Table of Contents
Sydney Signal Box, NSWWelcome to the focal point of the Sydney rail network! Sydney Box was a combined Westinghouse NX panel commissioned in stages from 1979 to 1981, and decommissioned on July 28, 2018. This panel centralised the area previously worked by Station East, Station West, Wells Street, and Illawarra Junction signal boxes, as well as some local control panels.
The entire Sydney rail network is designed to feed passenger trains to this area. Central station is the heart of the railway, the zero kilometre mark where Up becomes Down. Delays in nearly any part of the suburban network cause flow-on issues here. Your work has an effect on approximately one million passenger trips per day. Can you keep them moving?
| Timetable name | Intended sim era | Current version number | Description |
| 2017-11-01 | 2000-2018 | 1.0 | A normal Wednesday using the 2013 base timetable plus all known alterations to 1st Nov 2017. Chainable to Strathfield and Sydney North. See the section of the manual titled 'The Indian Pacific' for what to do when train '3AS8' appears. |
| 2017-06-21 'State of Origin' | 2000-2018 | 1.0 | A nearly identical timetable to 2017-11-01. There is a major Rugby League match at Olympic Park, with a frequent stream of trains to and from Sydney Terminal in addition to the busy weekday afternoon service. Starts at 14:00 only, and chains to Strathfield. |
| 2011-10-23 | 2000-2018 | 1.0 | A regular weekday using the standard working timetable introduced in October 2011. Chains to Strathfield and Sydney North. |
| 1983-11-24 | 1980-1995 | 1.0 | Not for the faint of heart - a timetable as busy as any in the modern era, plus the majority of trains arriving and departing Sydney Terminal are loco-hauled. It is recommended players not use ARS on Sydney Yard workstation on this timetable, as ARS cannot help you carry out the frequent shunting movements required. |
Two sim eras are provided.
1980-1995: The 1980-1995 layout attempts to reproduce the area as it was in the first few years of the box's operation.
This era is designed to support any timetable up to the mid-1990s. There were several small changes during this period, this hybrid era attempts to combine as many of them as possible.
The 'Modern Train Describer' mode will be familiar to players of the UK sims. A train describer berth is provided at each running signal and is constantly visible to the player.
'Ripple Berths' reflects how the train describer operated in automatic signalling sections at Sydney Box. Train numbers are tracked by the system at each automatic signal, but not consistently shown to the signallers. Train describer berths are only provided at controlled signals and stations. When a train enters an automatic section, the train's number is displayed at the next station or controlled signal.
The Ripple Berths method is always used for the Up lines approaching from Ashfield and Sydenham.
2000-2018: The modern layout represents the final track layout controlled by Sydney Box before ATRICS computer workstations took over the area. The Airport Line is provided, Macdonaldtown Sidings are rebuilt and fully signalled, the Engine Dive is now bi-directional, plus many other smaller differences. The track layout at Sydney Terminal is a little simpler, as almost all traffic is self-propelled.
This era should support any timetable introduced after the Airport Line was opened in 2000. Resignalling of Macdonaldtown Sidings was completed in 2005.
Only the 'modern' train describer mode is available in the 2000-2018 era, as computer overview screens had replaced the original City Underground area of the panel.
Changes made after the closure of the box are not simulated.
Automatic Route Setting is available as a startup option. While the actual box had a small amount of automated assistance, SimSig ARS will help you run all main line trains to timetable.
Please note that ARS will not perform shunting moves on Sydney Yard workstation for you - these trains will appear 'off planned path' to make them obvious.
Sydney Box was not equipped with Train Operated Route Release (TORR), but it is available in this sim if you wish to use it.
You may select one of the three ARS/TORR options:
ARS ON/TORR ON: This is the recommended option for solo play. The entire sim starts with ARS enabled and all local control panels switched out. Routes from controlled signals cancel themselves after a train has passed. ARS is divided into 'sub-groups' denoted by a pink button near the area concerned. You can disable individual ARS sub-groups by right-clicking the pink button. When you disable an ARS sub-group, all signals governed by that sub-group are placed under your manual control
All players please note: ARS cannot carry out shunting activities at Sydney Terminal for you, it cannot operate ground frames or local control panels for you, nor will ARS advance a train onto a section of track occupied by another train. More information is available in the detailed panel notes section.
