Table of Contents
SimSig Victoria Central Panel 3This could be considered the "perpendicular panel" because most of the route it controls runs across the Brighton main lines. Therefore, while it might not have the thrill of higher speed trains, it is more than made up for in the variety of routing which will keep you on your toes.
With three sets of double tracks coming in from the left and two sets from the right, there are a fair number of crossing moves here. A branch from Herne Hill comes in from the right, with the Portsmouth line coming in just underneath, from Peckham Rye and London Bridge, and goes out to the left, towards Streatham, underneath the triangle formed by the remaining two branches, one to Crystal Palace; the other to Streatham Hill.
From Herne Hill to Tulse Hill there is a steep hill. While most EMUs will handle it without too much problem, heavier freight trains or other loco hauled trains risk stalling on the steep gradient if they are not guaranteed a clear run at the hill. To achieve this, Victoria South Eastern have the ability to ask for you to set a route at least into, and preferably out the other end of, Tulse Hill. A flashing roundel labelled "Through acceptance" is provided and the train description of the approaching train will appear alongside. When you have set the route through, left click on the advance request roundel to acknowledge it. Victoria South Eastern will then set the route towards Tulse Hill, whereupon the train will shortly start the ascent. This could take a few minutes so ensure that it will not delay other trains.
The 1990 and 2000 era simulations each have four platforms at Crystal Palace. The 2010 and 2014 era simulations each have six platforms for the East London Line extension, with some platforms renumbered. Ensure the correct timetable is chosen for the era selected.
Signal VC728 in Crystal Palace Tunnel has restrictions placed upon it to avoid it confusing a driver between a single and a double yellow aspect. The tunnel curves at this point and reflections off the tunnel wall can give the appearance of a false aspect until the train is very close.
Similarly, signal VC727 will not show a proceed aspect until a route is set from the next signal, VC729.
This branch, from VS283 leading onto the branch and VC746 off the branch, is controlled by Victoria South Eastern. However, some indications are provided to Victoria Central.
The route from VC745 to T15 requires co-operation from Three Bridges (Croydon SimSig simulation) in order to complete the route. Victoria Central may set the route without restriction but the signal will not show a proceed aspect until a train is approaching and Three Bridges have set their part of the route, This is because of a gated crossing on their end of the route. No action is required on your part: they will see you setting your part of the route and will set theirs when suitable. The green circle shows a solid white roundel as well as route lights showing when the route is completed.
Both Victoria and Three Bridges can leave their part of the route in auto, and either route part can be set without the other route part being set.
This forms the "upper level" of the Streatham Junctions complex. As with panel 2B, care should be taken with the numerous locations with Streatham in their name to avoid routing trains wrongly.
Note the long route from VC171 at Streatham to VC789 at Streatham South Junction!
In the 1990 era this exists as a level crossing only; in later eras a station was built called Mitcham Eastfields.
The level crossing is a full barrier CCTV crossing. Barriers must be lowered in advance of a train approaching, and the crossing clear button operated when it starts flashing. The auto control can be used to automatically raise the barriers after passage of a train. A large white roundel will start flashing when it is appropriate to start lowering the barriers: this is equivalent to the CCTV screen turning itself on in real life.
Both tracks overflying the fast and slow Brighton lines have track circuit override controls to allow trains to run around on these tracks. When the route has been set to the occupied section (for the loco to rejoin the train), the appropriate shunt signals (VC176 or VC171) will be held at red until the appropriate track circuit override has been operated. This is achieved by right clicking the red circle adjacent to the letter T. The red circle will turn to a steady white roundel and the shunt signal will show a proceed aspect.
This signal can be replaced to danger by panel 3 by operating the replacement switch to the left of the signal head (next to the tunnel). Panel 2B can operate their replacement to the right of the signal.
| Identity | Description |
|---|---|
| TLSHLL | Tulse Hill |
| WNRWDJ | West Norwood Junction |
| LGHMJ | Leigham Junction |
| STRTHM | Streatham |
| STRSJ | Streatham South Junction |
| CRYSTP | Crystal Palace |
| BRMLJYN | Bromley Junction |
Panel 3 fringes with panel 4 at the south-west (left) end in two places, with panel 2B in three places in the Streatham area, and again with panel 2B at Streatham Hill.
There are also chained connections:
Trains coming up from Herne Hill are discussed above. This is panel 3's connection to the Victoria South Eastern panel.
The handover to London Bridge is through automatic signals so no special operation is required for this connection in either direction.
Panel 3 connects to London Bridge at Sydenham. No special operation is required for this connection in either direction. However, due to the short connection distance, there is not much warning of approaching trains to Victoria or to London Bridge so act swiftly once notice has been received of an approaching train.
This connection to Victoria South Eastern does not require any special operation to handle trains inbound or outbound. Note that the single line section is controlled entirely by South Eastern; however, you do see indications for approaching trains.
Three Bridges (Croydon) connects here. Up trains from Norwood Junction do not require any special operation; however, down trains are discussed above.
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Last edited by Jan on 31/05/2018 at 14:18