Michael Finfer  wrote:   
   > On 4/25/2014 2:49 PM, John Albert wrote:   
   >> On 4/21/14 11:33 PM, mroberds@att.net wrote:   
   >>> I can sometimes hear six DTMF tones on the same channel they use for   
   >>> voice, at about the time that one of the trains should be arriving.   
   >>   
   >> Chances are the tones you're hearing are (for lack of a better word)   
   >> "hailing" tones.   
      
   Could be.  This is the only line close enough to me to hear such things,   
   so they could be happening all up and down the track.  On the other   
   hand, when I've heard these tones, they aren't immediately followed by a   
   conversation with the dispatcher.   
      
   >> If there's a control point involved, the power-operated switches are   
   >> almost certainly being controlled from the dispatcher's office over a   
   >> "land line" based CTC system.   
      
   I never hear the dispatcher or crews on this line specifically mention   
   a "control point" or things like "CP123".  They do mention the names of   
   the towns that the line passes through, which might be control points.   
      
   There are signals alongside the tracks, but the one closest to me is   
   either approach lit or out of service.  The ones in the town where the   
   meets happen are at least lit up.  I *think* maybe these signals just   
   indicate what's going on with the sidings but that's just a guess.   
      
   > There are places where switches that would ordinarily be hand operated   
   > are operated by radio from the locomotive cab.   
      
   Someday I'll get my eyeballs and the scanner over there when a meet is   
   happening and find out what's up.   
      
   Thanks for the replies!   
      
   Matt Roberds   
      
   --- SoupGate/W32 v1.03   
    * Origin: LiveWire BBS -=*=- UseNet FTN Gateway (1:2320/1)