ARS OFF/TORR ON: The sim starts with all ARS subgroups disabled, and they cannot be enabled by any player. Routes will still cancel themselves after a train passes the signal.
ARS OFF/TORR OFF: ARS cannot be enabled, and routes do not automatically cancel. Once a train passes a controlled signal, its route will become 'spent', indicated by a flashing signal stem. To set another route from that signal, cancel the spent route first. Alternatively, a spent route will clear again if the signal is put into Auto mode. Not all signals are provided with 'A' buttons.
The Eastern Suburbs workstation always has TORR enabled in the 2000-2018 era, as it was converted to computer operation much earlier than the rest of the area.
Train Ready to Start (TRTS) alerts the player when any train or light locomotive is ready to depart Sydney Terminal. While TRTS was available here many decades ago, station staff cuts caused the system to fall into disrepair. It was never formally decommissioned, but has not been used in decades. In this simulation, TRTS is always enabled. Once TRTS is triggered, a light next to the associated signal will flash until that signal is cleared.
Signal Aspects:
The majority of the Sydney area is signalled under the NSW 'Double Light Colour Light' system. Automatic signals in DLCL are denoted by the upper aspect being vertically offset from the lower aspect.
Signals in the Sydney Yard area are of the NSW 'Single Light Colour Light' style, which displays a single colour indication to the driver along with a smaller red 'marker' light. The marker light is only illuminated while the main light is displaying Stop. P1-3 mid-platform signals do not have a marker light.
For more information about signal aspects in New South Wales, please click: NSWrail.net
Overlaps:
Signals are positioned quite close to each other on most lines, a system designed to give the best possible headway for a frequent service. Players will note that most routes lock converging junctions beyond the next signal, or even 2 signals away. Some overlaps will release after a train stands at the signal for a sufficient amount of time, and the route 'in rear' is cancelled. The default overlap release time is 90 seconds. However, there are locations where the overlap will never release. As a general rule, try not to advance a train right up to a junction with the intent of holding it and waiting for a time release - depending on the circumstances it may take a long time to release, or not release at all.
Especially note the following locations where overlaps will not release:
- Tivoli West crossovers, when a train is standing at signal 368 or 370.
- Flying Junctions (East Down portion), when a train is standing at Down Suburban signal 403 or Down Illawarra signal 401 (401 only exists in the 1980-1995 era)
- Wells Street Junction, all lines
- Sydney Yard, all main routes on all lines (Shunt route overlaps will release after a timeout)
- Illawarra Junction, main and suburban lines, when trains are standing at signals 493, 495, 512 and 514.
Auto Re-Clear:
Blue 'A' buttons next to controlled signals indicates that the signal can be placed into Auto Re-Clear mode. Controlled signals in Auto mode will continuously clear for the same route over and over again until you intervene. ARS will not change a route that you have placed in auto.
Normally, only the 'straight' route from any signal can be placed into Auto mode. The sim will tell you via the Messages window if you attempt to engage auto re-clear for an invalid route.
At Erskineville Junction, one button controls the auto working for signals 543 and 545. Both signals must have their routes set for auto working to be available.
Operation of Shunt Controls:
Clicking on a main running signal and then another main running signal will always call a 'main' route, regardless of track occupancy. If you wish to admit a second train into an occupied platform, you need a shunt route.
If you wish to set a shunt route between two main running signals, press the 'Shunt/CO' button in the menu bar, then set the route. Or, hold the 'Shift' key on your keyboard while setting the route. Not all signals are provided with shunt routes. Some shunt routes will clear even if the line is occupied up to the next signal.
Shunt routes will automatically be selected if you commence, or finish, on a shunt signal.
A shunt indication is displayed to the driver by red over red, with a smaller yellow subsidiary light illuminated.
Not all signals are fitted with shunt routes.
Note that ARS will not admit a second train into an occupied platform automatically.
Sub-Shunting (1980-1995 era)
At Sydney Terminal, certain signals are provided with 'Sub-Shunt' capability. A sub-shunt is designed for use when a train or locomotive needs to draw just past a signal without locking up the whole station. Exit arrows labelled with a green 'SS' are positioned at the point to which these movements are authorised to proceed. More information is provided in the detailed panel notes section.
