UP Abolishing Cab Signal Rule?

[grizz1213]

Ive been told that UP finally wants to get rid of the cab signal rule on the Geneva sub. Main reason is because theyre getting sick of putting their own power in front of Amtrak and we all know that amtrak detours on that line about every other week Once again this is only what ive heard. If anyone else has heard anything feel free to post ur info.

 

[JeffLH]

It's always been said by exCNW guys that UP hates the Automatic Train Control across Illinois and Iowa. And it isn't because they have to put a pilot engine on Amtrak detours.

To discontinue the ATC, they would have to get FRA permission to do so and that's very unlikely at this time. Once PTC is in place, then it you will probably see both cab signal systems, the exCNW ATC and the UP CCS discontinued. That's still a few years off though.

Jeff

 

[roee]

I'm sure in UP's filing with the FRA for PTC it calls for the removal of cab signals. I suspect that it is very unlikely that they would get approval to downgrade the signal system by removing the cab signals. I really couldn't see the FRA approving that, especially if passenger trains are running on it.

 

[grizz1213]

Well, BN and now BNSF can do w/out cab signals. And they have a a $h*t ton of metras. I was always told it was because it was of CN&W's poor dispatching. (All my info came from a UP/ex CNW engineer) If they did eliminate this rule that would be great, then Rochelle would actually be worth going to. Ive seen the shows that UP can put on on the Villa Grove and Chester subs.

Example: http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2467873
http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2467867
http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2467919
http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2507106