About a half mile away from the tracks at Crossover 49.2 there stands a "distant" signal (note the "D" plate). The lead to the South Black Thunder Mine is unsignaled, which is exactly why this distant signal exists. Distant signals are used to inform train crews in unsignaled territory that they are approaching a signal. While the signal does not give in occupancy information (it will remain yellow after the train passes), the yellow signals tells the crew they have a red at the entrance to the Main. If the crew had a more favorable signal at the main, the distant signal would have been more favorable as well. Distant signals do not typically display a red as they do not grant authority for a movement. They are for information purposes only.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster.