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Parcels Dock Slot, 1980s era

You are here: Home > Forum > Simulations > Released > Euston PSB > Parcels Dock Slot, 1980s era

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Parcels Dock Slot, 1980s era 30/08/2012 at 08:40 #35293
postal
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5190 posts
I'm currently testing a Euston 1980 TT for the TT writer and have a question about the operation during that era. This was before the days of DVTs so nearly all main line trains arrived with an electric loco at the front. The stock would either be turned round in the platform for the next working or removed as ECS. This requires another loco to come out of the Parcels Dock, then after the coaching stock is away, the original loco goes off to the Parcels Dock to await its next turn.

During the busy times this requires continual movement of light engines in and out of the PD and the TT becomes very difficult (in fact nearly unplayable) due to the operation of the Parcels Dock slot. Movement into the PD require the slot to be requested and granted, while movements out just appear. At the busy times, if you get anything the slightest bit out of kilter you end up with the Backing Out Roads full of light engines waiting to get into the PD, the platforms full of either stock for the Down Carriage Shed or light engines for the PD and which can't be moved due to the signallers inability to clear the Backing Out Roads, and trains backed up to Camden on both Fast and Slow Lines. This is because movements out of the PD automatically take precedence over the slot request; once you have something TT'd to enter before you have managed to signal the previous movement out of the PD, the slot for inward movement will not be granted until the second movement out has taken place. This can mean 4 or 5 movements out of the PD taking place before an inward slot is granted, causing the congestion.

In reality, did this situation hold in that the signaller needed to request permission from the Parcels Dock to send a movement in, but the Parcels Dock would put a movement out to the exit signal, blocking any inward movements before advising the signaller of the movement or was there some sort of communication process whereby the PD and the signaller agreed which movement would take place next? I imagine this would be replicated in SimSig by a phone call from the PD with options for the signaller to allow entry now or ask the PD to ring back in something like 2 or 5 minutes.

“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
Last edited: 30/08/2012 at 09:46 by postal
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Parcels Dock Slot, 1980s era 30/08/2012 at 09:35 #35295
kbarber
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1712 posts
I'll ask someone who might know & come back to you.
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Parcels Dock Slot, 1980s era 31/08/2012 at 17:49 #35316
postal
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Keith (kbarber) has been in touch with jc92 and myself and we have the answer to the question (although it is not necessarily the answer we were seeking). The light engines were not as a rule put into the Parcels Dock so there wasn't the continual movement in and out. Means a major re-write of the TT just when Joe thought it was near to release standard. Still I suppose it will be ready when it's ready/
“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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Parcels Dock Slot, 1980s era 01/09/2012 at 11:34 #35328
BarryM
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2158 posts
According to Siam's Euston Traffic Control 1987, Euston's 1980s layout was the same as the 90s layout except that there were no platforms 16 to 18. There were 3 full length sidings used for holding engines and the Parcels Dock.
Barry

Barry, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Last edited: 01/09/2012 at 11:35 by BarryM
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Parcels Dock Slot, 1980s era 20/10/2012 at 23:42 #36735
Danny252
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1461 posts
To actually answer the original question, please peruse the following piece of art:

http://www.norgrove.me.uk/signalling/plans/Euston-a.gif

Euston Signal 32 is slotted by Parcels Dock 21, and Euston Signal 28 is slotted with PD 22. Also, Euston Points 325 (UEL1 to PD) are released by PD 12.

There is also a post confirming the PD panel had this in 72-74: http://www.signalbox.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=11891&sid=411dc41a590209bd56ef85c172f7bb53#p11891

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The following users said thank you: postal, BarryM