There were originally no signals at this location. When the Metropolitan Subdivision was converted from ABS to CTC in the late 1980's, the there were no signals at this spot. The nearest ones were Rock Creek to the east (defect detector at this location) and Halpine Road to the west. I remember when these were installed at Randolph, they weren't quite the same as the original B&O signals, so I think CSX must have had them custom made.
They are infact GRS signals, but since they're bi-directional, the ladder/basket arrangement is different from the originals. And you're correct, previously the signals to the east was Rock Creek at BA 11.5 ish and Halpine around BA 14.8. Halpine actually stood oos until the late 90s as I recall. The whole MET was resignaled for CTC (I think 1991) thus changing pretty much all the signals and adding many interlockings.
@GP30RDMT, I used to live in Kensington, so I knew that stretch of railroad like the back of my hand. Hard to believe it stayed ABS so late in the game. Even the Western Maryland, which Chessie mostly abandoned, had CTS and not ABS. The position-light plate on these at Randolph looks a little different than the original B&O ones, if you look closely.
The WM not only was largely CTC, but also had some of the better clearences west, and crossed the Alleghenies at a lower altitude than the "Beano". Word around the yard office is that the Met is going to be resignaled again with the addition of more interlockings (Cloppers is one I think), and two passing sidings. WTF over...
@GP30RDMT, yes, you're right about the WM....Big Savage Tunnel was a lower crossing of the Alleghenies than Sand Patch. Chessie was very dumb for abandoning the WM. I still think the ICC should have required the WM go to the N&W as a condition of the C&O taking over the B&O....typical poorly thought out ICC decision. Interesting about the Met being resignaled....due to more traffic, probably. Even the OML seems busier than usual these days.
Pointing the camera at the bright ass locomotive headlights will throw the auto focus out of whack, plus I wanted to show the greens for the westbounds.
There were originally no signals at this location. When the Metropolitan Subdivision was converted from ABS to CTC in the late 1980's, the there were no signals at this spot. The nearest ones were Rock Creek to the east (defect detector at this location) and Halpine Road to the west. I remember when these were installed at Randolph, they weren't quite the same as the original B&O signals, so I think CSX must have had them custom made.
meccaturbo 2 years ago
They are infact GRS signals, but since they're bi-directional, the ladder/basket arrangement is different from the originals. And you're correct, previously the signals to the east was Rock Creek at BA 11.5 ish and Halpine around BA 14.8. Halpine actually stood oos until the late 90s as I recall. The whole MET was resignaled for CTC (I think 1991) thus changing pretty much all the signals and adding many interlockings.
GP30RDMT 2 years ago
@GP30RDMT, I used to live in Kensington, so I knew that stretch of railroad like the back of my hand. Hard to believe it stayed ABS so late in the game. Even the Western Maryland, which Chessie mostly abandoned, had CTS and not ABS. The position-light plate on these at Randolph looks a little different than the original B&O ones, if you look closely.
meccaturbo 2 years ago
@GP30RDMT CTC, not CTS....sorry for the typo.
meccaturbo 2 years ago
The WM not only was largely CTC, but also had some of the better clearences west, and crossed the Alleghenies at a lower altitude than the "Beano". Word around the yard office is that the Met is going to be resignaled again with the addition of more interlockings (Cloppers is one I think), and two passing sidings. WTF over...
GP30RDMT 2 years ago
@GP30RDMT, yes, you're right about the WM....Big Savage Tunnel was a lower crossing of the Alleghenies than Sand Patch. Chessie was very dumb for abandoning the WM. I still think the ICC should have required the WM go to the N&W as a condition of the C&O taking over the B&O....typical poorly thought out ICC decision. Interesting about the Met being resignaled....due to more traffic, probably. Even the OML seems busier than usual these days.
meccaturbo 2 years ago
UP's classic tri-color signals turn red after the first locomotive passes by 2 seconds ago
Sniper12890 2 years ago
Is this train on track 1?
GaithersburgRail 3 years ago
Yeah he's on number one.
GP30RDMT 3 years ago
Thanks for the answer. BTW, why did you face the camera that way from the front leading locomotive.
GaithersburgRail 3 years ago
Pointing the camera at the bright ass locomotive headlights will throw the auto focus out of whack, plus I wanted to show the greens for the westbounds.
GP30RDMT 3 years ago
In Spring, I will go to Randolph Road of Rockville and catch awesome trains there.
GaithersburgRail 3 years ago
I this that train could be Q416.
GaithersburgRail 3 years ago
It was Q416
GP30RDMT 3 years ago