ACI
When a train reaches a point in the sim where its timetable says to form a new run, ACI will automatically update the Train Describer to match. For example, when run 111E reaches Central, ACI will automatically change the train's description to next working 111F.
ACI is always enabled, except;
Some locations are equipped with ACI in the sim, but did not have it in real life - such as Sydney Terminal. At these locations, an ACI button is provided, allowing you to turn it off if desired, meaning the player takes responsibility for updating the train's description on arrival.
ACI is not able to handle joins or divides - you will need to manually correct the train describer.
ARS, if enabled, requires each train described correctly at all times in order to function.
Illawarra Junction Panel controls the entire right-hand wing of the sim. You are in charge of ten main-line tracks - four towards Sydenham heading south, and six tracks towards Strathfield in the west.
You are also responsible for signalling trains into and out of Eveleigh Carriage Sidings (known as ACDEP in the 1980-1995 era), and Macdonaldtown Sidings.
In order to set Up Illawarra Local to Up Local at signal SY 496, signal SY 486 must be at stop with the route cancelled.
Trains timetabled to stop at any station from Macdonaldtown to Summer Hill (near Ashfield) must be routed onto the Down Local, as these stations do not have platforms on the Main or Suburban lines.
There is no timed release of overlap for trains standing at home signals 493, 495, 512, 514 and 516.
Eveleigh (known as ACDEP in 1980-1995 era)
There is a shunter in charge at Eveleigh. You must phone to request the shunter's permission before sending a train into Eveleigh via Redfern platforms 9 and 10, and also via the Gate Road (near Erskineville). You do not need to phone to send a train into Eveleigh via the Down Illawarra Dive - the shunter will see it coming and grant the slot as soon as they can - this can take a couple of minutes if you try to send multiple trains one after another. Signal SY 525 can be set into the Shunting Necks but will not clear until the shunter grants the slot. If the shunter doesn't respond to the approach of a train, you can phone them.
The shunter will ring you when a train is ready to enter the sim. In the 2000-2018 era, you will need to manually interpose the description of an entering train. In the 1980-1995 era, the description will automatically interpose.
The Up Main from Sydney Terminal and the Engine Dive are bidirectional in the 2000-2018 era. To reach the Engine Dive, trains must depart Sydney Terminal onto the Up Main line. From platforms 5 to 15, this can only be achieved using shunt routes as far as Up Main signal SY104, then main routes along the Up Main into the dive. ARS cannot set shunt routes for you, and the train describer will not step when shunt routes are used. You need to work with the Sydney Yard signaller to not set up a stand-off with arriving and departing trains facing each other. In the 1980-1995 era, the Engine Dive is one way only. In that era, all trains from Sydney Terminal to ACDEP head to the Shunting Necks via the Down Illawarra Dive.
Eveleigh Eastern Siding (2000-2018 era only) is controlled by you in this simulation instead of the shunter. The Eastern Siding is mainly used as a shunting neck for movements within Eveleigh, and there is no train describer assistance for these moves. A shunt move may be timetabled to wait for other trains to enter before returning into Eveleigh M.C. Note that signal 143 will clear and create a standoff if a train has just entered and is waiting at signal 146.
The button labelled 'Auto Shunter' is designed to aid solo play. When active, you don't need to phone the shunter for an approaching train - the sim will automatically give permission to send a train into Eveleigh as soon as a train tabled to do so is nearby. Left click the button to activate, and right-click to deactivate. This feature doesn't operate any extra signals for you - it just removes the need to phone.
Macdonaldtown CS
In the 1980-1995 era, there is a shunter in attendance at Macdonaldtown who will phone you for permission to send a train into the sim. A phone call is required to the shunter before sending a train into Macdonaldtown.
You can set a route towards Frame E before the frame is released. It is designed for a vehicle's crew to approach at low speed, stop clear of the points, and operate the frame.
In the 2000-2018 era, Sydney controls the new fully signalled sidings. Roads 5 and 6 can hold two eight-car sets per road, the others one 8-car set each. The back (buffers) end of the yard is known as "Macdonaldtown Sidings". Trains sitting at the top (departure end) of roads 5 and 6 are known as being in "Macdonaldtown Yard", for timetabling purposes.
ARS will route a train into a clear siding, but will not admit a second train to an occupied road even if that road fits two trains. ARS will ask for your help via the Messages window if it cannot set a route.
