norfolkwesternhenry
Lead Service Attendant
I was wondering if during periods of low visibility, (snow, pouring rain, dust, etc), will Amtrak trains slow to the rule of thumb of "be able to stop in half the distance you can see.
Depends on the quality of signaling system available. For example, on the NEC with full PTC they will probably run according to the cab signaling system under ACSES at whatever speed it says is OK. OTOH, out in the sticks in Vermont, who knows?I was wondering if during periods of low visibility, (snow, pouring rain, dust, etc), will Amtrak trains slow to the rule of thumb of "be able to stop in half the distance you can see.
If there is no cab signal then at least the trackside signals must be visible for trains to operate safely. When the engineer cannot see the signals due to fog, rain or snow, they have to slow down. Maybe there is some magic in the eyesight of US engineers, but elsewhere they do slow down when fog or torrential rain makes signals hard to see.no matter what signal system, it will not see weather conditions be it regular signals, cab signal with or without ATC or a PTC system.
so rain or wind or snow trust and fact you should be only one on that part of railroad.
Being able to stop within one half the range of vision is not a rule of thumb. That is (depending on your rule book) restricted speed or controlled speed, which has specific applications based upon rules and signals.I was wondering if during periods of low visibility, (snow, pouring rain, dust, etc), will Amtrak trains slow to the rule of thumb of "be able to stop in half the distance you can see.
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