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Old 15th August 2021, 19:34
Beeyar Wunby's Avatar
Beeyar Wunby Beeyar Wunby is offline  
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NW Norfolk
Posts: 830
Yo Steve.

The Tripcock Test is simply a kind of treadle that the train's tripcock arm depresses as it goes over it. We had them at Finsbury Park on platforms 7 & 8, which was where the entry to the old London Underground tunnels to Moorgate was. On our system, the platform starter was held at danger as you approached at 25mph or less. On the way down the platform you could see the white proving light illuminated under the red. If you were successful, the light went out and the signal cleared if you had the road. However if you failed the tripcock test the light stayed on, the signal stayed on, and a dinky little bell half way up the platform rang - which in turn caused a lethargic platform person to slowly womble over to you and tell you what you already knew.

The signaller would tell you to crawl under the cab and visually check that the tripcock arm was in the set (down) position. If you were happy they'd clear the starter, then get you to pass the next siganal at danger. If doing this fired off the tripcock, you'd have to reset it, and then were 'good to go' into the Underground system. If it didn't fire, you'd go to the next station, change ends, and go empties to the shed for repairs
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