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Doncaster Station

Official Files

Title	Version	Released
Simulation (Payware)	1.1	21/03/2024
15/10/2009 WTT (Midnight and 0445 Start included)	1.1	05/12/2023
09/01/2019 WTT (Midnight, 4am, and 2pm Start included)	1.1	05/12/2023

Current versions only shown; old versions listed in Version History

Introduction

Doncaster PSB was opened in stages from 1979 to 1981, replacing a number of smaller signalboxes which closed or were relegated to gate boxes. Located nearly 156 miles from London King's Cross, the PSB has a downstairs interlocking room and an upstairs panel control room, along with ancilliary equipment. The 110ft long panel requires five signallers on duty at a time during the day.

This simulation is complex due to the amount of freight moving from yard to yard under signaller control, mingled with local passenger services, high speed trains, and through freights, all vying for a clear path through the area. Two panels are included, panels 2 and 3, also known as the Decoy panel and Station panel respectively. Though challenging, a single player can operate both panels at normal speed.

Like the real signalbox, there is no ARS or ACI.

Start-Up Options

Scenarios

Easy Mode

No failures and minimal delays.

Normal Mode

You may experience a few failures, possibly more than one at once, and some minor delays.

Hard Mode

You may get several failures simultaneously, and trains may run quite late.

Eras

Seven eras have been provided. Broadly they cover most, if not all, changes over the years from when the signalbox was fully open through to 2022. In some eras, very little has changed since the previous era, but is provided for consistency with Doncaster North and Doncaster South simulations.

Era	Changes
1981-1996	Original full layout after box completely open.
1997-1999	Several collierys are now closed. A Royal Mail Terminal replaces part of the Down Decoy Yard.
2000-2004	The connection to the Sheffield Main out of Doncaster is now doubled.
2005-2012	No changes.
2013-2016	The connection to BREL South Works is now gone.
2017-2022	Two track circuited and signalled carriage sidings now exist on the Up side of Doncaster station, replacing the old carriage sidings. The Up East Slow is now signalled fully in both directions. Platform 0 at Doncaster has now replaced the old DCE sidings.
Late 2022 onwards	Low Ellers Curve upgraded to main signals; trackwork modified around Up Decoy for run-rounds and northbound departures

Other Options

Bad Weather

Trains may accelerate more slowly due to slippery rails, and drivers may brake sooner.

TORR

Train Operated Route Release. The real life box does not have TORR but this option can be used (ticked/checked) to have routes automatically cancel behind trains.

Features

High Axle Weight Wagons

The Speed Class of X1 used in the simulation should apply to any trains with Heavy Axle Weight wagons. This will cause them to slow to a different speed in a few places in the simulation:

Location	Speed Limit
Between Conisborough and Conisborough Tunnel	40mph
Between Conisborough Tunnel and Hexthorpe Junction	10mph
Between St. Catherines (start of single line) and Maltby	20mph (two sections)
Between St. James Jn and Hexthorpe Goods Jn (goods lines only)	10mph

In this context, "between" is not inclusive and may just be a single short bridge/viaduct.

Via Buttons

This section lists the Via buttons necessary when setting routes around Doncaster station. Any route not listed does not require use of via buttons; if a route lists one or more buttons then those button(s) must be used, in any order. Not all routes nor all via buttons are visible in all eras.

From	Via	To
201	Z	293
201	Y	293
201	Z	291
201	Y	291
201	C	291
269	D	281
269	B	281
273	Y	291
273	Y	291
275	C	291
279	G	307
279	H	307
279	W	307
281	G	307
281	W	307
281	G	308X (LOS)
281	G	1496X (Marshgate Sdgs)
285	L	301
285	F M	301
285	E M	301
285	J	809
285	F	809
285	E	809
285	F	307
285	E	307
285	F	308X (LOS)
285	E	308X (LOS)
285	F	1496X (Marshgate Sdgs)
285	E	1496X (Marshgate Sdgs)
287	L	301
287	F M	301
287	J	809
287	F	809
288	C	260
288	Y	260
288	C	262
288	Y	262
288	Z	262
288	C	260
288	Y	260
288	C	262
288	Y	262
288	Z	262
288	C	265
288	Y	265
288	Z	265
289	L	301
289	F M	301
289	J	301
289	F	301
290	Y	262
290	Z	262
290	Y	265
290	Z	265
291	L	301
291	F M	301
291	J	809
291	F	809
293	L	301
293	F M	301
293	J	809
293	F	809
295	L	301
295	F M	301
295	J	809
295	F	809
300	G	278
300	K	278
300	G	292
300	K	292
300	F	284
300	E	284
302	M E or N E or M F or N F or L	284
302	M F or N F or L	Plat 6
302	M F or N F or L	Plat 7
302	M F or N F or L	288
302	M F or N F or L	290
305	H	307
305	W	307
308	E	284
308	F	284
1465	D	281
1465	B	281
1477	L	301
1477	J	809
1477	F	809

