From: nick+mtr@nicksandru.com   
      
   On 08/27/2014 06:50 PM, Jishnu Mukerji wrote:   
   > 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?   
   >   
   The Hudson tunnel is single tracked almost daily - for maintenance,   
   repairs, stalled equipment (most often Amtrak's), ice and debris   
   removal, you name it...   
      
   >>> 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.   
   > cab   
   > 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.   
   >   
   I sat a few times in the front row of NJT cab cars, with a view along   
   the track ahead. I noticed that the signals in the area display aspects   
   in accordance to the cab signal - a common situation is a signal   
   displaying "approach limited" instead of "approach" while the next   
   signal displays "stop".   
      
   > 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.   
   >   
   ...and when you sit in the front car you can see the red lights of the   
   train ahead of yours disturbingly close, while moving at 60 mph through   
   the tunnel...   
      
   --   
   Nick Sandru   
      
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