If the terminology is correct. the pilot (used to called the pilotman) is engaged when there is a system failure. There is only one pilot for each section of track between crossing loops. So the pilotman dispatches the preceeding trains on an order with certain instructions and then travels with the last train to travel in that direction, before taking a train or depatching in the other direction. Drivers are instructed to travel at a reduced speed to stop short of any obstruction including incorrectly set points. A second train cannot be dispatched until the first train has cleared the section. That is how it it supposed to work with a pilotman. 40 years since I taught safeworking to trainee drivers so a lot could have happened in the meantime, I went for a ride in the cab of a P.N. freighter up to Junee a few years ago, 115 clicks with 3000 tonnes behind was scary with the track in a deplorable condition with many speed restrictions. with a train of that size it is not like a wheelbarrow where you drop the handles and it stops.
lindsay
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