Until recently Union Pacific operated one of the most extensive systems of cab signaled main line in North American, if not the most extensive (by route miles). Unfortunately as previously covered, the UP Automatic Cab Signal system was not immediately applicable to informing the required PTC overlay like Norfolk Southern's has proven to be, so the decision was made to take it out of service on at least the eastern portion of the network. However because so many UP locomotives were cab signal equipped and because in most situations the cab signal codes are still active in the rails themselves, UP has taken to covering over the cab signal display unit in the cabs.
I assume the same will be seen on many of the cab signal equipped CSX locomotives now that they have managed to rid themselves of the requirement on the centrally located RF&P Sub. It will be interesting to see how long this setup hangs around before the ACS display is completely removed.
Wow. I'm surprised they couldn't have just simply unplugged the unit or by pulling a circuit breaker. But thanks for the update Jersey Mike.
ReplyDeleteFYI on another note, I just recently purchased a used 2023 Metrolink LA ETT. No mention anymore of ATS so I'm assuming they've deactivated the system with PTC now live.
Is it still active for the SW Chief on the BNSF La Junta sub? That must be or have been the last ATS active on a class 1.
If it's still in place, and is visible, it has to work, or it's considered an FRA-reportable defect and the locomotive has to be repaired. By covering it up, it's no longer visible.
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