Use of the train whistle is banned at Macdonaldtown sidings. As such, a Qualified Employee (QE) is provided to assist drivers departing the Sidings. The QE rings the box from the signal post phone to advise a train is ready to depart. In SimSig, this is simulated by drivers phoning you when they are ready to depart. You must acknowledge the driver's call before they will move. If ARS is engaged, you need to manually set for the departing train up to signal 502, where ARS will take over.
Arranging Off-Sim Diversions
If you notice a delay or failure in-sim and would like your fringe signallers to send you trains on another line, you may place a phone call to Sydenham Box or Strathfield Box and request they block a line. Some trains, such as those bound for Bondi Junction, cannot be diverted to the adjacent line and will stack up off-sim until you phone again to remove the line block request.
If you telephone the Train Controller, you can request they arrange with other signallers on the network that only traffic for Sydney Terminal be sent on the Up Main line towards you. If a train is booked to enter on the Up Main but crosses at Illawarra Junction and heads to the Central suburban plaforms (16-23), Strathfield will send it to you on the Up Suburban line instead.
Especially note that ARS must not be relied upon to correctly route diverted trains.
These features only have an effect when not chained to the adjacent sim in question.
East Up is responsible for the Up Suburban, Up Local, Up Illawarra Local and Up Illawarra lines from Redfern towards the Central Suburban platforms and the City Underground (Right-to-left on screen). With the exception of the Airport Line, this area has remained mostly unchanged since its construction in the 1920s. There are flat junctions such as Wells Street and Tivoli which you share with the East Down signaller - in multiplayer, come to an agreement with your panel partner when you need to use these junctions.
There is no time release of overlap at Wells Street Junction. 'Three signal protection' of conflicting movements is enforced on the Up Suburban and Up Local lines. If you need to advance a train into Redfern P3 without locking up Wells Street, use the Shunt/CO button to show a Close Up indication to the driver.
Points from the Up Local to platform 16 become locked normal by 382 signal set.
ARS will not set signals 376 or 378 until one of the associated platform tracks is occupied.
The converging junction where P20 and P21 become the Down City Inner are 'spring' points which are not motorised and not suitable for facing moves. Players must not reverse a train back towards 20/21 after it has departed, due to the risk of derailment. Use the crossover at Tivoli East if a train needs to return to Central.
A special order instructs drivers to not challenge unexpected routing in the Up direction between Redfern and Central. This is to prevent a bank-up of trains under altered working scenarios, as in reality train crews usually change over at Central, and the new crew will receive written notice of changed instructions. Check your routing carefully.
Misrouted trains will phone you requesting new instructions - they will not depart until they have been transposed into an appropriate run for the line they are routed to (they must have North Sydney in their table to depart down the Shore, Circular Quay for the Outer, or Museum then St James for the Inner), or you need to 'Abandon Timetable'.
East Down workstation picks up trains as they emerge from the City Underground and ensures they are routed correctly between Central and Redfern or the Airport Line (Left to right on screen). In multiplayer, signallers on East Up and East Down should come to an agreement about the operation of flat junctions such as Tivoli crossovers and Wells Street.
Some crossovers at Tivoli are locked normal by the signal beyond the points being set.
Points from the City Inner to platform 18 are locked normal by 370 signal being set.
Points from the Down Shore to platform 19 are locked normal by 372 signal being set.
There is no time release of overlap at Wells Street Junction.
Prince Alfred Sidings (1980-1995 era): You will receive a phonecall requesting permission for a train to enter the sim. No phonecall is required to send a train into P.A. Sidings. When a train enters the sim here, you must manually interpose the train's description and then set the first signal out of the sidings yourself, after which ARS will take over. ARS will put trains into the sidings itself as tabled, unless a train has already entered from the sidings and is waiting to depart.
There are several points of no return at the Flying Junctions. The trap on East Down is that every train does the same thing between Central and Redfern... until one doesn't. Your challenge is to identify the ones that do something different, and route them correctly.
The 'Cug' workstation is very straightforward, existing only to monitor the Up and Down Shore, City Inner and City Outer lines.
Signalling here is almost completely automatic. Most timetables will only have one 'rail clean' move timetabled at Wynyard. In the 1980-1995 era, reversing direction at Wynyard is by ground frame and must be operated by the player. In the 2000-2018 era, the City Lines crossover is abolished, and the Shore Lines crossover may be worked by ARS, if desired.
