Dividing train

A dividing train is a train that separates into two trains partway along its route, so as to serve two destinations.

Operation

On the initial leg of its journey, the train is driven as normal by a single crew. At a designated station before a junction, the train stops and some of the cars are detached, with passengers or goods still on board. The front part of the train then departs to run the remainder of its route. A second train is then formed from the detached cars, the points are changed at the junction, and a new crew drives the train on a different route to a second destination. Where the train is formed of multiple units – self-contained trainsets with their own propulsion and driving cabs – two or more units work in multiple on the first leg. After detachment, the second crew drives in the trailing unit's front cab.

On the return journey, the two trains may join at the same station where they divided. Special signalling is required at the station, both to recognise the division of the outbound train as intentional, and to allow the two inbound trains to enter the same block. The British rail network uses a draw ahead signal for the latter.[1]

Examples

Australia

Germany

United Kingdom

United States of America

Reception

Dividing trains are sometimes seen as a pitfall for the unwary traveller.[5]

See also

References

  1. Richard Stokes (executive producer); David Dore (writer, narrator) (1989). British Rail signalling: part 1 (video). British Railways Board. Event occurs at 20:37. Retrieved 26 August 2013.
  2. "Caledonian Sleeper timetables & tickets" (PDF). First ScotRail. 9 December 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2013.
  3. "London King's Cross (KGX) and Cambridge (CBG) to Ely (ELY) and King's Lynn (KLN): Mondays to Fridays" (PDF). First Capital Connect. 15 April 2013. Retrieved 26 August 2013.
  4. "Mainline train times 3: Kent Mainline via Chatham". Southeastern. 19 May 2013. Retrieved 26 August 2013.
  5. Christian, Maxwell (May 2012). "The Colonel’s Extracts: The Pain of the Dividing Train". Retrieved 26 August 2013.
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