I have a question about the S.A.L. siding at Turkey Creek just North of Brandon, Florida. Was this a signalled siding, meaning was there signals at both ends that made this a passing siding?

According to the 1957 Tampa Sub-Division ETT the only signalled sidings between Tampa and Wildwood were Bushnell, Lacoochee, and Plant City. However, I remember a Lines South article about SAL signals and there was a picture showing a dual head signal at the Turkey Creek siding.

Thanks in advance for your help!

-- Carey Stevens (ca.stevens@att.net), May 02, 2003

Answers

The operative word is "signalled". Bushnell, Lacoochee, and Plant City each had a siding capacity of 141 cars plus. "Signalled" indicates that the siding was bonded -- a broken rail, train in siding, or switch not properly lined in the siding would result in a "stop" displayed at the signal to enter. Note the capacity of the sidings at Bushnell, Lacoochee and Plant City. It's quite probable that SAL had better than a No. 15 turnout to enter. Once lined and signalled into the siding, a train could enter at 25-35 MPH, go to the other end and "squat", clearing the main track for opposing movements that much quicker.

Appartently Turkey Creek was NOT bonded. Since this is Joe Oates' territory, maybe he can add details. Being non-bonded, the siding at Turkey Creek could have a train in the siding, switch not properly lined, etc. and the train will still get at "restricting" to enter. Since Turkey Creek had a capacity of only 78 cars, it's quite possible that a "restricting" signal (red target on top, yellow target on bottom) was sufficient to serve the purpose. Remember, a "restricting" means 15 MPH is tops and look out for switch not properly lined, train (or car) in siding, broken rail, etc. It's up to the train and engine crew to follow the restricted speed rule to the letter.

EXAMPLE: At Balch, California (on the UP), a track gang stored camp cars in a spur from the non-bonded siding, but forgot to line the turnout back to the siding. The dispatcher coded a "City" train into the siding for a meet. It passed the restricted signal, entered the spur and collided with the camp cars. Now who did the blame fall on in that collision ?

-- Harry Bundy (Y6B@aol.com), May 03, 2003.