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Absolute Block working

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Absolute Block working 19/10/2016 at 13:34 #86909
grahamj42
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AB is a real challenge in this simulation, and I would like to make a few comments.

One can argue both ways about whether the penalty for a late or missing TOL should be related to sending or acknowledging it, but it's very confusing to have a message when the train reaches the home signal saying that TOL was not acknowledged in time, when the problem was some time earlier when TOL was not sent before the starter was passed (+ whatever tolerance is allowed).

This is particularly noticeable between Newhaven Town and Newhaven Harbour, where it seems necessary to send TOL before the train has left the platform - for me this merits a note in the Wiki if it's impractical to give a more generous margin.

The Up Intermediate Block between Bexhill and Pevensey is unusual with the slot from Havensmouth Crossing on the IB signal CCW5 preventing clearing of this signal until the train is around Collington. This is not as described in the Wiki, and a note is perhaps needed to remind the inexperienced Bexhill signaller not to send TOL too early (which locks CCW5).

I find it bizarre that Havenmouth Crossing closes without receiving Is Line Clear? from Bexhill. This could be annoying if a train has a problem at Collington.

Finally (and I suppose this is not simulation-specific), the default colour for Block Bell messages is too dark to read - it makes it much easier to understand with the messages in a lighter colour.

I hope someone finds my comments helpful!

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Absolute Block working 19/10/2016 at 16:40 #86912
NCC1701
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129 posts
grahamj42 in post 86909 said:

Finally (and I suppose this is not simulation-specific), the default colour for Block Bell messages is too dark to read - it makes it much easier to understand with the messages in a lighter colour.

The colours can be changed in the F3 options quite easily but I agree that dark blue on black is not a good combination!

Signalman Exeter West & Llangollen
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Absolute Block working 20/10/2016 at 19:23 #86934
Forest Pines
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525 posts
grahamj42 in post 86909 said:

One can argue both ways about whether the penalty for a late or missing TOL should be related to sending or acknowledging it
Or, indeed, that both should be penalised!

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Absolute Block working 25/05/2017 at 19:37 #95370
DriverCurran
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682 posts
grahamj42 in post 86909 said:
AB is a real challenge in this simulation, and I would like to make a few comments.

One can argue both ways about whether the penalty for a late or missing TOL should be related to sending or acknowledging it, but it's very confusing to have a message when the train reaches the home signal saying that TOL was not acknowledged in time, when the problem was some time earlier when TOL was not sent before the starter was passed (+ whatever tolerance is allowed).

This is particularly noticeable between Newhaven Town and Newhaven Harbour, where it seems necessary to send TOL before the train has left the platform - for me this merits a note in the Wiki if it's impractical to give a more generous margin.

The Up Intermediate Block between Bexhill and Pevensey is unusual with the slot from Havensmouth Crossing on the IB signal CCW5 preventing clearing of this signal until the train is around Collington. This is not as described in the Wiki, and a note is perhaps needed to remind the inexperienced Bexhill signaller not to send TOL too early (which locks CCW5).

I find it bizarre that Havenmouth Crossing closes without receiving Is Line Clear? from Bexhill. This could be annoying if a train has a problem at Collington.


I hope someone finds my comments helpful!
Graham,

Traditionally it has always been the case that train entering section (TOL on sim) was given as the train passed the box rather than actually departed from station platforms, of course in the real world using the departure from the platform would mean that your fellow signaller would know that the train had actually left the station (but that would be a whole can of worms or as it is known here a new thread).

The sending of train in section before pulling the section signal has seen many a bobby ask his mate in advance to go 'round the clock' and not just the inexperienced few....

In real life the crossing keeper at Havensmouth would only see track indications for his approach, so unless informed by one of the signallers he would be unaware if the approaching train was having a wrong type of trolley on a set of empties between Bexhill and Cooden Beach.

Paul

You have to get a red before you can get any other colour
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Absolute Block working 26/05/2017 at 13:05 #95398
Zoe
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251 posts
DriverCurran in post 95370 said:
Traditionally it has always been the case that train entering section (TOL on sim) was given as the train passed the box rather than actually departed from station platforms

While there's no doubt that this is the current rule, I'm not sure it has always been the case. The 1936 GWR book refers to "On the train leaving" and this continued at least up until the 1972 book. In the case of IB signals though the books did indeed say to send TES when the train passed the box (except on the GWR/early WR days when TES wasn't sent until the train passed the IB signal).

Last edited: 26/05/2017 at 13:07 by Zoe
Reason: None given

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