind of look and sound like Mark Grace.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I wish my bank account looked like his!

[@djbeezy]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Same here lol.

[@MarysMaamCave]

Job you’ve done for 40 years? Did you start as a toddler? Lol! Young looking

[@Orc-icide]

Why watch a railfan video when you can watch a professional in the field!!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.