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Caption: Of all the things trackside, other than stations, these block indicators I miss the most. I used to see them by switches; at Puslinch, Woodstock. Zorra, as far as Belle River on the CP.
Not sure what the official name for these is. "Track Occupancy Indicators", "block indicators" or "Directional Indicators"; but all the same, they were a track side feature I often kept close to. On a warm summer day, sitting in the grass, waiting for a happening, the "click" noise indicated the semaphore arm had dropped, meaning a train had entered the block and I had better get ready for an image.
Eastward and westward boxes, on pipe poles anchored in a concrete base. Next to switch stands. Their purpose was to alert track workers in areas where regular signals could not be observed. One could double-check switch alignment.
I don't know if any of these still exist along the CP or anywhere else. I never did see them on CN. This pair, photographed at the mile 45.6 switch at Puslinch, indicate all is clear.
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Very cool. Now simply a light turns on as a train enters the block
Neat. Practically a CPR tradition, at one time on the Mactier & Belleville subs too. And likely on many more …
sdfourty
Well done, can confirm there is still a pair of these at the North end of Medonte on the MacTier sub although I can’t confirm if it is still operational. It is one of few but not the only one left on the MacTier as of 2021.
The Galt & Windsor Subs had these at numerous locations. You can notice on the bottom left corner of the casing, a sort of rectangular patch held on by 2 screws. On some indicators, there was a push button placed there, hence the cast lip & cover plate. Before anyone asks about the push buttons, I’ve tried to recall where & why such existed, but I can’t recall. I do recall using them though.
One of the main uses for the indicators was for trains operating in yard limits that wanted to enter the main track in ABS territory. Providing no first or second class trains were due, a clear block indicator permitted entry. With the change in rules in 1990, Yard Limits disappeared & the indicators became redundant, both being replaced by RTC issued clearances.
Thanks, Ron !!!!
CN had many of these block indicators around Ontario. I used them on the Grimbsy Sub and they were also common on the Dundas Sub between Paris West and Frauts near London before they out in CTC.