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| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 18/10/2012 at 08:34 #36637 | |
Peter Jordan
23 posts |
Many of you will know me as the Chairman of the 'Exeter West Group' and I've come here today to tell you about the launch of a new range of signalling simulations by 'Blockpost Software.' The brainchild of Derby-based signalling enthusiast Howard Bolton, these simulations are intended to be the most realistic simulations it is possible to create of mechanical signal boxes. The first simulation DVD has just been released and is a full simulation of Exeter West using summer 1960 timetables. This challenging simulation features stunning graphics and realistic sounds sampled from the actual signal box. The disc also contains a ten-minute 'taster' version of Barnham (Portsmouth-Brighton line)which will be the next simulation to be released. Other simulations under development include Gloucester Road Junction (1950's mechanical box with Sykes 'Lock & Block')Ford (Sussex) and Hatton South (WR main line Oxford to Birmingham.)A website is also under development and it is envisaged that in the future simulations will be paid for and downloaded by this means. In the meantime copies of the Exeter West/Barnham DVD are available priced at £31.50 (including post and packing) from 'The Exeter West Group,' 67, Teazel Avenue, BIRMINGHAM B30 1LZ. Please make cheques payable to 'Exeter West Group.' A donation of £10 from every DVD sold will go towards the upkeep of Exeter West Box. On receipt of your DVD you will need to go through a simple registration process in order to make your simulation fully functional. Orders for DVD's should be sent to the above address, but further queries about the new range of simulations should be addressed to: howard@blockpostsoftware.co.uk Peter Jordan Log in to reply The following user said thank you: quickthorn |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 18/10/2012 at 09:37 #36638 | |
Peter Bennet
5360 posts |
I'm temporarily hiding this post while I consult with Geoff over whether this advertisement can remain here. Hope to get back to you ASAP. Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 20/10/2012 at 09:58 #36681 | |
wain77
81 posts |
I've used the mini-lever frame that used to be in Gloucester Road; it's being used to signal the Swanley New Barn Railway, a 7.25in gauge miniature ride-on railway in Swanley Park!
Sam Wainwright Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 20/10/2012 at 10:18 #36684 | |
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Peter Jordan
23 posts |
Thanks for your message. The 'Blockpost Software' Gloucester Road simulation won't be for the miniature lever frame but its mechanical predecessor. It promises to be even more challenging than Exeter West! Sincerely Peter Jordan Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 20/10/2012 at 10:46 #36687 | |
Steamer
3922 posts 
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Sounds fantastic! Is there any chance you could post some screenshots from the game? "Don't stress/ relax/ let life roll off your backs./ Except for death and paying taxes/ everything in life.../ is only for now." (Avenue Q) Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 20/10/2012 at 10:55 #36688 | |
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Stephen Fulcher
2025 posts
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Or even a demo version?
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| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 20/10/2012 at 11:11 #36689 | |
jc92
3629 posts |
" said:Or even a demo version?agreed on this. and the screenshots. i remember there was a simulation of exeter west and kidder SVR, both of which werent very user friendly. i'd preferably like to see what im buying before i do. edit: also to add what is the situation regarding user contributed timetables? 1960s is nice, but i tend to think of CL.50s and 45s at exeter under semaphores Joe "We don't stop camborne wednesdays" Last edited: 20/10/2012 at 11:15 by jc92 Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 20/10/2012 at 12:12 #36691 | |
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Peter Jordan
23 posts |
Sorry, but I don't have any screenshots of the simulation myself. But if you send an email to: howard@blockpostsoftware.co.uk requesting more information, he can supply that (including screenshots.) Peter Jordan Log in to reply The following users said thank you: Steamer, Didcot |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 20/10/2012 at 17:00 #36728 | |
bossman
93 posts |
Great news always like the mechanical side of signalling as well as the power box :cheer:
cliff cook Log in to reply The following user said thank you: Didcot |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 20/10/2012 at 17:07 #36730 | |
lazzer
605 posts |
Maybe some nice person could post the screenshots up here when they get them?
