Train Length
Since central operation of the points and signals from a single signal box is convenient, and since there are practical limits for the distance to these points and signals, crossing loops can have a system-wide effect on train sizes. In New South Wales, mechanical operation of points and signals limited train lengths in the steam era to about 400 m, which was only eased with the introduction of power operated points and centralized traffic control. Train lengths are now as much as 1800 m.
See Longest trains.
Read more about this topic: Passing Loop
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