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| (1070601) | |
Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon May 30 23:13:23 2011 I've mentioned in my other topics how personnel on DART in Dallas were amazed at the complex junction on Chicago's CTA known as Tower 18. DART junctions are all flat junctions and are all automated. Several DART operators expressed surprise that Tower 18 is manned 24/7. Four routes operate through the junction seven days of the week and a fifth runs during the weekday am and pm rush. Here are the photos I shared with the folks in Dallas. The old Tower 18 from the north, onboard a SB Brown line train. The home signal is displaying yellow over red for the straight route. CTA signals give indications by relative position of apects and not by separate signal heads. This gives plenty of economy...the top red aspect and the same middle yellow would give the diverging indication. Both reds give the stop indication. Both reds and the bottom lunar would give the call on. The speed limit signs supercede cab signals. 10 MPH is the diverging limit but the cab signal would show 15 MPH (yellow sign).  The junction from the opposite direction, we're onboard a Pink line train. The home signal to the right has three routings. Orange line trains turn to the right. Outbound Pink line trains turn to the left. Purple line trains go straight. The Loop "L" is a two track railroad all around. The tracks are named "inner loop" and "outer loop". Inbound Brown line trains use the straight track at the left, and exit on the outer track at the right, turning right onto the track straight ahead. Purple line trains come in like a Brown line train but turn to the right here, in front of the camera, onto the inner track and go off to the right. Green line trains go straight across at right angles, in both directions. Inbound Pink line trains also go straight, from the left to the right, circling the Loop til they get to the camera position.  The junction from the east.....but I'm on the rear car of an Orange line train. A rare move that sometimes happens....the movable bascule bridge to the right might get stuck in the up position. Tower 18 would then route an outbound Brown line train across the junction for another trip around the Loop "L" to keep service going.  A closeup of frogs, guard rails, and our famous exposed third rail. David Harrison |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by chud1 on Tue May 31 04:58:54 2011, in response to Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon May 30 23:13:23 2011. excellent. one question where is da third rail in cta.chud1 |
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| (1070637) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by Dave on Tue May 31 05:36:29 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by chud1 on Tue May 31 04:58:54 2011. Are you Russian? |
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(Sponsored) |
iPhone 6 (4.7 Inch) Premium PU Leather Wallet Case - Red w/ Floral Interior - by Notch-It |
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| (1070638) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by Fytton on Tue May 31 05:37:15 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by chud1 on Tue May 31 04:58:54 2011. 'one question where is da third rail in cta'From the photos, it looks like an uncovered over-running third rail, a la London Underground. |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by arnine on Tue May 31 07:09:45 2011, in response to Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon May 30 23:13:23 2011. Nice coverage thanks :) |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by BMTLines on Tue May 31 07:31:16 2011, in response to Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon May 30 23:13:23 2011. Awesome photos and narration! |
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| (1070655) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by Newkirk Images on Tue May 31 07:56:45 2011, in response to Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon May 30 23:13:23 2011. Nice pix, though this juction makes me dizzy ! HehIs Tower 18 rather new ? It doesn't look like an old signal tower. Also, where there two sets of tracks where the tower now stands making this junction a grand union ? Bill Newkirk |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by Mitch45 on Tue May 31 08:17:34 2011, in response to Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon May 30 23:13:23 2011. I love these pictures. I wish I could put together an electric train set big enough to have junctions like this. |
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| (1070660) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by Jersey Mike on Tue May 31 08:45:09 2011, in response to Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon May 30 23:13:23 2011. You didn't mention why Tower 18 suddenly changes appearance in some of your photos. |
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| (1070690) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 11:09:35 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by arnine on Tue May 31 07:09:45 2011. Thanks. I love explaining this junction....nothing like it anywhere else in the world I am sure.David |
