YNM wrote:But I spotted
a TVM block marker.
So this is the equivalent of running Eurostar e300 trains out from the HS1 and onto Midland Main line... but I thought before HS1 existed Eurostar runs on the good old AWS ? Is it just the marker, but the system is entirely different ?
I love 0:31 into that video on the DMI screen.
"ATP Down. ETCS Failure". Not the best things to have on a video advertising the testing of the route
Pre-HS1, the Eurostar fleet would have run on the traditional AWS/TPWS fitted lines town to the Channel Tunnel lines. I
think from there it was then onto the TVM system. But don't quote me on that as it's outside my area of knowledge.
The markerboard you seen is a block marker for ERTMS/ETCS. Pretty much the same use as the TVM marker, but the ERTMS/ETCS system is the newer modern control system.
Switching from the old to the new is easy enough. The TL core is fitted with it and all that will happen (eventually) is the ETCS system on-board the class 700 trains will activate approaching the core and then the control screen will switch over from the old AWS/TPWS system to ETCS mode (and eventually along with ATO at the same time). The changeover, theoretically, happens in one go. No need to stop or anything, it just triggers and engages.
The TL core is interesting as it has both the ERTMS block markers and signals together. So both systems can be run on the same bit of track in a sense. Where as for the Crossrail line, it'll be going from one system onto another one, rather than running 'along side' the existing one.
To avoid confusion. ERTMS and ETCS relates to the same thing. In a nut shell... ERTMS is the 'signalling side' which controls the movements and where trains are going/what speed they need to do. ETCS is the system on-board the trains recieving and transmitting data to/from the ERTMS system and helping to control the train or relay that to the driver. it's a bit more complex, but that's a very basic way of putting it!
One is everything off the train, the other is everything on the train
Tricky to explain, easier to see
I imagine it is trickier for Crossrail as all systems need to function as planned, switch over when required, and not conflict with one another. ATP, TPWS, AWS, ETCS, and ATO. Lots of safety and control systems, but also a lot more to go wrong