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| A Few Questions 02/02/2014 at 19:06 #54859 | |
2W34
58 posts |
Hi all, Two questions from someone not familiar with the area! 1) At Smithfield Sidings, say a unit was having problems in the peak and I put it in there to avoid disruption, how would the driver of said train get back from the sidings? would he take a line blockage? is there another exit route? as I understand it, the sidings are located in a grotty little hole under Smithfield Market. 2) If I was to divert a train via the Catford Loop or vice versa, how much would this delay the train by in good running circumstances? 3) What regular engineering work takes place on this sim in real life, during the day? Many thanks Last edited: 02/02/2014 at 19:07 by 2W34 Log in to reply |
| A Few Questions 02/02/2014 at 20:00 #54861 | |
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Noisynoel
989 posts |
Hi, In answer to your questions... 1) There are two authorised walking routes out of Smithfield so no, no line blockages required. 2) If you divert a fast train via the Catford loop it will normally do it in the same time as running via Herne Hill. However, if you catch a stopper up..... 3) During a weekday you may get the occasional line blockage to rectify defects. The only regular blocks on weekday during 'office hours' were between Loughborough Jn & Blackfriars for graffiti clearance. Of course on the date that the timetable is actually set, none of the bays existed and the Up & Down Holborn Slow lines between Blackfriars & Southwark Bridge Jn were ripped up, all as part of the redesigning of Blackfriars station. Noisynoel Log in to reply |
| A Few Questions 02/02/2014 at 20:02 #54862 | |
DriverCurran
688 posts |
Hi 2W34 To answer what I can 1) Smithfield Sidings are indeed located in a grotty hole under Smithfield Market (no offence to anyone associated with Smithfield Market lol) however there is a walking route that brings you to the surface via a rather rickety ladder, although I have been lead to believe that there is an authorised walking route to Farringdon, which is literally next to the buffer stops. At no time would a driver be permitted to walk back to City Thameslink. 2) It would depend on the driver and what sort of run the train got, bear in mind that there are more speed restrictions and the route itself is a couple of miles longer. 3) The signallers can get any number of GZAC's (Line blockages) during the day for track patrols and much routine maintenance. Also T3 possessions could be taken of the terminal platforms for the purpose of litter clearing. Paul Beaten to it by Mr Young You have to get a red before you can get any other colour Last edited: 02/02/2014 at 20:04 by DriverCurran Reason: Comment Log in to reply |
| A Few Questions 02/02/2014 at 20:16 #54863 | |
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Andy174
94 posts |
When I was driving on this route in the mid 80's-early 90's the Catford loop route would normally add about 7 mins to the journey between Bromley South & Vic. The main line was 60mph until Herne Hill (45 mph) whereas the loop went down to 50 at Catford and then various other restrictions so the main was always the faster route.
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| A Few Questions 03/02/2014 at 11:31 #54889 | |
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kbarber
1743 posts |
" said:When I was driving on this route in the mid 80's-early 90's the Catford loop route would normally add about 7 mins to the journey between Bromley South & Vic. The main line was 60mph until Herne Hill (45 mph) whereas the loop went down to 50 at Catford and then various other restrictions so the main was always the faster route. I understand Catford was always regarded as a legitimate diversionary route, such that Shepherds Lane and Shortlands signalboxes were authorised to divert a train not booked to call intermediately without seeking permission and there was a Sectional Appendix instruction that drivers finding themselves thus diverted should continue without challenging the signal. Log in to reply |
| A Few Questions 03/02/2014 at 11:56 #54893 | |
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mfcooper
707 posts |
" said:" said:To this day, Victoria ASC doesn't need permission to send non-stop trains along the alternative route. If it isn't feasible to loop the Orpington stopper at Herne Hill or Kent House, then the flyer gets sent round the Catford Loop. And if the 2K** is running late, it may well end up on the Main Line rather than following the FCC along the Catford Loop.When I was driving on this route in the mid 80's-early 90's the Catford loop route would normally add about 7 mins to the journey between Bromley South & Vic. The main line was 60mph until Herne Hill (45 mph) whereas the loop went down to 50 at Catford and then various other restrictions so the main was always the faster route. EDIT: As long as the driver signs the alternative! I *think* there are very few drivers who don't sign the Catford Loop. Perhaps Mr Curran might know more? Last edited: 03/02/2014 at 11:57 by mfcooper Log in to reply |
| A Few Questions 03/02/2014 at 12:21 #54898 | |
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DriverCurran
688 posts |
The only depot that only signs one route is Charing Cross and the drivers there will only sign via Beckenham Junction, which as they only work the local trains stopping at all shanks isn't normally a problem until myself or a fellow controller wants a local train to replace a cancelled Kentish Town service (which run via the Catford) and one of the aforementioned drivers turn up. The route that is slightly more of an issue is the Herne Hill to Loughbourgh Junction route which is a little more restricted driver wise, although the depot of sim train drivers is not an issue yet :whistle: :evil: And on that note driver depot rant over and time to remember to breath  Paul You have to get a red before you can get any other colour Log in to reply |