Labelling

Due to the complexity of the simulation and large number of labels, non-standard labelling has been used for key nodes. These are typically mandatory timing points and are made to stand out so they are easier to locate for new users learning the layout.

Panel 2

Down Decoy Yard

The main signals at Down Decoy Reception Sidings 1-4 (D1407/9/11/13, D1402/4/6/8) will not show proceed until D235 or D232 (as appropriate) is also showing proceed. In addition, the foot crossings need extinguish their "safe to cross" indications and time out before the signals can show proceed. Finally, signals with routes set towards D208/D210 need to have those signals showing proceed before they can show proceed themselves, due to the desire to prevent trains stopping on the steep gradient approaching D208/D210. This latter does not apply to D224. In the case of light engines shunting via the south end and returning north, this means the route from D208/D210 will need to initially be set and then cancelled manually after the loco has returned past D211/D213.

Locos running around their train at Decoy North Jn must be routed to signal D241 on Down Slow 1. At Decoy South Jn they may use any of D211, D213, or D219.

The Royal Mail Terminal fell into disuse in recent years and is now used as an extension of the Down Decoy Reception Sidings. The north/south platform is considered road 7 while the (short) loop is road 6.

South Yorkshire Joint Line

The opposing slots on the South Yorkshire Joint Line can both be set at the same time, and will remain set after the passage of trains.

St. Catherines

When running around at St. Catherines Loops, the headcode 0S00 (zero-S-zero-zero; means the train is performing shunting moves) should be interposed at D218/D220 before requesting the slot to Maltby. When the loco passes D218/D220 the description 0S00 will step to Maltby, who will eventually clear out that berth so you do not need to take any action.

Be careful not to have two trains headed towards St. Catherings if both need to run-round. Each would block the other's run-round loco.

Rossington Colliery

Trains from Flyover West Junction to Rossington Colliery will first pass signal D196 onto a single line. About 400m later a converging line comes in from the west (underneath on the screen) and then runs into a run-round loop. Depending on the schedule, trains will either run-round here or propel into Rossington Quarry. The opposite happens on the return journey, however, you will be called for permission to depart Rossington Colliery Junction before the train will approach D193. Given the distance between the junction and D193, it will be a couple of minutes before it will pass D193.

Finningley Ground Frame

Finningley Ground Frame requires the tracks on both lines clear, or occupied for a time period, before it can be released. There is additionally a release timeout to ensure any approaching trains are able to stop.

Miscellaneous

The up/down slow number 1 is the higher speed route of the two.

Most yards will telephone you for permission to enter the simulation. This helps ensure trains don't end up blocking each other - if you pay attention to the information in the call and what trains you have around! The Railport needs particular attention due to the single lines to the south (screen right).

Alternative Routing

Trains at Loversall Carr Jn with a subsequent location of Decoy South Jn must use the Down Slow towards D197 and beyond. However, a Down Fast train may also go via the Flyover lines as they are suitable for all trains, including passenger trains.

Up Decoy Shunter

A mini panel is provided for shunting around the Up Decoy Yard. In reality a shunter sets the points manually and hand signals trains. In the simulation the points can be swung using the N(ormal) and R(everse) roundels, and hand signals can be toggled with left and right clicks on the signal squares. Check and double check the point positions before allowing a train to proceed.

A slot is required for trains in the Down (screen left) direction. In reality the shunter would give this; in the simulation it will be given after half a minute or so.