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| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 20/10/2012 at 18:23 #36731 | |
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Peter Bennet
5360 posts |
" said:Maybe some nice person could post the screenshots up here when they get them?Beware of copyright. Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 20/10/2012 at 19:57 #36732 | |
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lazzer
605 posts |
" said:" said:Maybe some nice person could post the screenshots up here when they get them?Beware of copyright. Yeah, I thought of that after I posted, but I knew someone would pick it up. :whistle: Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 21/10/2012 at 22:44 #36779 | |
NCC1701
129 posts |
" said:" said:I have a copy of Blockpost's Exeter West and it is quite excellent. Very user friendly, all operations under control of the mouse / trackball. It comes with two timetables: Weekday which features a good mix of freight and passenger and plenty of shunting. You'll be blocking back and shunting into forward section. The Saturday timetable is a complete frenzy of express passengers with the bells ringing nearly non-stop and conflicting moves.Or even a demo version?agreed on this. and the screenshots. i remember there was a simulation of exeter west and kidder SVR, both of which werent very user friendly. i'd preferably like to see what im buying before i do. Cannot recommend this simulation enough. Signalman Exeter West & Llangollen Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 21/10/2012 at 22:49 #36780 | |
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jc92
3629 posts |
" said:" said:bearing in mind the real box had 2-3 signalman and a booking lad on, is it manageable on your tod?" said:I have a copy of Blockpost's Exeter West and it is quite excellent. Very user friendly, all operations under control of the mouse / trackball. It comes with two timetables: Weekday which features a good mix of freight and passenger and plenty of shunting. You'll be blocking back and shunting into forward section. The Saturday timetable is a complete frenzy of express passengers with the bells ringing nearly non-stop and conflicting moves.Or even a demo version?agreed on this. and the screenshots. i remember there was a simulation of exeter west and kidder SVR, both of which werent very user friendly. i'd preferably like to see what im buying before i do. "We don't stop camborne wednesdays" Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 21/10/2012 at 23:12 #36781 | |
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Danny252
1461 posts |
West Box only had 1 signalman and a booking boy, actually. Summer Saturdays saw 2 signalmen and an inspector to regulate the running of trains - and you only have to click on levers, not run up and down the frame - which, as visitors always say, keeps you fit! (Of course, if you really enjoy the simulation, we're always looking for new operators to work the real thing...) Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 21/10/2012 at 23:28 #36782 | |
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jc92
3629 posts |
" said:West Box only had 1 signalman and a booking boy, actually. Summer Saturdays saw 2 signalmen and an inspector to regulate the running of trains. i stand corrected! i had read the 2-3 somewhere but cant remember where. i assume the frame was split with one covering central/st thomas and the other covering exeter middle/goods. " said: I aim to visit and have a crack one day, thats for sure, but crewe is unfortunatley too far away from sheffield for me to provide spare time. 
"We don't stop camborne wednesdays" Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 22/10/2012 at 00:14 #36783 | |
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Danny252
1461 posts |
" said:I assume the frame was split with one covering central/st thomas and the other covering exeter middle/goods.We generally run it as Up Side (1-81) and Down Side (82-131 plus train register) - though the "Up Side" covers all moves from shed or on the Down Goods, the "Down Side" covers Up Central trains. Quote: I aim to visit and have a crack one day, thats for sure, but crewe is unfortunatley too far away from sheffield for me to provide spare time.8.05 Sheffield - Manchester Airport on a crisp Saturday morning, with beautiful views of the sunrise as you go up the Hope Valley and a change at Stockport, arriving Crewe 9.27, and just enough time to visit Tesco's for some sandwiches for lunch. (I've done it the last 2 weekends!) Last edited: 22/10/2012 at 00:20 by Danny252 Log in to reply The following user said thank you: jc92 |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 22/10/2012 at 07:48 #36785 | |
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Peter Jordan
23 posts |
Howard Bolton has now kindly sent me some screenshots of the new Exeter West and Barnham simulations, and I hope you can see them here. Although there was an earlier simulation of Exeter West (done by Chris Hall in conjunction with his simulation of Kidderminster SVR) the 'Blockpost Software' simulation is entirely new and is based on the signal box as it is now restored at Crewe. While it might be possible to offer additional timetables in the future, by the days of the class 50's there had been significant layout changes that affected the operation at West Box, and it is unlikely that there will be time in the near future to issue a version of the simulation that incorporates these major changes -after all, Howard is trying to compile these simulations while pursuing other hobbies and holding down a full-0time job. Peter Jordan    