In the 1980-1995 era, St James signal box is simulated. The box is normally 'switched out', with signals operating automatically to keep trains moving around the City Circle. Controls for St James cannot be operated until the box is 'switched in', placing all signals under your manual control. When playing with ARS enabled, ARS will operate St James box so long as it remains switched in. To switch out St James, set signals CI 78, CO 93 and CO 87, then click the 'Close' button. Switching out St James will disable the associated ARS subgroup.
Emergency replacement buttons are provided at the end of each platform. To hold trains on platforms, right click the red 'E' button. This will place and hold the associated signal at Stop. Drivers will complain if they see any signal indication change to a more restrictive one, regardless of the circumstances.
If the emergency replacement button is pulled at Milsons Point (signal SH 2.70), North Sydney will hold trains back - no new trains will enter until SH 2.70 emergency replacement is deactivated. Emergency replacement on SH 2.70 was first provided in 1993 - there is no E button in the 1980-1995 era.
In multiplayer games the City Underground panel is perfect for players wishing to observe gameplay without taking a busier workstation.
'The Yard' is responsible for Central platforms 1-15 and all its approaches, an area better known as Sydney Terminal. Originally opened in August 1906 and settled in the 15-platform configuration in the 1920s, the terminal area has seen numerous track layout changes throughout its life, but never a full and complete remodelling. The result is a wonderfully complex interlocking which reveals the age of this part of the station, and the older design philosophies that have stayed with it.
Several signals are cleared by 'oversetting', which sets up more than one signal at a time. For example, to reach the up main from platform 4, start on signal 39 and finish on signal 63 (oversetting 38 automatically), then set 6 to 39.
Signal 120 on the Down Suburban (Yard) line is 'overset only' for main routes - you cannot set a main route towards this signal. Instead, start on 105/107 and finish on 435/437/439 as required to overset 120. You should not ever need to click signal 120 unless using it for shunting. Similarly, if departing platform 4 towards the Up Main, signal 38 is overset by route 39 to 63.
To set a shunt route between two main running signals, or to admit a train from a main signal into an occupied platform, click the 'Shunt/CO' button in the menu bar and then set the route as normal, or hold 'Shift' while setting the route.
The train describer does not step to the next berth on Shunt or Sub-Shunt routes, except when departing sidings towards a main running signal. For example, at West Shed signal 61, the train description will automatically appear when the train enters, but only steps when the train is routed towards main signal 105 - all other routes from 61 have no associated berth, so the train describer has nowhere to step to and the description will be left behind.
ESPECIALLY NOTE: There is no time release of overlap for any main route at any main running signal in the Sydney Yard area. Unless fully departing a train towards Redfern, the use of shunt routes at every signal is strongly recommended. Most importantly, note that 235 points (immediately beyond signal 68) become locked Normal by any main route set towards 68, and they do not release. To get to the Engine Dive from platforms 5-15, departing the terminal on shunt routes is required, with the first main route available from signal 104.
Yard Controller: There is a Yard Controller on duty at a building in the station throat. In reality, the Yard Controller is responsible for platform allocation and directs all shunters as required. You do not talk directly to shunters or persons in charge of sidings - the Yard Controller coordinates them. The Yard Controller will phone you when a train is ready to enter at any of these locations. You do not need to phone anybody to send a train into any siding on Yard panel - the Yard Controller will ensure a shunter is in position. You just need to signal the train.
Platforms
Platforms 1-3 have mid-platform signals - main routes from these mid-platform signals cannot be set until the departure signal has been set. Platform 4 signal 6 requires next signal 39 set first. Shunt routes do not have this restriction.
There is only one train describer berth per main signal, even though trains frequently join and divide at the terminal. The 'TD SETUP' berth behind each platform is designed to assist you. Any description present in the SETUP berth will be transmitted to the associated signal when the roundel next to the SETUP berth is clicked. This action will overwrite any description currently in that berth. The TD SETUP berth does not operate automatically, and it is not visible to ARS - you must click the button.
