> An old Westinghouse comp u tat’er in oakland powered by hamsters cuz the copper got stolen.
> Gives every train authority to occupy the main

I presume you jest. But in case you aren't:

The "old wastinghouse computator", which was actually a relabeled Xerox machine, was replaced by much more capable main frame machines decades ago. But they never had anything to do with granting "authorities", and still don't. They are merely a communication device, between human "Train Controllers" (Dispatchers) and the vital safety hardware which resides on the wayside or in the nearest station building or hut.

This wayside equipment includes absolute signals, interlocked switches, coded track circuits of various manufacture, "vital" microprocessor based railroad logic controllers, and other typical railroad appliances. Much of this hardware is standard off the shelve stuff you might find on any railroad. But it is in any event, all functionally the same as on any other railroad.

The coded track circuits are not only arranged as a cab signaled bi-directional automatic block system, but also rigidly enforce all aspects received from the rails or wayside signals, right down to the final stopping point. The trains merely obey the codes received from the track. That's what is required to become fully automatic. It in fact, already outdoes any hoped for functionality of PTS as far as safety goes.

The trains do appear to have markers to the rear; although they have no meaning in the rulebook. Instead the completeness of the train is monitored electronically, irretrievably halting it should an uncoupling occur. Authorities to occupy or advance on the main, or any other controlled track, are indeed passed by wayside signal indication, cab indication, and even by radioed train orders, some requiring written forms; just as on any other CTC controlled two main track railroad.


My point is that if it uses steel wheels on steel rails - it is probably a railroad. But regardless of whatever anyone wants to call the rose, it still smells as sweet. And most importantly, is governed by the same laws of physics as any other - demanding similar methods of operation and behaviors, no matter the details of a particular railway.