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Reference Guide for BVE Drivers |
Welcome to the Rail Sim Routes UK Driver's
Guide, a new resource to help beginners and new BVE users learn the basics
about driving the trains used by the routes developed here at Rail Sim Routes UK.
The Rail Sim Routes UK Driver's Guide is a 'work in progress', and will be expanded
over time, but please use the links below to learn more about the subjects already
covered.
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Lineside Signs |
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Introduction
While driving BVE routes, you'll encounter many prototypical lineside signs which
inform you about a wide range of things which you must act upon or take notice of,
such as permanent, temporary or emergency speed restrictions, locations where the
horn should be sounded, the correct stopping points at a platform, and a variety
of other warnings and advisories.
Below are a selection of signs you may encounter while driving either the Cross-City
South or Watford Junction to Milton Keynes Central, along with their meaning and
descriptions of what actions to take when you see them.
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Permenant Speed Restriction (PSR) Signs
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Permissible Speed Indicator (modern design)
Shows the driver the maximum permissible speed beyond this point. You should have
already decelerated to the indicated speed by the time you reach this sign.
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Permissible Speed Indicator (old design)
Shows the driver the maximum permissible speed beyond this point. You should have
already decelerated to the indicated speed by the time you reach this sign.
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Permissible Speed Indicator with Directional Arrow
(modern design)
Shows the driver the maximum permissible speed beyond this point, but the speed
applies to the line diverging in the direction indicated by the arrow. You should
have already decelerated to the indicated speed by the time you reach this sign,
IF you are taking the diverging route in the direction of the arrow. If you are
not taking the diverging route, linespeed remains unchanged. You will know which
route you are taking from the signal which preceeded this sign.
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Permissible Speed Indicator with Directional Arrow
(old design)
Shows the driver the maximum permissible speed beyond this point, but the speed
applies to the line diverging in the direction indicated by the arrow. You should
have already decelerated to the indicated speed by the time you reach this sign,
IF you are taking the diverging route in the direction of the arrow. If you are
not taking the diverging route, linespeed remains unchanged. You will know which
route you are taking from the signal which preceeded this sign.
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Differential Permissible Speed Indicator (old
design)
Shows the driver the maximum permissible speed beyond this point. The top number
applies to single axle vehicles (often freight trains), the bottom speed applies
to bogied vehicles (e.g. passenger trains). You should have already decelerated
to the indicated speed by the time you reach this sign.
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Permissible Speed Advanced Warning Indicator (modern
design)
An advanced speed restriction warning board, which alerts the driver of an upcoming
decrease in permissible linespeed. You should start to brake in order to slow to
the line speed indicated on the warning board.
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Permissible Speed Advanced Warning Indicator (modern
design for limited clearance)
An advanced speed restriction warning board, which alerts the driver of an upcoming
decrease in permissible linespeed. You should start to brake in order to slow to
the line speed indicated on the warning board.
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Temporary Speed Restriction (TSR) Signs
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Emergency Speed Restriction Indicator
These illuminated indicators are used when emergency speed restrictions are imposed.
They are positioned before any other Temporary Speed Restriction warning signs,
and have an associated portable AWS magnet. These indicators are sometimes referred
to as 'Daleks'!
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Temporary Speed Restriction Warning Board
These reflective warning boards alert the driver to an upcoming Temporary Speed
Restriction (TSR) and indicate the imposed speed. These indicators also have an
associated portable AWS magnet.
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Spate Indicator
A Spate (Speed Previously Advised Terminated Early) Indicator is used when a TSR
has been withdrawn ahead of schedule but the TSR boards and equipment have yet to
be removed, or if the TSR boards and equipment have been installed but the TSR is
no longer required. Spate Indicators are placed at TSR Warning and Speed Indicator
boards, and their presence means you can disregard the TSR and maintain normal linespeed.
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Temporary Speed Restriction Repeating Warning
Board
These reflective warning boards are placed at platform ends or siding exits, and
serve to remind the driver that a TSR lies ahead.
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Temporary Speed Restriction Commencement Indicator
This board marks the start of the Temporary Speed Restriction, along with the speed
imposed.
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Temporary Speed Restriction Termination Indicator
This board marks the end of the Temporary Speed Restriction. Ensure the entire train
has cleared this indicator before accelerating back to line speed.
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AWS Cancelling Indicator (Temporary)
Informs the driver that he/she should disregard the AWS warning just received, because
the AWS indication only applies to trains travelling in the opposite direction on
a single track or bi-directional line.
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Possession Limit Sign
Indicates the limit of an engineering possession - no vehicle should pass this board
without authorisation.