Note that trains coming out of the Railport and reversing to head north via the Up Decoy Yard must be routed through Up Sdg 4 as that is the only one with a signal (D1437) heading north. For this reason, anything arriving from the north would be best in Up Sdgs 1 to 3 to avoid blocking this road.

Panel 3

Doncaster Station

Routes to D260 and D273 (D/U WS1) have short and long overlaps. From D284 and D253 the long overlap will be selected unless the yellow triangle is used to force a warner route. Other routes to D260 and D273 will use the short overlap, but are not warner routes. This is because the routes from D284 and D253 are a higher speed than all the other routes.

Platform 4 also has long and short overlaps. The longer overlaps are for the higher approach speed main routes, while the short overlaps are for warner routes and for lower speed routes.

Note that many routes require the use of Via buttons to indicate to the interlocking which path through the trackwork you require. See the list above, but broadly speaking, if there is more than one possible path between the same pair of signals, a Via button (or more than one) is required. Click on the entry signal, then the Via button(s), then the exit signal.

Miscellaneous

The Up/Down Slow number 1 is the higher speed route of that and Down Slow 2. These lines are also known as the West Slow Lines. Conversely, the Up Slow is also known as the East Slow Line.

Before sending a train into Roberts Road, place a call to the shunter.

Most yards will telephone you for permission to enter the simulation. This helps ensure trains don't end up blocking each other - if you pay attention to the information in the call and what trains you have around!

Alternative Routing

Trains timetabled between Bentley Jn and Hexthorpe Jn via the Avoiding Line may go via Doncaster Station without penalty - though it will add to the congestion there and take longer!

While Doncaster Bridge Jn is only on the Down Slow lines, trains can be routed via the Down Fast subject to no other routing restrictions (eg trains towards Hexthorpe Jn must go via the Down Slows).

Timetable Notes

There are currently two timetables, 2009 & 2019. The 2015 will follow once development and testing is completed.

Passenger trains that are booked via the WSL in either direction will challenge the route if routed onto the Main Lines from either direction. Manual intervention in the timetable would be required to facilited these moves. Removing Decoy North Jn and Decoy South Jn will resolve the wrong route call. Both these locations are mandatory. Some passenger services are booked via the WSL, notably in the 2009 timetable, some of which are for route knowledge/retention.

The use of the set down function has been heavily used with the freight services throughout the simulation, it is up to you the signaller to make the decision whether to wait for time or run the service early, (do so at your own risk).

These regulating controls are heavily used in Decoy Yards.

Doncaster Down Decoy will give you a call acknowledging the departure of a service. When receiving this call it is advisable to then wait for the call from the driver waiting at signal Dxxxx. You can then make a decision whether to run early or wait for booked time. Some layovers can be upto six hours. If you decide to wait time, you can still run the service early simply by signalling out of the sidings.

The box SBSI's state that Doncaster Up Decoy shunts should have 0D00 interposed for any move that shunts between the through sidings and the Yard exit point and v.v. To avoid confusion throughout the sim 0Sxx has been used instead.

The station Freight Roads DG & 2WG are alternatives and can be swapped without penalty or need to edit the schedule.

Level Crossings

Name	Type	Panel	Located Between	Number
Auckley	AHB	2	Bessacarr Jn and Beckingham Jn
Bank End	TEL	2	Bessacarr Jn and Beckingham Jn
Beech Hill	AHB	2	Bessacarr Jn and Beckingham Jn
Bentley Lane	TEL	3	Doncaster and Shaftholme Jn
Bessacarr Halt	TEL	2	Bessacarr Jn and Beckingham Jn
Broomston	TEL	2	Bessacarr Jn and Beckingham Jn
Burrells	TEL	2	Bessacarr Jn and Beckingham Jn
Carr Lane	TEL	2	Bessacarr Jn and Beckingham Jn
Hayfields	TEL	2	Bessacarr Jn and Beckingham Jn
LC238	TEL	2	Loversall Carr Jn and Ranskill
LC245	TEL	2	Loversall Carr Jn and Ranskill
LC263	TEL	3	Doncaster and Shaftholme Jn
Rossington	CCTV	2	Loversall Carr Jn and Ranskill
School Lane	TEL	2	Loversall Carr Jn and Ranskill
Scrooby	TEL	2	Loversall Carr Jn and Ranskill	244
Toad Hole Lane	TEL	2	Loversall Carr Jn and Ranskill

Several other crossings exist but they are either controlled by separate gate/crossing keepers or are not used.