Shunter's Releases are provided at platforms 1-5 in the 2000-2018 era, and 1-10 in the 1980-1995 era. These are for the mid-platform loco release crossovers. Before the release can be given, any train signalled into the platform must have come to a stand clear of the associated points long enough for a time release to take effect (any white route lights disappear). Once the frame is released, use the associated Ground Frame screen to operate the points and handsignal the movement. Locomotives which have 'Sydney Yard Middle Roads' in their timetable will not move until that handsignal is given, even if a different signal is cleared for them.
There is only one TRTS indicator per platform, located at the end-platform departure signal.
Middle Roads
The Middle Roads may be used for storage as well as releasing a locomotive off the buffers.
There are no train describer berths on the Middle Roads. As such, ARS doesn't know what's there and cannot operate the signals for you.
The frames are interlocked with both arriving and departing signals on adjacent platforms.
Signalling a train into a Middle Road in the Up direction requires both frames locked Normal.
A common movement in the 1980-1995 era is that a train will arrive and uncouple its locomotive. This loco is effectively trapped on the buffers, until a "pilot" loco arrives to drag the carriages out only far enough to clear the loco release points. This will allow you to operate the frame and get the trapped loco onto the middle road. The shunting loco will phone you to request permission to push the carriages back onto the buffers - authorise this movement only after you have restored the associated ground frame to Normal. Once the carriages have pushed back, the pilot will then detach and depart for its next job.
Shunting
Shunt routes from the station throat towards the platforms make heavy use of oversetting (one route which sets multiple signals simultaneously). Longer shunt routes are achieved by combinations of overset routes. For example, to set a shunt route from SY110 or SY112 into platform 6/7/8, find signal 73 and set that into the platform, then set 110/112 to 73. It's a bit tricky at first but gets easier with practice.
Up Main signal 71 (near platforms 1-4) has its main routes locked out if a shunt route is set towards it from Shunting Neck signal 77.
ARS will not set any shunt routes in the Sydney Yard area.
The Train Describer does not step any train's number to the next signal when a shunt route is used.
Timetable 'reversing locations' have been grouped together to allow maximum flexibility in your decisions. For example, if your train reverses at location 'Sydney Yard 71-75 Rev', this allows you to signal the train on any line until it is behind signal 71, 66, 73, 74 or 75. Orange buttons corresponding to each reversing location are provided. Clicking a button will show arrows pointing to every signal valid for that reversing location. Right-click an active button to hide all arrows. Plan your move to ensure you can reach your destination siding or platform without delaying other trains.
(1980-1995 era only) When shunting from platforms behind signal 88, try to avoid using routes to 104 or 105 signal. Due to tight radius on the points, some routes from 88 cannot be set in this circumstance. If you are shunting behind 88, always try to use the 'straight' route to 106, and then on towards the stop board if necessary.
Sub-Shunting (1980-1995 era only)
As mentioned earlier in this manual, a Sub-Shunt is a route which authorises a locomotive or shunting movement to pass the signal concerned, only as far as necessary. It is only available on certain routes from certain main or shunting signals, and only in the 1980-1995 era. A Sub-Shunt is set by clicking on the signal, and then the green 'SS' arrow nearby, which is placed on screen at the furthest point to which the movement may be authorised to proceed. It is displayed to the driver by a flashing yellow subsidiary indication. Apart from the route from SY110 to SY86, a sub-shunt is not an authority to move all the way to the next signal and should never be used in this way.
Sub-Shunting is best used for loco release moves, and when a locomotive needs to quickly shuffle out of a middle road and attach to a train in an adjacent platform. For example, platform 7 signal 11 and the adjacent middle road signal 12 are both equipped with a sub-shunt which allows locmotives to shunt out behind signal 29 without locking up half the station throat.
Eastern Car Shed (1980-1995 era)
The East Shed is located in the space between the Up Suburban line and the Down Suburban (Yard) line. There are two ways to access the shed - one at signal 60, accessed from platforms 12, 14 and 15 only. The other end is at Frame D, signal 100. Due to limited space off-sim, trains entering or exiting at signal 60 may need to do an out-and-back shunt at the Frame D end to reach the shed itself. This will be timetabled if required.
You will receive a call from the Yard Controller when a train is ready to enter at either end. You are not required to phone for permission to send a train to the shed.
Frame D: This is a three-position shelf switch controlled by the East Shed shunter. When the switch is set to Normal, routes in and out of the East Shed are unavailable.