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Other Signs Requiring Driver Action
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Neutral Section Warning Board
A white on black warning board which warns the driver of an upcoming neutral section,
which is a short isolated section of overhead wire designed to seperate different
phases of the AC supply. This board is placed 1 mile before the neutral section
itself, and you should ensure that by the time you reach the neutral section, power
is cut from the traction motors - this is necessary to reduce the risk of arcing
at the neutral section itself, as well as to reduce wear and tear on electrical
equipment.
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Neutral Section Commencement Board
A white warning board placed immediately before a neutral section, which is a short
isolated section of overhead wire designed to seperate different phases of the AC
supply. You should have cut power to the traction motors by the time you reach the
neutral section; if you fail to do so, then sleeper mounted Automatic Power Control
(APC) magnets will cut power and re-apply power automatically. This is necessary
to prevent the pantograph drawing an arc between the two isolated phases of the
power supply.
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Whistle Board (modern design)
Tells the driver to sound the horn at this location. These signs are often placed
ahead of foot crossings.
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Station Stop Signs
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3 Car Stop Point
Indicates where a driver with a 3 car train should stop.
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6 Car Stop Point
Indicates where a driver with a 6 car train should stop.
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'S' Car Stop Point
Indicates where all drivers should stop, regardless of train length - used instead
of Car Stop Point signs which denote specific train lengths.
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Stop Point
A section of platform edging painted orange, this marker indicates where all drivers
should stop - used at either end of the platforms at Birmingham New Street.
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More Miscellaneous Signs
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Poor Adhesion Site (Start)
Informs the driver he/she is entering a section of line where poor rail adhesion
may be encountered. There may be an increased risk of wheelslip beyond this point,
perhaps because of increased numbers of trees next to the line, hence a greater
possibility of falling leaves causing problems.
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Poor Adhesion Site (End)
Informs the driver he/she is leaving a section of line where poor rail adhesion
may be encountered.
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Sandite Marker - Advanced Warning
Gives the driver of a 'Sandite Train' advanced warning of an upcoming sandite application
area. Sandite is a mixture applied to the rails by Sandite trains, to improve rail
adhesion and decrease the risk of wheelslip.
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Sandite Marker - Begin Sandite Application
Denotes the location where sandite application should begin. Does not apply to non-sandite
trains.
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Sandite Marker - Cease Sandite Application
Denotes the location where sandite application should cease. Does not apply to non-sandite
trains.
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AWS Cancelling Indicator (Permanently Installed)
Informs the driver that he/she should disregard the AWS warning just received, perhaps
because the AWS indication only applies to trains travelling in the opposite direction
on a single track line.
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AWS Gap Commencement
Indicates that no AWS equipment is installed beyond this point.
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Spring Catch Points Sign (old design)
Indicates the presence of spring mounted catch points. Catch points are often installed
on sidings or loops, and are used to derail runaway rail vehicles running in the
wrong direction - perhaps because a vehicle uncoupled on an incline and began rolling
backwards. By derailing the vehicle(s) they are prevented from fouling the main
line.
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Gradient Sign
Indicates a change in gradient.
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Mile Post
Indicates the current mileage from a fixed reference point.
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Quarter Mile Post
Indicates quarters of a mile.
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Automatic Signal/ID Plate
These signs identify the signal, and indicate the signal is automatic, i.e. the
aspect it displays is dependant on the aspect shown on the next signal, unless a
train is occupying the signalling block after this signal, in which case the signal
reverts to red.
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Controlled Signal/ID Plate
These signs identify the signal, and indicate the signal is controlled, i.e. the
signal is under direct control from the signal box. Controlled signals are often
used to protect junctions.
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No Unauthorised Access / Passengers Must Not Pass
This Point
These signs are fitted at the ends of platforms and warn passengers not to pass
the sign, cross the line or otherwise trespass on to the railway.
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Danger - High Voltage
Warns of the presence of overhead live wires energised at 25,000 volts.
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Other Signs you may Notice...
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Overhead Line Equipment (OHLE) Mast ID Plate
Each mast has it's own identification plate to assist maintenance engineers.
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Designated Earthing Point (DEP)
Indicates that this OHLE support is a Designated Earthing Point, which is fitted
with small attachments to allow earthing jumpers to be connected between them and
the catenary wire when the OHLE is de-energised, thereby earthing the wires and
removing any residual current.
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Track Position Indicator
A plate fitted to the platform side, with a sliding scale which indicates the railhead
height, along with other data detailing track position. Used when the track is re-tamped,
to ensure the track is in the correct position in relation to the platform. |
Limited Clearance Sign
This small red and white sign is attached to certain lineside structures, and warns
that there are no safe places to stand between the structure and the side of the
line the sign is situated.
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Content last updated: 25th January 2009 |
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