What is this please? I see them on East Coast Way a lot. I assumed an old version of AWS, but would like an answer from someone who knows about these things in the real world, as google was not helping me! Thanks
Tom asked a reasonable question, but the users in the forum have to make fun of it. Do you think your behaviour is acceptable?
It’s an impedance bond. They are used on electrified track to keep signalling track circuits isolated while allowing a continuous return for the traction current. (I didn’t know that until I did some serious Googling)
It's not an AWS magnet. That consists of a permanent magnet sandwiched between 1 or 2 electromagnets ( Yellow or green coloured 'ramps' - depending on the track being single or bidirectional running ) Great find !
There was a predecessor to AWS used on the GWR called ATC. The ramps relied on a physical connection with the train, unlike AWS which uses magnets. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_train_control#United_Kingdom