Dear readers,

Traveled to Bangkok today by train. I waited a long time for the train, so I noticed that when a train comes, the driver grabs a ring with his hand that is attached to a scaffold. Also when the train drives away, another ring is thrown around that scaffolding.

Now my question is what is this for? And how does this system work?

Regards,

Marcel

6 responses to “Reader question: Why does the driver of a train in Thailand take a large ring?”

  1. PCBbrewer says up

    This system is also used in India. It indicates that the route is safe. Take single track.

  2. Do says up

    The train may only depart if the driver has the ring. At the end of the journey, he returns the ring. Mainly intended for single-track routes. This system ensures that there is always only 1 train on the route because there is only 1 ring.

  3. Rob V says up

    This way you can see whether the (single) track between 2 stations is free.
    See also a previous reader question:
    https://www.thailandblog.nl/lezersvraag/thaise-treinstations/

    And for example this site about rail history:
    “These photos show how a staff (or other train message) could be indicated to the staff of a moving train. If the trains didn't go too fast, it could be done by hand: in the left photo, the stoker puts his arm through a ring held up by a man on the platform. It could also be done mechanically, using a grab that was mounted on the tender. ”
    Source: http://www.nicospilt.com/index_veilig-enkelspoor.htm

    Basically, the ring (or stick) acts as a token. The train may not continue until it has passed the ring for that section of track (the stretch between 2 stations on a single track). Because there is only 1 ring between 2 stops, there can never be more than 1 train on the track section. You can find more about this in English:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Token_(railway_signalling)

  4. RonnyLatphrao says up

    Whoever has the ring can use the track.
    A simple and safe system. Is or was used in several countries.

  5. English says up

    As explained - it is originally English and therefore mainly used in English-speaking countries - or where they built the track. Very old fashioned now. There are also smart variants where, for example, first 2 trains go in 1 direction and only then back-crack your brain and think about how to do that!

  6. hennie says up

    In the Netherlands we have also used this system, but with a key with a token,
    and is indeed for a single track section of track
    this system was discontinued when the track sections were secured with nx protection
    we do have a key box on some track sections that you have to use, if the signal does not come safely then you know that a train is coming your way from the other direction


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