Operation of the AMR Signalling

The page explains the sequence of levers required to signal trains on the AMR, as shown in the video below.

[Video: A. Allum]
(Video hosted by YouTube, requires Flash plugin to view).

Start by looking the extreme left in the picture, a red lamp will illuminate to indicate "train ready to start."

  • The signaller pulls levers 2 & 3 (2 is the platform starter signal, and 3 is the next signal out of the loop onto the single line section). The signaller then records the time that lever 3 was pulled on the train register and in the background the station master's whistle can be heard.
  • Then the signaller pulls lever 6 (to allow the train into the 'neck' beyond the loop at Wesley's Halt, though this is for practice, the signal is not there yet)!
  • In the absence of a track diagram, the signaller makes several observations through the window, and once it is certain that the train has departed, lever 2 is returned to Normal.
  • After a few seconds, the train has passed signal 3, so lever 3 is returned to normal; and then lever 1 is pulled to let the previous incoming train into the loop (up to signal 3) as a shunt move.
  • At this stage, the signaller can see the train and the driver, and these details are recorded into the register.
  • The train's whistle is heard, and the signaller counts the passengers (a duty that will be passed to other staff in due course) and enters that figure into the register.
  • Lever 1 is returned to Normal, having observed that the shunting train is now in the loop at Depot Approach, and lever 4 is pulled for the Shunt signal to let the train into the departures platform track, to form the next departing train.
  • Then, lever 4 is returned to Normal.
  • Lever 7 is pulled when the train has reached Wesley's Halt (this clears signal 7 to allow the waiting train to start its return trip from Wesley's Halt to Depot Approach).
  • Lever 6 is returned to Normal as the first train enters the 'Neck.'
  • Once the returning train has passed the signal, lever 7 is returned to Normal, and after a pause, lever 10 is pulled to allow the first train into the waiting area (for its turn past number 7 signal). Like number 6, number 10 signal has not been provided yet, but it is good practice to work as if it has!
  • Then, the signaller adjusts the train describer (which will eventually tell the station master about the approaching train, but is also used for practice, presently).
  • Finally, lever 10 is returned to Normal.
  • The returning train will pass an automatic signal before coming to a rest at the Arrivals platform at Depot Approach.

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