Great Western Coffee Shop

Here's a good story.

Bring back semaphore, I say.  (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/8687851.stm)

Interesting, from that BBC story:


So, after precisely 98.2% of the work is completed, it's only then discovered that the system is so unsafe that it needs a long-term solution?  :o ::) >:(

Well obviously.  It's a well-known scientific fact that only 1.8% of the work involved in creating a signal-less, automated, real-time, on-screen, in-cab driver information and warning system is devoted to making the real-time, on-screen, in-cab driver information and warning bit work.  How could you not realise that?


Safety critical issue = "I can't see the f***ing screen."

Solutions:-
Virtual display helmets a la fighter pilot
Blackout the cabs and give the drivers a video display of the track ahead as well as an ERTMS screen
Dump the drivers and drive the trains using X-boxes from a central control room in Machynlleth.  I'm sure we'd all volunteer for one trip a week.

Alternatively, have a fail safe visual reminder at key places, such as junctions and loops. These would be red (to signify danger), and be relatively simple to see and interpret. A bar that could be in the up or down position might suffice. Whilst it wouldn't replace the high tech system, it would be a useful back up in the event that the driver's cab display malfunctioned and drivers could then drive on sight.

I am sure there was much derision when Parliament insisted the railways moved away from timetable signaling or time interval signaling.

Railway signaling has always progressed with new systems, progress is slow as the equipment has a long life for instance the GWML in the 1960's moved from absolute block to MAS this was done to increase the number of trains and speed this is what ERTMS is about

This is a trial, trials will throw up the unexpected thats why they are done, NR are not likely to go away from the ERTMS concept for signaling renewals

Or, most likely, a re-position of the screen and/or better use of anti-glare coatings and/or tinted side windows on the train and/or a change in the way the screen is displayed (fonts/colours etc.)  Either way, it's a bit of a mountain-out-of-a-molehill story as issues like this will always arise with new technology. 

I remember hearing stories about a delay with one new train (several years ago now) due to glare on the speedometer due to the sun reflecting off the drivers shirts.  The solution?  A darker shirt was issued to the drivers!  Not 100% sure it's a true story, but it wouldn't surprise me.