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Nice photo. Taken at Mile 2.0 Dundas Sub.. 40 years later those US&S H2 searchlight signals are still doing their job. The round marker plate behind the signal number plate displays a black “G” on a yellow background, designating the westward signals as a “Grade Signal” when displaying Red/Red.
Very nice, Robert.
That’s a super clean image !
@terry.oshell – can you confirm if this is the correct meaning of a grade signal – a train can proceed past a red/red signal at restricted speed as long as it can stop within half the sight distance available ?
Aitch, thanks for your question, attached is my explanation based on the Uniform Code of Operating Rules (UCOR).
“Grade Signal” – A stop and proceed signal equipped with a marker displaying the letter “G”.
“Grade Signal” Indication – Trains handling fifty percent or more of ruling grade tonnage approaching a grade signal indicating “stop, then proceed at restricted speed” may pass it without stopping and proceed at restricted speed.
Restricted Speed – A speed that will permit stopping within one-half the range of vision, also prepared to stop short of a switch not properly lined, and be on the lookout for broken rail, and in not case exceeding SLOW Speed.
Thanks very much Terry. I knew you’d have the details.
I’d forgotten how tonnage figured into the rule.
The “Grade Signals” days are number though. The “G” Marker will soon be removed and retired, superseded with the attachment of an “R” Marker to the signal mast, upgrading the indication of a “Stop and Proceed Signal” to a “Restricting Signal”. “R” Markers would become standard attachments on most signals capable of displaying “Stop and Proceed” indication.
6532 has one roof mounted strobe light remaining. Did they ever get used in the VIA days?
Terry, that’s a very interesting change. It sounds like the R marker effectively makes tonnage a non issue in order to proceed at restricted speed. If most signals capable of displaying a stop and proceed indication get the R marker then when would a train ever actually have to stop and then proceed rather than passing at restricted speed ?
Aitch – During my working days I don’t recall seeing any signals designed to display “Stop and Proceed at Restricted Speed” without an “R” Marker attached to the signal mast. Not to say there are not any out there. The addition of the “R” Marker provided a great improvement to train handling and operational efficiency without compromising safety.
Signal 300 Mile 30.0 Halton Sub. A good example of where the “R” Marker would provide for improves train handling.
http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=21714
Thanks again for the details Terry. I guess I misunderstood the rules. It’s a fascinating subject.
I think overall your understanding was correct.
Any single or double staggered aspect without a square R (restricting) plate or round A (absolute) plate is a stop and proceed (at restricted speed) signal when displaying red. And there are a few out there. I believe Aldershot station is protected this way. Never seen a grade signal in the 20 years I’ve been working for the railway, and they are not in the CROR.
Years ago, 1/2 mile or so east of Dundas station, there was a ABS signal with a “SPS” plate. I believe it was a Station Protection Signal, protection for eastward passenger trains de-training / entraining passengers at the station. The SPS plate governed westward trains. Station Protection Signal is in the “definitions” section of the old UCOR revision 1962