Network West Midlands SimSig map of mine

Hello all,

Also, I don't know if I have auto's with emergency plungers in the right places, I don't know where these are generally located to be honest, I can't see them just being installed at random places?

Interesting.....I don't use BVE but I had a look to see what you'd done just out of interest. Nice job so far. I noted a couple of things that, were you following the SimSig style guide, would be deemed not quite right. Some may seem a bit picky particularly as its only a representation so feel free to incorporate or ignore as you see fit!! having said that we at SimSig do like things to be right.....Anyway, here's what I spotted.

1) Manually controlled crossings - RAI is the preferred name for raise rather than RSE

2) Crossovers such as Roundway Jn, normally show all the track (the straight and the diagonal) unless a route is set across or the crossover is not fixed but actually 2 separate sets of points. If they are separate single points, the diagonals between the running lines need to be moved (for Roundaway that would be a bit to the left) to ensure the diagonals are offset (like at Whitminster Jn). If it is a fixed crossover, you should depict the straight and the angled tracks.

3) The first signal on the up fast at Salford Jn would typically have a berth. This would normally be shown as the 4 berth characters + 2 normal track characters either side at minimum. The hollow track prior to the signal is thus a tad too close so either move the signal right a bit or extend the normal track a bit further left.

4) The shunt signal at I expect should line up with the break between the hollow track and the normal track...It would need moving a bit to the right (see Maybank Carriage sidings as that one is correct). They are several other instance of this as well (HS at Whitminster, all the sidings at Whiminster CS, Salford Dn Sidgs ,and Norton CS)

5)The up siding at Whitminster appears to have a TRTS. That would rather unusual.

6) The TRTS symbols at Whiminster would likely be on the platforms to avoid confusion. You can show them with a full white circle.

8) Any loops should be at least 2 lines away fromt he main running lines to differentate them

9) The label Up Goods at franklin is a little confusing as its not clear which line its referring to. I suspect its the upper one so you should move it so that its above that line.

10) the U&D GL at Norton would probably have direction of flow indicators on it as it bi-directional.

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2) Crossovers such as Roundway Jn, normally show all the track (the straight and the diagonal) unless a route is set across or the crossover is not fixed but actually 2 separate sets of points. If they are separate single points, the diagonals between the running lines need to be moved (for Roundaway that would be a bit to the left) to ensure the diagonals are offset (like at Whitminster Jn). If it is a fixed crossover, you should depict the straight and the angled tracks.

You mean the gaps between points and lines? If so yes I was wondering weather these should actually be filled in, as at the time the track section was taken last year when I used to use SimSig with 'show point positions' on, but now I don't use it. I assume a layout wouldn't show all positions unless a route is set like you say? If so I can change this without causing issues.

" said:

Quote:

2) Crossovers such as Roundway Jn, normally show all the track (the straight and the diagonal) unless a route is set across or the crossover is not fixed but actually 2 separate sets of points. If they are separate single points, the diagonals between the running lines need to be moved (for Roundaway that would be a bit to the left) to ensure the diagonals are offset (like at Whitminster Jn). If it is a fixed crossover, you should depict the straight and the angled tracks.

You mean the gaps between points and lines? If so yes I was wondering weather these should actually be filled in, as at the time the track section was taken last year when I used to use SimSig with 'show point positions' on, but now I don't use it. I assume a layout wouldn't show all positions unless a route is set like you say? If so I can change this without causing issues.

To further complicate things, there are switched diamonds (is that the UK term?) as well, which are shown on the diagram the way you've done it now. They are used when to crossing angle gets too shallow for a fixed crossing to be used, and possibly in some other circumstances as well.

Headshot,

I am afraid you are referring to something else. Jan is correct and using the correct terminology. There are typically 4 types of crossings.....
1) Fixed - there is no moving parts and trains travel diagonally or straight across them with no option to diverge.
2) Switched diamond - Identical to (1) with no diversions but has movable rails within the crossing. The rails move to select either the horizontal route or the diagonal route.
3) Slip crossing - Combines a fixed crossing and some points so trains can diverge from diagonal line to straight and vice versa. Can be single just one direction, called a single slip or on both sides, called a double slip.
4) The last type isn't so much of a crossing but more sets of individual points to allows trains to switch from one line to another...

You may also be able to combine (2) and (3) as well. In modelling you hardly ever see (2) its normally (1) or (3).

In SimSig, all the above are drawn differently...
1) Shows all tracks through the crossing when unused. When a route is set through it, show a straight peice of track (either horizontal or diagonal).
2) Drawn as 2 points back to back.
3) Look at the throat of Kings Cross station...That has multiple slip crossings..Its easier than trying to explain...
4) As there are separate points they are usually draw with the points with at least 1 normal track element between them otherwise you can;t distinguish them from a switched diamond.

I like this. I used to play on BVE a lot, until my Windows XP laptop died. BVE doesn't work on Vista.