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| (1070692) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 11:10:52 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by BMTLines on Tue May 31 07:31:16 2011. Thanks. Believe it or not, the four lines using the junction on weekends can operate without a switch being thrown, no route crosses another.David |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 11:14:26 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by Newkirk Images on Tue May 31 07:56:45 2011. Thanks Bill. Yes, a new Tower 18 building is now in place. While the structure was being built and installed, controls were in a shanty building just south of the junction. No, there were never the two track connections that would make this a grand union junction. Operationally, that will never happen in the future either.David |
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| (1070694) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 11:15:52 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by Mitch45 on Tue May 31 08:17:34 2011. Thanks. I remember someone here commenting about my pics of Clark Junction north of Belmont on the northside main...."Wow..That would use up an entire track budget."David |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 11:17:20 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by Jersey Mike on Tue May 31 08:45:09 2011. In the last year, the structure was replaced along with installing new electronics and controls. You've got keen eyesight, congrats!!David |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by arnine on Tue May 31 12:04:25 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 11:09:35 2011. Another reason I need to get my behind to Chicago especially before winter :) |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by South FERRY on Tue May 31 12:12:09 2011, in response to Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon May 30 23:13:23 2011. Thank you for your TREMENDOUS efforts. Always good to see your updates. Cheers!! |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 12:53:57 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by arnine on Tue May 31 12:04:25 2011. Come on Down!!!David |
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| (1070720) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 12:55:26 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by South FERRY on Tue May 31 12:12:09 2011. Ya know I love dis SubChat. Now that other S..Chat...they need a life.David |
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| (1070724) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by arnine on Tue May 31 13:06:15 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 12:53:57 2011. I think I will aim for August depending on my health and finances :) |
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| (1070727) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 13:32:17 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by arnine on Tue May 31 13:06:15 2011. Don't forget to contact me. Also, here's an invite to SChatters...my Friends & Family Charter on the CTA will be on Sunday, June 26, and its FREE.David |
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| (1070748) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by arnine on Tue May 31 14:07:48 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 13:32:17 2011. Yes if I am able to get out that way I will definitely let ya know. Cannot guarantee anything right now as my health is always shaky. I have to take things one day at a time, but my hope is to get out there in August. :) |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by The Flxible Neofan on Tue May 31 15:00:59 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 13:32:17 2011. !!!!!!!!!! Are there more details on that trip?! If only I could find a way to get out to Chicago at that time... |
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| (1070765) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 15:11:49 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by The Flxible Neofan on Tue May 31 15:00:59 2011. That was just a pre-pre sneak announcement so's people could check their calendars. I'm a contractor for Museum of Science & Industry and their Great Train Story HO layout and as a fun tax write-off I give a free charter on the "L". There's a personal benefit that happens on the deadhead move, that we won't mention, so I always schedule to use Midway cars. Plus the Midway cars are iPod capable for music over the PA. I haven't sat down officially with the CTA but it will be on that Sunday. I get to write out all the details and plan what I want. "It's good to be king."David |
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| (1070796) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by Train Man Paul : Metro-North's Best Conductor FOR ALL 3 LINES!!! on Tue May 31 16:31:28 2011, in response to Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon May 30 23:13:23 2011. Great stuff, David, nice coverage!!! Those uncovered third rails are not the most safety-conscious installations I have ever seen!!!! :-/ |
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| (1070833) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 20:06:14 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by Train Man Paul : Metro-North's Best Conductor FOR ALL 3 LINES!!! on Tue May 31 16:31:28 2011. Thanks...about the third rail, just don't step on it...you don't bother it and it won't bother you.David |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by seabeachexpress on Tue May 31 20:22:14 2011, in response to Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon May 30 23:13:23 2011. Great shots Dave. I always amazed at the interlocking anytime I am in town and get a chance to cross it. |
