PREVENTION OF COLLISIONS.

Shannon News, 24 March 1922, Page 2

PREVENTION OF COLLISIONS.

INTERESTING AUTOMATIC

SAFETY DEVICE

Details of a device that claims to ensure' that collisions on single-track railways may be automatically, prevented have been received by the British Trade Commissioner at Wellington.

The report indicates that the system is equally applicable to ordinary double track signalling apparatus, and even to terminal stations. The system, known as the "Angus” system, is an electrical one, depending on the lines being in alternate sections, which may be, and usually will be, of varying lengths. Alternating current of low frequency is supplied to the sections at a pressure of \ not more than ten to twelve volts, and no train can run over a section not so energised, and sections are insulated from each other by any available means. Proof Against Drivers’ Faults. "On reaching an non-cnergised section the locomotive sounds its whistle), and a few seconds later is brought to a standstill by the automatic application of the brakes. To provide complete protection ,it is necessary, of course, for the signalman to be prevented from getting two trains on a single energised section. This is provided for by track circuit testing of each section just prior to energising, nnd is performed in a second. It is impossible for the signal to give energy to a second train to run on a section already occupied, as his test apparatus will not show the "all-clear” signal. The system appears thus to be proof against accidents due to faulty signalling, and even the simultaneous absence of attention on the part of the driver and fireman. Engines Refused to Collide.

In a recent trial on a single track connected with the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, two locomotives were repeatedly set in motion towards each other, so that, under ordinary conditions, a collision would have been inevitable. The locomotives, however, on approaching were automatically stopped ,showing that a collision was impossible. Among other authorities who are testing the system are the Metropolitan Railway of London (one of the busiest railways of the world) and the Swedish railways.