What do you get when you cross...

[whole diary]

[devon_metro]

And for those of you unfamiliar with the layout:



Coutesy of http://simsig.co.uk

[John R]

Gosh, that's quick Devon Metro. And for those unfamiliar with the route, the trackbeds are all there and unobstructed, but as my suggestions didn't even feature as long term aspirations in the last NR^» (Network Rail - home page) plan then don't hold your breath anyone. 

[devon_metro]

You can view the whole layout, either by downloading 'SimSig' or simply by viewing the screenshots, of many signalling areas in our region.

Bristol: http://www.simsig.co.uk/html/bristol.html
Didcot: http://www.simsig.co.uk/html/didcot.html
Exeter: http://www.simsig.co.uk/html/exeter.html
Southampton: http://www.simsig.co.uk/html/southampton.html
Swindon: http://www.simsig.co.uk/html/swindon.html
Westbury: http://www.simsig.co.uk/html/westbury.html

Thats what the signallers who control the trains see - not as easy as you think 

[Chris from Nailsea]

Wow! Thanks, d_m, from me, too!

I was going to suggest, in reply to John R's post, that there seem to be two points at which the up service may be diverted onto the relief line, just beyond Parson Street - and indeed there they are, on the layout!

One of those diverge points seems to be particularly fierce, so anyone standing (including the guard, often ) is taken by surprise and is very nearly sent flying!

By the way, John, I don't disagree with the local service being held at Bedminster for the Voyager to overtake - but if the local service had actually been held at BTM^▸ (Bristol Temple Meads (strictly, it should be BRI) but BTM is a commonly used alternative)), a few more late arrivals for Bedminster or Parson Street could have boarded?

[John R]

Yes, you're right, but in my experience the one approaching Bedminster is rarely used.

And if a service going to be held is held at BTM^▸ (Bristol Temple Meads (strictly, it should be BRI) but BTM is a commonly used alternative)) it would benefit all passengers, not just those for Bedminster and Parson St. But it would delay the service more, because the service has at least completed it's stop at Bedminster when it gets the yellow to follow the Voyager.

Still think replacing the down relief is the best idea. Maybe when there's a half hourly serive to Portishead it will be considered whorthwhile. Oops, sorry, that's going to be a river taxi now isn't it! 

[smokey]

I'm going to put a new Iron into this post,

Under BR^▸ (British Rail(ways)) trains had priorities so signalers had clear guidance on which train went first when trains were dispatched from stations, or held at Junctions.

IIRC^▸ ('if I recall/remember/read correctly') Express Passenger Trains were 3rd on the list,

1st  Royal Train
2nd TPO^▸ (Travelling Post Office)
3rd  Express Passenger
4th  Express Parcels
5th  Semi Fast Passenger,

and so on, (nb, don't hold me to task for the whole order of priorites)

However today it seems to me when a service is late it seems to depend on WHY it's late as to how it gets signalled forward.

When a late HST^▸ (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units)) is held to go behind a local stopper it's proberley late due to TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company) Issues.
When a late HST is sent in front of the local stopper it's proberley late due to a NR^» (Network Rail - home page) issue.

It's got to be remembered that NR claim compo for trains running late due to TOC issues
But NR pay compo for trains running late due to NR problems.
When local trains run before expresses total delay minutes go up and NR make more money,
likewise holding a local service to let a Express in front will generally reduce total delay minutes.