rrman posted:Driving around passed a stacker on main line stopped short of what I "assumed" was a red signal. Several hours later it was still there. Had headlights on dim so I assume not parked and was crewed.
Wondered do trains have to report to DS that they are stopped at control point xyz, or wait X time period before calling in?
Sort of yes. Before I retired, we had this happen on the UP quite often. One time, after toning up the DS, he was kind enough to inform us that "Computer signal maintenance was going on, and you'll be there awhile.". sure enough, after more than an hour, the signal went green.
Assume DS would know train not moving so could advise crew reason (trains ahead, or broken signal proceed slowly to next signal, or whatever is RR practice.)
Yes, the DS knows when a train is stopped at a "Control Point", and sometimes MIGHT inform the crew what is going on. Other times, all you will get from the DS is a curt, "Trains ahead!", when he/she is REALLY busy.
