SPAD Signals

Several people have enquired about the SPAD signals so here is the official wording regarding it, taken from the Railtrack Southern Zone (West) Weekly Operating Notice for Week 29SW...

PART C - continued
OTHER RAILTRACK ZONES ITEMS - (WORKING OVER)
DETAILS OF WORK ALREADY CARRIED OUT

READING - A SPAD Indicator associated with signal R.38 (Down Main line, platform 4) has been brought into use.

The indicator is located approximately 50 yards in advance of signal R.38. It is in the form of a three-aspect signal, but with the signal head painted blue and with no aspect normally displayed. Should R.38 in rear be passed without authority, the SPADI will display three red aspects (top and bottom light flashing, centre light steady). The indicator is plated "SPAD R38".

An additional AWS inductor is provided at signal R.38. It is normally suppressed, but gives a "warning" indication in the driving cab when the new SPAD R38 activates.

A plunger will be provided adjacent to the telephone cabinet of signal R.38, to de-activate the equipment for authorised movements past R.38 at danger. This plunger is located in a locked cabinet released by a BR No.1 key.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTICES

RAILTRACK
South West
SECTIONAL APPENDIX
SECTION 4- LOCAL INSTRUCTIONS
(Dated April 1996)

Page 4.43
Add:
READING

Signal R.38 - "Signal Passed at Danger" Indicator. An indicator, in the form of a three-aspect signal and plated "SPAD R.38", is provided approximately 50 yards ahead of R.38. The indicator normally shows no aspect.

Should signal R.38 be passed at danger without authority, or in the event of a fault, the SPAD indicator will show a steady red centre aspect with flashing red top and bottom aspects also an AWS cab warning will sound. On receiving these indications, the driver must stop the train IMMEDIATELY and contact the Signalman.

When authorising Drivers to pass signal R.38 at danger, the Signalman will additionally instruct each driver (or the handsignalman if provided) to operate the plunger located next to the signal post telephone in a locked cabinet at R.38 to de-activate the apparatus. The cabinet is unlocked with a BR No.1 key.

Thank you to Ross Hamilton who provided the information for this page.

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