Signal Drop

VRE's mid-afternoon scoot, running about ten minutes late today, ducks under the southern end of Crestwood on its way to Union Station. The RP39-2C pushing the movement by appeared to be idling as it went by, which made for a very quiet train all told; I barely heard it before it was already in sight down the hill at the MP 23 marker. The E43 passing twenty minutes earlier? Well I couldn't say the same for that train...

I do find it odd that this signal only tripped after the train had passed halfway under the signal bridge though, whereas the rock train appeared to have triggered it immediately upon crossing the threshold. I guess it was either a difference in conductivity of the wheels or different placement of the end of the track circuit? Either way, this shot was taken about a half second after the signal dropped over the movement.

Also, anyone who's good with signals know what the bottom two lights are supposed to be displaying? As in, are they supposed to be distant signals, or something having to do with a high speed vs low speed route, as I've read before? There's not really a diverging route anywhere around here (Alexandria and DC are well over 10 miles away) and any sidings that remain are all unused and set with derails...

VRE V03 RP39-2C (Ex CSXT 6569, Née C&O 3794 GP40)
N/B Manassas Train No. 336
NS Piedmont Division, Washington District, CP Crestwood @ MP 22.3

Burke, VA
September 2010

<sub>Nikon D90 DSLR
Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D

© Michael Mueller (Fritzchen | Fotografie). You may NOT use, replicate, manipulate, or modify this image without my permission. All Rights Reserved.</sub>