I'm getting ready to start a project for a guy who works for Union Switch and Signal. He tells me that all line-side signals will eventually be phased out in favor of GPS-based traffic control, and automated speed control on-board. The engineer will basically become a baby sitter for a bunch of electronic gizmos.
In the meantime, look for more of those bonnets to go up on lines that never had signaling before. I guess the idea is to set up the system, verify that it all works, then send everything up to the satellite.
On the one hand, it's a shame to see the old landmarks fall, but on the other hand, it's amazing to see how a 19th century technology has adapted and endured over the years. I dare say that railroad stock is probably still a pretty safe investment, and will be for generations to come.
Lee
