Train Cab Ride NL / Creative Shunting / Watergraafsmeer - Bijlmer Arena - Amsterdam / July 2023

Bonus video! Hi all! I know! It's been only a week since the last upload. Today I have a bonus video for you. Sit back and get on board an empty Sprinter Light Train (SLT) headed for Amsterdam Centraal. Due to construction works we must take a creative route towards the station. Let's see how we'll get there!

0:00 Watergraafsmeer
As said we start the ride at the Watergraafsmeer in Amsterdam. This is a huge shunting yard between Amsterdam Muiderpoort and Diemen. All kinds of trains are shunted to this location during the day. Domestic trains and international trains as well.

Now! Welcome on board the train. Before we may depart we get permission from the train dispatcher to do so. This is done by phone because we must pass through a section without signals. Also the switches ahead are not operated by the train dispatcher. They are set by the drivers or by shunters on loacation.

2:03 Departure Watergraafsmeer
On departure we encounter a S(top) Sign. Even though we already have permission to pass the sign we must of course make a stop first. It's still a stop sign. Also in place for the safety at the cross over in this case. After the stop sign the maximum allowed speed is 10km/h until the end of the train yard. As long as we're on the yard we must check all the switches directions before passing them. And if one is not set correct we should do that ourselves.

9:19 Higher Speed Allowed
At the end of the Watergraafsmeer we encounter our first light signal on the route. Behind this light signal all switches are operated by the train dispatcher again. As soon as our whole train has passed the signal we are allowed to gain speed.

11:34 80km/h Marker
You see that sign with the number 8 on it? From this point on 80km/h is allowed on this track. But our last light signal showed a yellow light. The next one could be red. Therefor we remember this speed sign for later. As soon as we have a green light in sight again (and the whole train has passed the 8-sign) we are directly allowed to gain more speed.

12:41 Green Light Ahead!
Time to speed up the train. We were scheduled to make a long stop before the red light. But the train dispatcher already gives us permission to continue our ride. Well let's do that!

13:40 Diemen Zuid
On the left side you can see the Amsterdam Metro line joining in. We pass Diemen Zuid on the left as well because we will be approaching Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena from the left too.

15:08 Left Side Approuch
On the right the tracks toward Duivendrecht (low) and the right hand track toward Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena. We are driving on the left hand track.

16:30 Red Light Wait
Waiting for a free space at Bijlmer Arena. Another train is shunting via this route. We must wait until that train has left. I forwarded some time because it took quit a while. :)

17:31 Arriving at Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena
Permission to enter the station is granted. Enjoy the view on the Amsterdam ArenA. After arrival it's time to change cabin. Amsterdam Central Station is located in the other direction.

19:58 Departure Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena
On departure we must take it slow for a while. There are no speed signs located at the end of the platform. And as long as we don't know the tracks speed we must continue driving on 40km/h. Just after the split up in the Diemen Zuid direction (where we came from) the 140km/h speed sign is located.

22:03 Duivendrecht
After passing the speed sign we speed up to 70km/h. Our scheduled speed is 40km/h by the way so we will be running early again. As soon as we've reached the 70km/h we'll let the train coast. Let's see if we will reach Amsterdam Central Station without motor power.

24:32 Amsterdam Amstel
This is one of the five Intercity Station in Amsterdam. The rest of the Amsterdam Stations are only meant for Sprinter services.

26:40 Amsterdam Muiderpoort
On the right side (not mentioned in the video) the tracks from the Weesp / Watergraafsmeer direction joining in.

28:39 Dijksgracht Progress
Still many years before this will be finished.

29:37 Construction Works
On the right side on the the reasons for this creative route towards Amsterdam Centraal.

31:17 Another Red Light Wait
We're a bit early and must wait for an oncoming train. After that we'll arrive at our final stop.

32:07 Amsterdam Centraal
Arrival at Amsterdam Centraal. On the right the construction works going on! :) I hope you enjoyed this bonus video. Spread the word to your friends. The more the merrier! Thank you all so much for watching! Cheers! :D

The Meaning of Signals
https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0017707

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