Earlier today I wrote a reply about how it was odd that GSMR didn't prevent a collision, like it was designed to do. But I didn't post it because I didn't want to slur the driver.
However it's now been mentioned by BTP...
Quote:
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Originally Posted by BBC News
Supt Garrett also said there was no evidence the driver of the derailed train pressed an emergency alarm, which would set the surrounding signals to red.
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A somewhat inaccurate description. It's much better than that.
The GSMR radios that are fitted in cabs have a Big Red emergency button. If this is pressed, all trains in the same signalling area
receive an Emergency Stop Message. This causes an alarm tone to sound and written message to appear on the screen of the GSMR radio. If anyone receives this, they must immediately stop their train as quickly as possible (ie, wack the Emergency Brake on their train).
It worth noting that this is a radio system. Whilst signal cabling and equipment boxes are located close to the the running lines, making them vulnerable to physical damage - GSMR masts are located some distance from the track.
The big question is....
why didn't the first driver whack the Big Red Button?
They may not have been able to, of course.
And as ever, we'll find out in the fullness of time.
Cheers, John