Recently I've been seeing trains on signalling diagrams pathed as 0S00. Until now ive always assumed that its been reserved for ships, but on a few occasions now ive seen trains down as 0S00. Most of the time theyre either sitting at a platform or near a depot entrance/exit, which makes me think - is it like some sort of default headcode? seems unlikely but its the only thing i can think of other than a glitch with the signalling diagrams
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0S00 - what's the deal?
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hexagon789
Veteran Member
I think it can also be a generic shunt headcode.
Freightmaster
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This is the answer - it's used when a train needs to traverse running lines,
so something needs to be input into the Train Describer but the move doesn't
have a WTT headcode.
If the signaller forgets/can't be bothered to input anything you will usually
see 'snowflakes' [****] instead.
MARK
hexagon789
Veteran Member
Thanks for the details and confirmation
And also the low down on all those snowflakes one sees on the lines, quite often outside of winter...
Wherever I've seen it (or similar) used, it's where the headcode would be transmitted to the adjacent signal box (or panel or workstation) and thus a locally-specified code is entered so that they know it's a shunt that they don't need to worry about.
endofthetunnel
Member
Snowflakes/**** will also appear on some varieties of panels if track circuits occupy unexpectedly, or a train passes a signal at danger.
In terms of shunting, it’s all box dependant and on local agreements whether official headcodes are needed, but you’ll also see things like 0D00 or 0E00 to clarify if it’s electric or diesel, or 0Snn where nn is the platform number needed for the shunt, for example.
In terms of shunting, it’s all box dependant and on local agreements whether official headcodes are needed, but you’ll also see things like 0D00 or 0E00 to clarify if it’s electric or diesel, or 0Snn where nn is the platform number needed for the shunt, for example.
rower40
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In a few places, special descriptions trigger ARS into setting specific routes.
E.g. If you watch ECS services into North Pole depot, you’ll see the description 0I0<n> being interposed, and then the route instantly sets into transfer siding <n>. This saves the depot controller from having to phone through to TVSC for every arrival, to say which siding it is to use.
E.g. If you watch ECS services into North Pole depot, you’ll see the description 0I0<n> being interposed, and then the route instantly sets into transfer siding <n>. This saves the depot controller from having to phone through to TVSC for every arrival, to say which siding it is to use.
Class15
Established Member
Also, at Ipswich yard, 0VMF basically means a diesel loco shunting and 0FLD means an electric. It’s because the diesels use the VMF while the 90s use the Field Sidings. Quite useful sometimes for telling whether a 90 is being attached. Are there any other locations like this I wonder?
Western 52
Established Member
I've seen 1Z99 used for locos or units going to rescue failed trains. Is that code universal for that purpose?
I believe so, as an indicator of a thunderbird
Yes, it is specifically quoted in the rule book as:
The headcode is so signallers are aware of it's priority.
Trainguy34
Established Member
Is the rule book available to public
1Z99 can be used for the following:
| Breakdown or overhead line equipment train going to clear the line. Traction unit going to assist a failed train. Snow plough going to clear the line. |
Not officially. There are bits and pieces online if you search but they're not up to date.
zwk500
Veteran Member
The specific part about 1Z99 is in the TPRs as well, which are available on NR's website. (Train planners are supposed to ensure no planned traffic uses the 1/2/5Z99 headcodes to ensure they are reserved for emergency use but not everybody remembers).
Western 52
Established Member
Does the Royal train used a reserved headcode? I'm sure I was told it uses 1X01 years ago, but maybe wrong.
The Puddock
Member
No, not for a few decades now. It uses a randomly picked headcode in the 1Znn format (but not 1Z99!) which changes on each journey or itinerary.
this is the closest thing to a rule book available to the public.
most drivers go by this and their companies personalised “rulebook” which usually contains stuff like depot procedures etc
only speaking from personal experience so other companies may only go by the “standard” rulebook
endofthetunnel
Member
The RSSB rule book is ‘The’ rule book.
TOCs etc may have policies and standards which go alongside it, or give some deviations or restrictions to it, but these are the rules.
TOCs etc may have policies and standards which go alongside it, or give some deviations or restrictions to it, but these are the rules.
this is the closest thing to a rule book available to the public.
most drivers go by this and their companies personalised “rulebook” which usually contains stuff like depot procedures etc
only speaking from personal experience so other companies may only go by the “standard” rulebook
The RSSB rule book is the bottom line. TOCs can have their own appendix to the rule book but these may only expand on a procedure or introduce more stringent measures but they can never circumvent or ease the ‘base’ rules.
They can apply for a deviation. For example, TW1 requires the guard to use a green flag or lamp to give the driver the ready-to-start if the driver-guard buzzer is defective. But this isn't possible on an 80x because the cab doors are on the interlock circuit, and there are no opening windows. So GWR & LNER have a deviation to allow the cab-to-cab to be used instead.
Getting back on topic, but related to the above, I don't believe there is a deviation to allow a shunt that doesn't involve only a light engine to be carried out using 0S00, given that class 0 is, according to the Rule Book, for light engine moves...
zwk500
Veteran Member
Isn't the use of 0S00 a rule in itself though not a deviation, so you take the more specific rule to override the general rule in this circumstance.
endofthetunnel
Member
Yeah exactly - 0S00 is not a headcode as such, it’s a description which will step on TDs like a headcode (as it’s a valid format) but which has a specific meaning within the rules
There is no mention of 0S00 in the rule book, so there is no specific meaning for it. If it's a shunt with a light engine, then fine, use 0S00 as class 0 is for light engine movements. But 0S00 is also used for shunts with multiple units - such a movement should be class 5 so using 0S00 would be non-compliant. I've been asked to do such a move as 0S00, I queried this and agreed with the signaller that we'd use 5S00.
It's not just about having something to enter into the TD - the driver needs to know what to input into GSM-R and/or what to use when carrying out SoM on an ETCS fitted train. If I need to speak to the signaller for operational reasons, or make/receive an emergency call, I want to know that the signaller knows exactly who they're talking to.
endofthetunnel
Member
We may be talking about slightly different things here. 0S00 is in most (if not all?) Signal Box Special Instructions as the specified headcode to be used if there is a shunt move happening which neighbouring boxes may see ‘approaching’ but don’t need to worry about/that will be returning to you.
This doesn’t mean all drivers need to even know it’s happening, just stick with their original headcode or decide on one with the signaller in advance (as you say, for GSMR etc)
As an example, one of my boxes performs many shunts for turning sets round off depot, for which we send 0S00 ahead to our fringe box so they have an understanding - and this is then overwritten by the ‘correct’ headcode as the train moves, and the drivers at no point need to change their class 5 headcodes to 0S00.
BoroAndy
Member
Just drifting off subject a bit, but are you saying that on a '80x' if the guard has closed the passenger doors, the driver cannot get out or even open a window?
The 80x class lack openable windows in the cab and the train will not move without the the interlock circuit being complete, ie the cab door also being closed
The door can be opened whilst the train has interlock, however door interlock will then be lost meaning that the train can not move. IET's dont have openable windows which i know was a massive letdown especially for guards, but i'd assume that theres some legislation somewhere that trains can't run at >125mph if they have openable windows
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