Block signalling on the GNRW phase II/III:
Joe, who is doing the software side (phase II), came over and we tested an engine along all the new, and old, blocks (hardware side: phase III) to insure everything was working properly.
As usual for any project like this, some software and hardware changes were needed to have the dispatcher's panel light when the engine was in that respective block.
I had two sets of wires reversed and one block lights up another block but only before one turnout going to the logging railroad but works OK after the turnout. Kind of strange. There are two feeds from the main panel to each side of the turnout. I'm figuring I can just use a jumper wire from one side of the turnout to the other side and eliminate the one problem feed. Hopefully that works.
I'm glad I bought four more PSX circuit breakers for the yards, etc as I need to isolate the block going into the yard from the turntable area as the turntable is causing the incoming trains to constantly see a red signal, since the turntable area is on the same block as the yard.
I think I'm really going to like this signalling.
I always thought it would be nice to have but way too complicated and time consuming to implement. There still is a lot of work to do as I have to install all the BOD's and signals (phase IV).
The signals will save me a lot of time telling engineers if they are clear to enter a block. After all signals are installed, they can just look at the signal and know if the block ahead is clear. It will also be easy to just look at the dispatcher's panel and know where all trains are located.
Plus, it will be cool to see all the signals lighted and working properly.
NOTE: click on the file listed below to see the tower LCC configurations.
