Block Working for Single Tracks & Loops

[maxtedrw]

OK, I think I have cracked this.

Wrote a set of block signals based on the UK 2 colour light system which defaults to green under all circumstances except when the line is actually blocked. These work for passing loops by use of a Yard Entry feature which allows the platform line to remain part of the block and the loop to act as a yard. Also produced a block signal to use on lines typical of single track routes where the yard follows on from the station line with no separating point work.

Essentially a block is shown on the 2D map and the signals are buried underground once the route is tested. On the 2D (Press 9) Map the blocks have a coloured light at each end and when a block is full the lights show red at each end of the block. You therefore get two lights on the map at each block end one; for the block you are in and one for the next block.

There is a block signal for replicating a starter over pointwork to make sure that AI locos do not run over points set against them. There is also one that can identify yard entry over a point and change the block back to "empty" once the loco enters the yard.

These are all small changes the lua scripts for the UK coloured light signals but saved as block signals as they have all of the warning/distant/yellow light functions stripped out. No really unusual stuff by me but I am pretty pleased to have got the concept sorted out and working for QD, Freeroam, Standard and Timetabled scenarios. Works a treat on my L&M route.

What is nice is that you set the blocks to seperate at stations so you need to stop, or slow down, and look at the map in 2D to see if the block ahead is clear which is sort of like stopping to collect a token or to phone ahead.

[MisterWho]

Richard,
sounds like excellent news. I assume that you'll be publishing an update to L&M, but am wondering if you'll also do a separate pack for other route builders. It would certainly be most useful for the route I have in mind to build. In that respect, I wonder if this will all work for a route in which there is a regular main line (double or more tracks) with several single tracks branching off and using your system. Or perhaps even where there are two separate sections of main line joined by a single track using this system. Given my current extremely limited knowledge of RW/TS signalling, I can only hope that these variations would work without needing any modification to your work,
regards,
moi

[maxtedrw]

Think it will do it.

[maxtedrw]

More development tonight and testing means I can confirm that they integrate well with standard signals. It will be possible to have a "normal" double track line that branches to a token worked single line and which will set its signals according to the block state of the branch entry ( including a distant).

I have also been able to test having standard default uk semaphore signals as station starters on the block worked line that integrate with the block system.

I have also made some signals that ensure that the exit from a loop by an AI train holds until the correct points are set but does not interfere with the block working.

The system works on the L&M and Talyllyn so far and allows AI stock to pass in loops and to shunt in Yards without locking the route to your train or producing scenario build "block occupation" errors. AI trains need care when setting the type to ensure the correct priority but it works.

I will be issuing a L&M update and also the signals and a guide to using them with examples as a separate Asset type file.

[MisterWho]

Oh wow - thank you muchly for taking this further, Richard. Really appreciate your work here, and look forward to updates for L&M and perhaps in time Talyllyn as well.
Best regards,
moi

[maxtedrw]

I have uploaded a set of Block Working tools / signals this evening.

The file includes a help guide to using them - it is not complex but you do need to be methodical.

The system definitely ensures that single line, opposite direction traffic will now work with trains passing in passing loops. AI traffic waits for you and visa versa. The system will integrate with "normal" signals when the branch arrives on the mainline but care is needed.

I have tested the system on my Leek and Manifold route as well as some others and it seems stable and safe. It will not ( so far as I can tell ) mean scenarios have to be rewritten.

I would be very interested in getting some feedback from anyone who tries these out on their route. I suspect there are funnies and I am sure my butchery of the code will make our signal experts weep.

Enjoy - a signalled version of the L&M will happen this coming week.

[MisterWho]

Tanfastic ...

Thank you very much - will grab a copy of everything at the earliest opportunity,
best regards,
moi