Progressive Rail

[JASII]

I scanned all seven of these Progressive Rail frequencies today. I am less than a quarter mile from their tracks. There was absolutely NO activity recorded. I am listening with an external antenna and able to receive UPRR.

Is it possible there were zero trains in a given day from them? (They are small.)

If there were trains, is it possible the track warrant was issued by a means other than voice? (Digital?) Do track warrants have to be issued over the radio?

At what point does a railroad need defect detectors? Is it over a certain amount of track mileage? If so, what distance is that?

161.1900

161.2650

161.2800

160.3800

160.3500

161.2200

161.1150

 

[AK9R]

I gave an answer to your track warrant question in your track warrant thread.

Defect detectors are used to avoid having the crew inspect the train on a regular or continuous basis. In the days of relatively short trains and cabooses, the crew riding the caboose could observe the train and detect any issues with stuck brakes, hot bearings, or dragging equipment. The primary purpose of a caboose, though, was to carry an air pressure gauge so the pressure at the end of the train could be monitored. Nowadays, the Flashing Rear End Device monitors the air pressure and detects any sudden drop in pressure and radios that information to the lead locomotive. The defect detectors monitor for hot bearings, hot wheels (a sign of brakes being applied), dragging equipment, etc. The FRED and the DDs eliminated the need for cabooses...and the extra crew members.

On a short line, the train lengths are usually shorter and the movements are usually shorter. The conductor and brakemen, if any, can more easily visually inspect the train for problems. Therefore, the railroad does not need to spend money on installing and maintaining defect detectors.