Defect Detectors

[imphantum]

I don't know too much about defect detectors, but I'd really like to learn more to incorporate defect detectors into scenarios. To start off-
1. Do all defect detectors (for arguments sake on Marias Pass) "talk"?
2. What is a "bad order" exactly?
3. what is the procedure a train must follow after a hotbox is detected?
Sorry for the stupid questions, and ahead of time for whoever finds the time to answer them

[1225fan5358]

Well ill tell yah one thing, if there's a defect detected, one would be stupid not to respond. All defect detectors talk. Just as how most RC Equipped engines do, just not quite as annoying as those engines. "See ess ex ninee to forr ninee Arr see out" all in a robot chipmunk voice. Gahhh!!! Even more annoying than ME!! One time a buddy of mine heard there was a defect of "train too slow" on an NS local with 110 mph Amtrak trains on the same line. They're also for hotbox detection, speed calculation, temperature, and locations.

[up_8677]

Actually, some defect detectors only talk on defect. These are present on most of BNSF's southern transcon to reduce radio congestion on the heavily used line. Other types of detectors include "hi/wide" detectors that protect close clearances (tunnels, snowsheds) from loads which exceed the minimum clearance.

PS: most hotbox detectors also include some kind of dragging equipment detector (I posted a video about this in the real world train video forum some time ago).

[1225fan5358]

Actually, some defect detectors only talk on defect. These are present on most of BNSF's southern transcon to reduce radio congestion on the heavily used line. Other types of detectors include "hi/wide" detectors that protect close clearances (tunnels, snowsheds) from loads which exceed the minimum clearance.

That is true. If you listen to the UP detectors down there you might hear tenperatures over 110 degrees! Don't they also do stuff like that with flood detection and boulder detection?

[up_8677]

Yes, they do. Rock fences that are electrically connected to the track circuits. If they are broken, it drops all signals to a red aspect. High water detection is similar. I can't find it now, but I've seen a video about this stuff installed in Abo Canyon on the Clovis Sub. Very important with the southwest monsoon because of the danger of flash floods.

[byelen]

While rules on various railroads will vary, in most cases if a defect detector trips, the train must
be stopped, and the affected car inspected. Back in the early 1980s, we (Gold Coast Railroad
Museum) helped to sponsor a couple of Operation Lifesaver steam excursions with the 614. The
heat from the firebox tripped most of the detectors. After the first couple of stops, the dispatcher
issued special orders allowing the special to ignore the detector, so long as it was indicating only the
head end.

A "bad order" is any car that has been flagged with a defect. Some bad ordered cars can continue
on with the train and set out a point where shops are available. Others have to be "limped" and left
on a siding. All depends on what the defect is.