Multiplayer & Chaining

The simulation is tough for a single player. Use with TORR enabled to help clearing down routes. The simulation has two panels and thus two is the recommended number of players.

The simulation chains at the following locations:

Simulation	Location
Doncaster North	North of Doncaster station (four sets of connections)
Doncaster South	Retford
Sheffield	Conisborough

Provision exists for the simulation to chain at other fringes, should the corresponding simulation be developed or updated in the future.

Hot Keys

In addition to the standard shortcut keys , the following are available:

Key	Panel Area
D	Doncaster
U	Up Decoy
B	Belmont Yard
M	Royal Mail Terminal
C	St. Catherines
L	Loversall Carr Jn
R	Ranskill
X	Hexthorpe Jn

Acknowledgments

Simulation by: Geoff Mayo with initial work by Chris Lord. Thanks, as always, to the testing team for their hard work as this project has been a long time in the making, due to its complexity and our attempts at attention to detail.

2019 and 2009 WTTs by John Mills (MELD)

Dedication

This simulation is dedicated to Chris Law (Chrisrail) who died suddenly in 2023, sadly before this simulation was released. A long time SimSig regular, Chris hailed from Yorkshire though later lived in Derby where his visits to the Brunswick pub were legendary. His love of trains, Yorkshire, cricket, and beer shone through and he had many friends, both in and outside of the railway industry. He will be sadly missed.

Reference Section

Signal Number Plan

• Doncaster 1981-1996 Signal Number Plan
• Doncaster 1997-1999 Signal Number Plan
• Doncaster 2000-2016 Signal Number Plan
• Doncaster 2017-2022 Signal Number Plan
• Doncaster 2022 Onwards Signal Number Plan

The 2000-2016 plan covers multiple eras. Use the built-in Find function (Ctrl+F) to locate signal numbers.

Signal Box Prefix Codes

Code	Box
B	Beckingham Jn*
D	Doncaster
M	Maltby*
S	Sheffield (York ROC)*
Y	York IECC*

Platform, Loop & Siding Lengths

Labelled on-screen (left-click the orange LEN button to enable; right-click to disable).

Timetabling Details

It is best to first look at an existing timetable to see whether any questions can be resolved that way.

Special Decisions

None.

Splash Screens

Image	Title	Credits
Splash1.jpg	Control table extract	G. Mayo
Splash2.jpg	Panel photo	G. Mayo
Splash3.jpg	Panel photo	G. Mayo
Splash4.jpg	Panel photo	G. Mayo
Splash5.jpg	Doncaster	Penske666 CC BY-SA 2.0
Splash6.jpg	66701 runs down the ladder at Doncaster station on 22nd June 2013	Penske666 CC BY-SA 2.0

Additional Information

"Gotchas"

The Down Leeds Goods (below/left of Doncaster station) is not wired for AC trains. They must use the Down Leeds Slow (above it) if proceeding towards Adwick.

Be careful using Up Decoy Yard Siding 4 because that road is the only way north from Potteric Carr Jn. Trains frequently exit the Railport, reverse at Potteric Carr Jn, and head through Up Decoy Yard Siding 4 to head north.

The Up Slow between Doncaster station and Black Carr Jn is bi-directional. Because there is pointwork along the line, there is little to prevent head-to-head movements. For example, you could end up with an up passenger train standing at D240 while a down passenger train is stood at D231.

Conisborough/Cadeby Goods Loop

This loop has multiple names depending on the source. For example, the timing point refers to it as Cadeby, while the controlling signalbox (Sheffield/York ROC) refers to it as Conisborough, and Doncaster PSB panel photos label it as Up Sheffield Goods. The simulation refers to Cadeby throughout for consistency.

External Resources

SimSig does not endorse or have any control over the following links. They are provided for interest only with no guarantees of content.

Doncaster PSB (Wikipedia)

43315 Cab ~ Doncaster to Retford (YouTube cab ride)

INTERCITY 225 Cab Ride from London Kings Cross to York (YouTube)

Leeds - Doncaster 82204 Cab Ride

Version History

See Version History

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Last edited by Steamer on 25/04/2024 at 20:06