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AB working on Cen Scotland

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AB working on Cen Scotland 06/02/2011 at 01:41 #2345
AndyG
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1835 posts
A simplified way of simulating block working could be as follows, using collars to indicate block instrument status and TDs as block bells:
The accepting Signal Box collars their protecting home signal as follows:
i) general reminder (blue) indicates line blocked (ie default status);
ii) the above is removed after a "Is line clear (ILC)?" from the box in rear, AND the relevant acceptance conditions are satisfied (ie line clear to CP and points set as required);
iii) a traction isolation reminder (magenta) is placed on the protecting home signal when the train is on line (TOL).

Offering a train is done by the box in rear interposing the TD into the (blue collared) home signal berth, either as the TD, or as "? 1A" (Is line clear for train 1Axx?). If you can accept the train, the TD is replaced with "OK1A" or the TD, and the blue collar removed, allowing the SB in rear to set the route to the home signal.

Once the train enters the section, the collar is replaced as a magenta traction isolation, to indicate ToL (train on line), until the train clears the section, whereupon the reminder is reverted to the blue/line blocked status until the next train is able to be offered.

A variation might be to send bells codes by interposing into the home signal berth, eg "?1-3".

I can only help one person a day. Today's not your day. Tomorrow doesn't look too good either.
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AB working on Cen Scotland 06/02/2011 at 01:41 #13434
AndyG
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1835 posts
A simplified way of simulating block working could be as follows, using collars to indicate block instrument status and TDs as block bells:
The accepting Signal Box collars their protecting home signal as follows:
i) general reminder (blue) indicates line blocked (ie default status);
ii) the above is removed after a "Is line clear (ILC)?" from the box in rear, AND the relevant acceptance conditions are satisfied (ie line clear to CP and points set as required);
iii) a traction isolation reminder (magenta) is placed on the protecting home signal when the train is on line (TOL).

Offering a train is done by the box in rear interposing the TD into the (blue collared) home signal berth, either as the TD, or as "? 1A" (Is line clear for train 1Axx?). If you can accept the train, the TD is replaced with "OK1A" or the TD, and the blue collar removed, allowing the SB in rear to set the route to the home signal.

Once the train enters the section, the collar is replaced as a magenta traction isolation, to indicate ToL (train on line), until the train clears the section, whereupon the reminder is reverted to the blue/line blocked status until the next train is able to be offered.

A variation might be to send bells codes by interposing into the home signal berth, eg "?1-3".

I can only help one person a day. Today's not your day. Tomorrow doesn't look too good either.
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AB working on Cen Scotland 06/02/2011 at 02:13 #13435
UKTrainMan
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1803 posts
Very useful guide, however some explanation would be appreciate as to what signal is what. Perhaps someone could take a look at the Absolute Blocks areas on Central Scotland and go through the signals on there listing if they're the Home Signal, Distance, etc, etc.

AndyG said:
A variation might be to send bells codes by interposing into the home signal berth, eg "?1-3".
Also a good idea. "?1-3" for Is Line Clear, then "!1-3" / "1-3!" to confirm Line Clear.

Anyway, thanks to posting up this guide.

Any views and / or opinions expressed by myself are from me personally and do not represent those of any company I either work for or am a consultant for.
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AB working on Cen Scotland 06/02/2011 at 10:21 #13437
KymriskaDraken
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963 posts
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I'm not sure of the bell code variation. Mainly because some bell codes are too long to fit in the TD berth, ILC for a Freightliner (3-2-5) being one of them. The first two digits of the headcode give the necessary information - class of train and where it is going. If we used bell codes we'd need to think about the additional ILC codes for various branches and it then gets very complex.

AS UKTM says, we need to sort out which signals are the home signals for each box. And where SimSig thinks the clearing points are. The clearing points are a bit "trial and error" at the moment!

Kev

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AB working on Cen Scotland 06/02/2011 at 12:25 #13438
NCC1701
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129 posts
KymriskaDraken said:
I'm not sure of the bell code variation. Mainly because some bell codes are too long to fit in the TD berth, ILC for a Freightliner (3-2-5) being one of them.
If the bell codes are used, the dash is unnecessary, surely. Class 4 freightliner: ?325. That said you then will have some not knowing all the codes and having to frantically look some up. The first half of the TD is preferable IMHO.

Signalman Exeter West & Llangollen
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AB working on Cen Scotland 06/02/2011 at 15:04 #13440
Zoe
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251 posts
Is 3-2-5 still used? It's not in the signalling regulations.
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AB working on Cen Scotland 06/02/2011 at 15:34 #13441
postal
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NCC1701 said:
If the bell codes are used, the dash is unnecessary, surely. Class 4 freightliner: ?325. That said you then will have some not knowing all the codes and having to frantically look some up. The first half of the TD is preferable IMHO.
If you're after any sort of pretence of realism, it's got to be the bell-codes, surely.

JG

“In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe
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AB working on Cen Scotland 06/02/2011 at 15:51 #13442
NCC1701
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postal said:
If you're after any sort of pretence of realism, it's got to be the bell-codes, surely.
Perhaps. A decision for the host, I think.

They say a picture paints a thousand words: here was my area, the two Larbert boxes, earlier on Kev's host with some annotation.

Signalman Exeter West & Llangollen
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AB working on Cen Scotland 07/02/2011 at 23:03 #13467
BoxBoyKit
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166 posts
I can testify this system works well.

As for the use of the bell codes, there aren't that many that would be used, just the "Is line clear..." ones, and they can easily be found on the internet and written on a scrap of paper for anyone who doesn't know them. If any of the "more interesting" ones ever need to be used, I'm sure they can either be used or an arrangement can be made between the two bobbies concerned.

Finally, I've written a list and posted it in another topic which I think accurately lists all the Home Signals and Clearing Points for all the AB boxes.

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AB working on Cen Scotland 08/02/2011 at 12:56 #13474
BoxBoyKit
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166 posts
Because I have too much spare time...

Here is a list of "Is Line Clear.." Bell Codes from the current NR Rule Book, Module TS1:

4 = Is Line Clear for Class 1 Train?
3-1 = Is Line Clear for Class 2 Train?
1-3-1 = Is Line Clear for Class 3 Train?
3-1-1 = Is Line Clear for Class 4 Train?
2-2-1 = Is Line Clear for Class 5 Train?
5 = Is Line Clear for Class 6 Train?
4-1 = Is Line Clear for Class 7 Train?
3-2 = Is Line Clear for Class 8 Train?
2-3 = Is Line Clear for Class 0 Train?
3-5 = Cancelling Previous Train Offered

The only other bell codes I think are relevant to C-Scot are the following Emergency ones, which would have to be sent via the message box.
6 = Obstruction Danger
2-1-2 = Obstruction Removed
2-5-5 = Train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the wrong direction
4-5-5 = Train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the right direction
8-2 = Distant Signal Defective
2-8 = Home Signal Defective

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