Some signalboxes/interlockings have points that auto normalise . Others, however, do not auto normalise but do indicate when they think they should be normalised. Normalising certain points acts as traps for run away trains, often protecting main running lines from runaways in sidings, yards, depots, and anywhere else an unattended train might be. In most cases the points will indicate they need to be normalised approximately 7 seconds after any routes through them have dropped away, the tracks over the pointwork are clear, and any other locking preventing them from normalising has unlocked. The indication on simpler panels may just be a flashing lamp and audible alarm. On more modern panels, and on VDUs, the track segment adjoining the reverse direction of the point will flash white and an audible alarm will sound. Depending on the interlocking, the alarm will only occur if a train has passed through the points - in such cases, if no train has passed through and the tracks are clear and the route locking has dropped, there is no alarm and the points will remain reverse.
The action to be taken when such an event occurs is to simply return the point to the normal position. This can be by means of keying the points (left click) or setting a route that causes the points to move to the normal position. Once normal detection has been obtained, the flashing indication will stop.
In SimSig you do not lose any points if you fail to normalise the point. It is there simply as a reminder. As a good signaller you would return the points to normal - which creates extra work for you but provides that protection from runaways and makes it more realistic.
Last edited by GeoffM on 15/09/2016 at 03:01