A Layout to Play With!

My last layout for a little while, I promise!

The layout represents a small section of a single track two-way working line. As signalman, you are responsible for manually operating all movements within the section. Approaching trains are indicated by the lights shown on the control panel (actually the uncoupling controls which I have adapted for the purpose).

The sequence of lights are as follows –

1. First an indication of the type of train approaching (shows for 5 seconds only)

Green light on ‘M’ is a slow passenger. Green light on ‘I’ is a goods/freight train. Green lights on ‘M’ and ‘I’ together indicate an Express Passenger (Never stop or delay an Express!)

2. When the indicator lights have gone out the three lights ‘O’ (outer) ‘M’ (middle) and ‘I’ (inner) will show the progress of the train towards your section.

Handling Trains With the approach of a slow passenger or goods train you can either allow them to pass through or set up the points and speed controls to allow a slow passenger train to stop in the passing loop platform or a goods train to enter the goods sidings. Do not forget to reset the points after the train has passed! You can handle one passenger and one goods train from whichever direction at any one time.

Dispatching Trains Trains must continue their journey in the same direction (you cannot send them back the way they came). You must also send a train away ahead of a train which has just entered the adjacent section and is traveling in the same direction in which you wish to send your train. (This may not be realistic but it does guarantee that the current will not switch direction before your train completes the next leg of its journey).

Goods Yard The layout is not complete, in that I have not set any de-couplers in the goods yard. Having used de-couplers as indicator lights I did not wish to put in “real” de-couplers and add confusing. Once familiar with the mode of operating adding your own would add to the enjoyment.

It is not possible to set up automated controls for every possible mistake that might be made so if things do go wrong, reload and start again.

You can download it from http://www.btinternet.com/~peter.reeve/SectionBox6.zip” class=”bbcode_url”>http://www.btinternet.com/~peter.reeve/SectionBox6.zip