When models get a little older they can often suffer from their decals starting to crack or flake. This can be very...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
How do you stop old decals flaking off models?Read more -
How do I model realistic burnt wood?Read moreTo achieve convincingly scorched, blackened textures on fire-damaged structures, the techniques involved can seem...
-
How to make a waterfall?Read moreOnce you have made your river leading to the edge of your cliff, you will need to measure the distance from the top...
-
What is meant by the term 'Pre-shading' and where would I typically use it?Read morePre-shading is a technique used in scale modelling to create the illusion of depth and shadow on a model before...
-
How do I check for faults on model railways?Read moreHere are some tips for checking for faults on model railways:Visually inspect the tracks. Look for any debris,...
What is AWS in railways?
AWS stands for Automatic Warning system. It's a device fitted to British trains since the 1950s to warn drivers that they're approaching a signal. Originally AWS alerted drivers only to distance signals set to caution but was later developed to include all signal aspects.
Earlier systems in Europe and on the GWR here in England had proved unsuccessful because they relied on physical contact between the locomotive and ground apparatus to trigger the warning making them unsuitable for higher speeds.
AWS is more successful because it uses a magnet placed on the track to trigger a receiver attached to the locomotive meaning no physical contact is required.
When a train passes over a magnet, the driver receives an audible warning in the form of a bell (for clear signals) or a horn (for danger or caution signals). The driver will also get a visual warning on a round-shaped in-cab display unit known as the sunflower because of its yellow and black appearance when showing caution. The driver has just a few seconds to press a button acknowledging the warning before the train's brakes are automatically applied.
AWS was a huge step forwards for railway safety, however, because it could be overridden by the driver it was not failsafe. Because of this AWS has been replaced by ATP (Automatic Train Protection) that will take control of the train should a signal be passed at danger.
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
AWS Ramp - pack of 4
Price: £ 4.25AWS Ramp - pack of 4 Detailed moulding of the ramp/protective cover for the...
Related posts
-
Do I need a respirator?If you are using an aerosol spray paint you should always use one. Always read the manufacturer’s... - How to remove super glue (cyanoacrylate)?Cyanoacrylate is best known as super glue. The best way to remove it is with acetone or an acetone-based product...
- What is the best wood for baseboards?The most common wood for baseboards is probably chipboard as this is relatively inexpensive. Plywood is another...
- How do I stick parts together for a test fit?There are several trains of thought on the best way to secure parts together temporarily. Some suggest using a small...
- How to clean model railways track?There is of course the old tried and tested method, the track rubber which does the job, no railway modeller should...