From: jishnu@nospam.verizon.net   
      
   On 8/27/2014 3:21 AM, Nick the Amateur LARTist wrote:   
   > On 08/25/2014 10:00 AM, hancock4@bbs.cpcn.com wrote:   
   >> On Tuesday, August 19, 2014 8:25:16 PM UTC-4, Michael Finfer wrote:   
   >>   
   >>> There was a period of single track operation today that caused delays   
   >>> for a couple of hours afterwards.   
   >>   
   >> Yes.  In addition to the longer times now on the schedule, there were   
   >> 15 minute delays in both directions on account of single tracking near   
   >> Secaucus (looked like bridge work).  There was also congestion   
   >> entering the Hudson tunnels.   
      
   Wasn't the single tracking also through the Hudson tunnel?   
      
   >> On the inbound side of the tracks, I noticed metal huts about every   
   >> mile or less.  Are they for a new signal system?  Will the blocks be   
   >> closer allowing more trains?   
   >>   
   >   
   > Amtrak is replacing turnouts in the Swift interlocking (the Montclair   
   > junction), just west from the Portal Bridge, that explains some of the   
   > delays.   
   >   
   > Between Newark and the tunnels there are junctions and crossovers every   
   > few hundred yards - Hudson, Swift, the Secaucus station - and the huts   
   > contain the interlocking equipment.   
      
   The interlockings between Newark and the tunnel are: Dock, Rea, Hudson,   
   Swift, Portal, Lack, Allied, Erie, Bergen. So yes there are a lot of   
   interlocking, and in addition the block lengths where there are no   
   interlockings are very short too, even through the tunnel allowing for   
   high density operation at relatively high speeds, fully protected by   
   signals and ACSES (for trains thusly equipped, which present are all   
   Amtrak trains). This stretch of track is one of the very few places in   
   the US where you could be operating at 60mph while you can see the tail   
   light of the train ahead of you, not that far ahead - just three blocks   
   ahead which is not that far with the short blocks.   
      
   It is fun to watch the home signal of Erie relatively quickly cycle   
   through all its aspects to cab clear, as an Amtrak train charges through   
   at 90mph on a fleeted track.   
      
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