How are underground coal mine rail systems signaled?

I've heard of phones being used, but have they ever used automatic block signals?

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A majority of it goes through the dispatcher that is located above ground. The larger mines do run block signals but keep in mind the same rules do not apply like a railroad. You can have 10-20 mantrips going the same direction in the same block all at once. The cap light that the miners wear are a signal in itself. Since it is completely dark down there and you are stopped but another piece of equipment is approaching. You take your cap light and move it left to right multiple times (just as one example) to allow them that you are there & stopped. For Shoemaker the block signals work off the trolley wire but the dispatcher & radio communication is the most critical.

Hope that helps a little.

Pete, Ohio Vintage Coal Co.

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Pioneering the next INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (Preservation ! ). . . Saving equipment (1) mine site at a time.

thanks, for the info, do you know what kind of block signals, are used at shoemaker, Uinion switch and signal

Also do you have photos?

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SAVE COAL SAVE TRAINS