When a train enters at Signal 100, the shunter will switch the frame to 'Out', enabling the route from signal 100. The shunter will restore the frame to Normal once the train has departed. The siding exit points will become locked as soon as the route is set, and will not release until the shunter sets the frame back to Normal.
To send a train into the East Shed at Frame D, it must be facing signal 114, and have the Eastern Car Shed location in its timetable. The shunter will set the frame to 'In', enabling 114(S)C route. 245 points become electrically locked in the Reverse position once the route has been set, and remain locked after passage of the train. The shunter will restore the frame to Normal once the train has entered the siding, at which time the points will release.
When a train enters the East Shed from signal 60 (near the platforms), the tight track layout requires an 'out and back' shunt at the Frame D end to access the maintenance shed. Not every train requires the shed itself, there are a couple of sidings off-sim, but most will need to shunt.
Darling Harbour (1980-1995 era)
Darling Harbour was once a major goods yard associated with a commercial port. The yard first opened in the 1850s, and by the early 1900s handled over 500 wagons of goods in and 500 out per day. The yard was demolished and redeveloped between 1985 and 1988, after Port Botany took over as Sydney's main seaport. The majority of traffic to and from Darling Harbour used an alternative route on dedicated goods lines, but some traffic did run via Sydney Box every day.
A gauntlet track is provided between Sydney and Ultimo Street signal boxes, for access to Darling Harbour through a tunnel which is too narrow for parallel double lines. Only one train can traverse the gauntlet track at any time, in either direction.
For trains towards Darling Harbour - SY82 is dual controlled between Sydney and Ultimo Street. You must phone Ultimo Street to advise the train is coming, at which point they will give the slot and allow SY82 to clear.
For down trains entering at Ultimo Street, you are in control of signal SY80 on the Darling Harbour side of the gauntlet track, and can signal the train as required.
Down trains may require a banking loco to help them up the steep grade. If this is the case, a Banking Loco Detach Point location is provided at signal SY84 on the Down Goods. A sign is erected here instructing banking locos not to assist past this point.
Powerhouse Museum (2000-2018 era)
Formerly the gauntlet track to Darling Harbour, after closure of the goods yard this line was occasionally used to ferry heritage stock to and from the Powerhouse Museum. By 2018 the line is normally booked out of use, but can be certified fit on a case-by-case basis by infrastructure staff if required.
Motorail Dock (2000-2018 era)
This is a dead-end, non-track circuited siding which used to lead to the Parcels Dock roads. Trains sent to the Motorail Dock will remain on-sim.
Regent Street
Formerly known as the Mortuary Platform, funeral trains were once run from this elaborate platform to several rail-accessible cemeteries including Rookwood Cemetery near Lidcombe, Woronora Cemetery in Sutherland, and Sandgate Cemetery near Newcastle. In the 1980-1995 era it serves mainly parcels traffic, and the occasional special train. By 2018 it is booked permanently out of use.
Engine Dive
The Engine Dive is a connection between the ACDEP/Eveleigh maintenance centre and Sydney Terminal that runs underneath Redfern station. It was originally built to allow locomotives to be dispatched rapidly towards Sydney Terminal without causing delay on other lines.
In the 2000-2018 era, the Up Main towards the Engine Dive is bidirectional. The Engine Dive can only be accessed from the Up Main. If departing from platforms 5 to 15, this can only be achieved via shunt routes as far as Up Main signal SY104. ARS will not set any shunt routes itself. You must set these routes at departure time, and then interpose the description at signal 104. Beware when routing from platforms 6, 7 and 8 - if you depart the platform on a main route towards signal SY68, 235 points will remain permanently locked in the normal position and you cannot cross over to the Up Main.
Wells Street Junction
The distance between Wells Street Junction and signals 122/123 is extremely short. The design of the panel makes it look like there is a lot more room here than is actually available. Labels are provided on each Up line showing the available standing room.
Down Suburban (Yard) shunt routes 114-112 or 121-112 require 112 to be displaying a shunt proceed aspect. Main routes from 112 are locked out if these shunt routes are set towards it.
No time releases are provided for trains standing at Wells Street Junction. Overlaps will never release, unless the train moves off.
