Wondering about block lengths in the Portland area

[markhb]

I'm curious about where, roughly, the block boundaries are in the Portland area on the FML. For example, a freight train leaves Rigby heading TT East for Somewhere Far Away (assume sticking to the FML at least as far as Danville). What point does it have to clear before the next train heading TT East can leave the yard? If anyone can say what those boundaries are, at least in the area of the city, I'd appreciate your sating my curiosity.

[Rockingham Racer]

From the Oxford Junction Press Timetable [ and it may be outdated]:

Eastward from Rigby, with the east limits of Rigby located at MP 198.44

CP 198 at MP 197.10, so a following train out of Rigby would get an approach aspect once the first train clears the east limits of CP198 at MP 197.05
CP 197 at MP 196.89
CP 196 at MP 196.72 [Mountain Division / PTC]
CP 195 at MP 196.29
Automatic @ 194.50

Assuming this is still current information, a train following another eastward from Rigby would get a proceed indication fairly quickly, since the blocks are quite short.

[markhb]

Ok, thanks! You're right, they really are close.

[MBTA F40PH-2C 1050]

short blocks are awful when you are dealing with freight trains. Look at the mileage you just posted, there are 3 CP's in under a mile and most freight trains are close to a mile these days. Granted I don't know what kind of traffic is coming/going in Rigby, but I'm sure the trains are a decent size and that clear signal will take a little while to come in, especially if trains are following each other out of the yard. This is just like Framingham on the Boston and Albany, CP 21 and CP 22 are only seprated with Framingham station platform...one of our 8 car sets can just fit in the station and when a freight is coming off of the Framingham Secondary going into Nevins yard, it ties up both interlockings for a good 8 to 9 minutes depending on its length which can be close to a mile

[newpylong]

Shoter blocks can be beneficial. I rather be running on an approach than sitting at a red or even worse at restricted speed on a 241.

[MBTA F40PH-2C 1050]

Shoter blocks can be beneficial. I rather be running on an approach than sitting at a red or even worse at restricted speed on a 241.

very true, I agree, I'll take an approach vs. sitting any day....Cab Signals are the way to go!!

[newpylong]

Although I bet some of the crews on PAR would argue otherwise since there are no mileage incentives lol.