What does a Trackside Warning Detector indicate?

A Trackside Warning Detector is a critical component of railway safety systems. It is designed to monitor specific conditions of the train's mechanical components while the train is in motion. In particular, it can detect issues such as overheated journals, which are crucial for the safe operation of the train. If these journals become too hot, it can lead to severe mechanical failure and potentially dangerous situations for both the train and the track infrastructure.

The functionality of a Trackside Warning Detector primarily focuses on monitoring physical conditions of rolling stock as it passes by, giving valuable real-time data on the health and safety of the train's components. This emphasis on mechanical condition is integral to preventing accidents and ensuring that the train can operate safely and effectively.

Other options refer to aspects of train operations and management that are outside the scope of what a Trackside Warning Detector monitors. For example, it does not provide authorizations for train movements or schedule changes, nor does it specifically report on safety breaches within a yard. Instead, those matters are typically handled through other systems and protocols focused more broadly on operational logistics rather than the immediate mechanical state of train elements.