Post has attachments. Log in to view them. Log in to reply The following users said thank you: quickthorn, Steamer, welwyn, broodje, Signalhunter, seagulls |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 22/10/2012 at 09:41 #36786 | |
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Peter Jordan
23 posts |
I should, perhaps, have added that these screen shots don't really do full justice to the fantastic graphics these new simulations feature.In the simulation itself you have the facility to alter the size of the screen display, and on 'Max Zoom'it is possible to read all of the information on the diagrams (including distances from the box to running siagnals in the case of Exeter West)all the description plates on the levers and even see details like screws holding parts of the instruments together! Peter Jordan Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 22/10/2012 at 09:43 #36787 | |
Andrew G
548 posts |
The CD version does have a 20 minute demo of Exeter West and Barnham. You get Emailed a registration code to unlock the full version of Exeter West. I think it is an excellent simulation which shouldn't be compared to the versions referred to in an earlier post, although there was nothing wrong with this when you consider the date they were produced (not by the Exeter West Group). I'm sure there will be the opportunity to download a demo version when the website becomes available. While the simulation does contain a wealth of on-line help for the simulation generally and operation of Exeter West it will be a stretch if you don't know much about Absolute Block regulations. If you do it is a joy with Blocking Back, Wrong Direction Moves, Shunt into Forward Section and a large number of special/local bell codes to learn - there is easy access to these when running the simulation. Something completely different to Sim Sig with the benefit of making a donation to the preservation of an iconic box. A few Diesels appear, although the layout is 60's based and therefore won't be completely suited to an 80's timetable as there were some modifications made to allow passenger trains to depart from the Up Middle line to Exeter Central. My review/comments are impartial as I'm not a member of the group. Log in to reply The following users said thank you: Signalhunter, Didcot, welwyn, bugali |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 23/10/2012 at 12:48 #36832 | |
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NCC1701
129 posts |
As an aid to learning quickly the box I devised a spreadsheet "simplifier" for the Weekday TT. Here's a screenshot so you can see what is involved in running Exeter West. Green rows are down trains (including Up Central); yellow rows are Up trains (including Down Central); pink rows are shunts. 
Post has attachments. Log in to view them. Signalman Exeter West & Llangollen Last edited: 23/10/2012 at 12:51 by NCC1701 Log in to reply The following user said thank you: welwyn |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 27/10/2012 at 20:42 #36980 | |
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quickthorn
23 posts |
Anyone else having problems with this? At seemingly random points, I find I cannot operate anything within the simulation window. Every mouse click just gives me a windows-type ding, but nothing happens. The simulation carries on running, but I can't do anything to it. The only way out is to close it through task manager. I can't see a pattern to this, but I haven't got beyond an hour of play so far. I've had a few other problems, such as a box randomly appearing asking me if I've "had enough", even though I haven't asked to close the programme, and one sort of logic trap within the simulation. Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 27/10/2012 at 22:22 #36983 | |
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NCC1701
129 posts |
" said:Anyone else having problems with this?I've occasionally had the first problem you mention. Rebooting the program cures it, but I am not sure what the cause is. I've certainly got beyond an hour without it happening. The "Had Enough" box should only appear when you are closing the program. I've not had it appear in any other circumstance. I suggest you email Howard Bolton at the address given by Peter Jordan in an earlier post. Signalman Exeter West & Llangollen Log in to reply The following user said thank you: bugali |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 28/10/2012 at 06:46 #36989 | |
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Peter Jordan
23 posts |
To save you hunting back through the posts, the email address is: howard@blockpostsoftware.co.uk Sorry to hear of your experience. This is the first report of problems like this we've received - everyone else seems to be getting on fine with the program, and it is certainly running the real box now very well. Peter Jordan Last edited: 28/10/2012 at 11:27 by Peter Jordan Log in to reply |
| New 'Blockpost Software' simulations 28/10/2012 at 08:38 #36990 | |
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bugali
78 posts |
is it free?
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