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| (1070842) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 20:45:59 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by seabeachexpress on Tue May 31 20:22:14 2011. No where else in the world....thanks.David |
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| (1070964) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by Jersey Mike on Wed Jun 1 10:37:01 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 11:17:20 2011. I think it was re-clad, not necessarily replaced. Also I was there this year and noticed the change closeup. |
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| (1070967) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Wed Jun 1 10:58:09 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by Jersey Mike on Wed Jun 1 10:37:01 2011. Hi Jersey. No reclading.....we're the "city of big shoulders." I live here and I watched it being built from the ground up.David |
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| (1070972) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by Jersey Mike on Wed Jun 1 11:53:50 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Wed Jun 1 10:58:09 2011. How did they control the interlocking during the downtime? |
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| (1070981) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Wed Jun 1 12:44:06 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by Jersey Mike on Wed Jun 1 11:53:50 2011. That long row of bungalow sheds along the Wells ST "L" where the Randolph ST platform used to be....at the north end is an operator booth tht contained the temporarty interlocking machine. This is how they controlled the interlocking while the new structure was being built.CTA produces a video show shown on local cable TV and available on YouTube. Here's the edition that covers "L" junctions and towers. http://www.youtube.com/CTAConnections#p/u/47/5WSseTVAFAA David |
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| (1070997) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by hhp664 on Wed Jun 1 13:36:58 2011, in response to Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon May 30 23:13:23 2011. Always wondered why the Chicago third rail is exposed and never been covered. |
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| (1071009) | |
Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Wed Jun 1 14:04:12 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by hhp664 on Wed Jun 1 13:36:58 2011. And this question come up year after year after......and usually by people who do not live anywhere near Chicago too.The exposed third rail and the gravity shoe is a 19th century innovation. Does Boston still have it too?? Anyway, the gravity shoe third rail cannot be covered. You can put a vertical board next to it...done in about five instances on the whole CTA system. Back in the 50s, a subset of the 6000 series PCC cars came with paddle shoes. But the subsequent subsets went back to the 1890s gravity shoe. In the late 60s, the 2200 series Budds came with a paddle shoe. But the 2400s, 26002, and 3200s that followed all went back to the gravity shoe. The ten cars doing prototype testing now of the 5000 series AC cars have the gravity shoe, so, so much for covering the third rail in Chicago. "Ain't gonna happen." David P. S. Exposed third rail is still used in London's tube. |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by Michael Wares on Wed Jun 1 14:08:29 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 20:06:14 2011. "Thanks...about the third rail, just don't step on it..."Or if you do, just make sure you're not grounded. |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by RiverLINE3501 on Wed Jun 1 18:45:22 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Wed Jun 1 14:04:12 2011. Boston's third rail is uncovered too, however the cars on the T have paddle shoes. |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Wed Jun 1 19:32:40 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by RiverLINE3501 on Wed Jun 1 18:45:22 2011. I thought so, thanks.David |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by George Foelschow on Thu Jun 2 14:54:54 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Tue May 31 11:10:52 2011. "Believe it or not, the four lines using the junction on weekends can operate without a switch being thrown, no route crosses another."I don't understand that statement. Doesn't inbound Brown cross Green in both directions plus outbound Pink? Inbound Pink crosses outbound Pink (OK, same route). As for switches thrown, switch on westbound outer loop between Brown and Green, switch on northbound inner loop between Orange and Pink? |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Thu Jun 2 17:44:03 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by George Foelschow on Thu Jun 2 14:54:54 2011. It is possible....it doesn't normally happen....but it IS POSSIBLE to set switches at Tower 18 and then operate ALL WEEKEND (no Purple service) without having to throw a single switch or have any route conflict with another. Heah come da story!!During the changeover to the new signal system and interlocking, it was necessary to shut everything down and do it all manually. Supervisors were scheduled, tower operators and switchmen were scheduled. Air horns were passed out, new flags issued, lanterns for nighttime provided. Throw the switches by hand, use hand signals and radio and communicate which trains could move through the plant. Someone was called in to look at the grandiose drama scheduled. He shook his