Car and Wagon Sidings / Elstons
Redfern Car and Wagon Sidings is simulated in the 1980-1995 era only. Located near Redfern platform 1, there is no direct access to these sidings from the Down Main. Trains may shuffle from Redfern platform 2 to platform 1 via shunt signal 448, or reverse at any of several other suitable locations.
F Frame for shunting within Elstons is not simulated.
This will help players learning how to set certain routes in the terminal area
This workstation controls the Illawarra Relief and Eastern Suburbs Lines from Erskineville Junction through to Bondi Junction station. This line was commissioned in 1979 and was operated by local control panels at each station until Sydney Box was commissioned shortly after.
Most of the workstation is unidirectional automatic working with turnback facilities at Central, Martin Place and Edgecliff. In the 1980s era, Edgecliff is an emergency crossover, not used for normal working of trains. Grouped 'A' (auto re-clear) buttons are provided - a single 'A' button is provided in each direction at each location, which applies to all signals in that direction. All signals in the group must be set before the 'A' button can be operated, and cancelling any route will cancel auto re-clear on all signals in the group.
In the 2000-2018 era the expanded layout at Bondi Junction is simulated. There is no track circuit provided on the diamond in the middle of the crossover.
These notes are provided for realism only, they are not enforced by the sim and you will not be penalised in any way.
Some trains mention Manual Block Working operation in their timetable notes. This is because they don't reliably operate track circuits, and need to be manually protected by specific procedures. In SimSig, block working requirements are not enforced because trains cannot 'clear back' to you, and adjacent boxes cannot report arrival and departure of block worked movements. The note is provided for no reason other than if you wish to enforce it yourself. Block Working is mandated in real life in the following circumstances:
- All light engine movements on all lines in the 2000-2018 era except Eveleigh shed area and the Engine Dive, or when 3 or more locomotives are coupled together
- Any train of less than 4 cars traversing the diamond near Bondi Junction (2000-2018 era)
- Xplorer, Endeavour and Hunter Railcar type diesel units must use the Up and Down Main lines towards Ashfield, or Up and Down Illawarra/Illawarra Dive lines to Sydenham. On any other line they must be block worked.
Waratah-type EMUs (A and B sets, first introduced in 2011) are not permitted on any part of the Illawarra Relief or Eastern Suburbs lines.
In the 1980s, a timetable instruction was in place stating that any train, including parcels vans, running in the City Underground should stop to pick up passengers at underground stations unless specifically exempted from doing so. In SimSig, all trains will follow the timetable they are given. Timetables can be edited by right clicking on a train in the F2 Train List, selecting Edit Timetable, and making use of the tools provided. Please note that if you save the timetable after making any edits, all changes you make are saved with it.
All platforms and sidings in the sim will fit one eight-car suburban set, approx 170m, except Redfern P1. Trains calling at Redfern P1 will stop with the rear of the train inside signal SY455.
8-car 'V-Set' intercity trains, also listed as 'DD IC' in some timetables, are roughly 25 metres longer than other 8-car trains. An 8-car V-set will need the departing signal cleared and will usually draw just past it, so as to stop with the rear of the train on the platform so the Guard may carry out their duties. Check platform lengths at Sydney Terminal too - 8-car V sets won't fit on 12 and 13.
While every effort has been made to replicate the signalling as close to real life as possible, occasionally a decision is made to fit within certain limitations of this software.
- The Shunter's Releases at Sydney Terminal need to be manually operated by the player. When performing a loco release (frequent in the 1983 timetable), trains will request permission to set back onto the blocks before the points are normalised. You must ensure points are in the correct position before authorising the loco release move to push onto the buffers.
- Handsignals associated with the Sydney Terminal headshunts are always visible, and appear on screen to be shunt signals. These moves are directed by shunters on the ground in real life.
- Shunt signals 22, 23 and 24 at Sydney Terminal are not simulated.
- Rare turnback moves at Wynyard were always worked from a local control panel at the station, never controlled or released by Sydney. While ARS will carry out the rail clean moves in the 2000-2018 era, players will need to operate the frames manually in the 1980-1995 era.
- Overlaps at Wells Street Jn are more forgiving than the real life interlocking, so that SimSig's ARS can run the area without tying itself in knots.
Eveleigh to North Sydney cabride link
Olympic Park Loop cabride link
Last edited by flabberdacks on 27/05/2024 at 18:03