head.....said to do this...then do this... now nothing needs communication. Plant can operate all day and night. Only thing train operators can do is run into the train in front of them.....only if they wern't paying attention to their cab signal.....which has been known to happen, but that is another story. Clear now??? David (with a devilish grin) |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by SelkirkTMO on Thu Jun 2 17:47:32 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Thu Jun 2 17:44:03 2011. Damned consultants! :) |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Thu Jun 2 18:04:46 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by SelkirkTMO on Thu Jun 2 17:47:32 2011. Really the consultant was a former top operating department man and really knows his stuff. I'm waiting for George to respond as I still kept him in the dark...I'm one of those mean teachers you had in school....the idea was a 10 in creativity. I just left a little out, trying to see if he can figure out a workable plan too before I spill all the beans.David |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by SelkirkTMO on Thu Jun 2 18:14:57 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Thu Jun 2 18:04:46 2011. Heh. I *loved* mean teachers ... they forced you to pay some attention. :) |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by kp5308 on Thu Jun 2 18:38:49 2011, in response to Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Mon May 30 23:13:23 2011. Next time I go I'm gonna pay more attention to the Cee Tee Aye El. Nice pics! |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Thu Jun 2 18:46:03 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by kp5308 on Thu Jun 2 18:38:49 2011. Make that "Cee Tee Aye L" and I can use it. Thanks.David |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by George Foelschow on Thu Jun 2 21:34:20 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Thu Jun 2 17:44:03 2011. There are four decision points. Each point allows a train to proceed if a train is present. The points are selected, one at a time, in sequence. The decision points are 1: southbound Brown on Wells, 2: eastbound Green and Pink on Lake, 3: northbound Pink and Orange on inner loop Wells, 4: westbound Green and Brown on outer loop Lake. Rinse and repeat. One person directs the sequence and switches are manually set at points 3 and 4. |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by kp5308 on Thu Jun 2 21:51:19 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Thu Jun 2 18:46:03 2011. Sorry Dave.....it's the Philly in me! |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Thu Jun 2 22:50:25 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by George Foelschow on Thu Jun 2 21:34:20 2011. No, George, no, no, no. Did you read the story. And there is a reason they don't do it every weekend and just eliminate Tower 18. It disrupts the normal way of doing things. But it's not so bad on the one weekend because two sides of the Loop are travelled lightly.Thus this only happened on the weekends where the junction was shutdown for changeover to the new plant. Rather than use all those switchmen, towermen, hand throwing, communicating back an forth, etc, etc,. The Brown was linked with the Orange line and through routed using the Lake ST and Wabash sides of the Loop. The Green used the Wells ST and Van Buren side of the Loop. The Pink line used the Green routing and terminated at Roosevelt and turned in the 14th middle track. The two sets of curved routes at Tower 18 were set for turns and NOTHING crossed any other line. NO SWITCH was thrown the entire weekend. Operators merely paid close attention to their cab signal as view was always obstructed around the curves. Tower 12 at Van Buren and Wabash was manned and sorted out the traffic. If you had to go to the other side of the Loop not served by your rerouted train, you went to Roosevelt and transferred there. For instance a Brown line passenger who wanted off at Quincy Wells had to ride to Roosevelt and transfer to a Green or Pink line train and ride back to Quincy. David |
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Video - Chicago's Tower 18 |
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Posted by railfanc on Fri Jun 3 00:31:33 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Wed Jun 1 12:44:06 2011. Here's a clickable link to the video that features Chicago's Tower 18 featured in David's photos and other towers and junctions. |
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Re: Video - Chicago's Tower 18 |
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Posted by G1Ravage on Fri Jun 3 00:52:21 2011, in response to Video - Chicago's Tower 18, posted by railfanc on Fri Jun 3 00:31:33 2011. In Chicago, Tower Operator is a "higher" position than Train Operator? |
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Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos) |
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Posted by George Foelschow on Fri Jun 3 02:00:35 2011, in response to Re: Chicago's Tower 18 (Photos), posted by ChicagoPCCLCars on Thu Jun 2 22:50:25 2011. A good example of thinking outside the box. Very clever. |
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Re: Video - Chicago's Tower 18 |
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Posted by chud1 on Fri Jun 3 06:22:08 2011, in response to Video - Chicago's Tower 18, posted by railfanc on Fri Jun 3 00:31:33 2011. i want to be a towerperson.chud1 |
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