Signal Berth Codes approaching Waterloo on OTT and Traksy

[Belperpete]

Looking at the Open Train Times map for the Waterloo area, the signals approaching Waterloo seem to have two displays. These second displays start from Queenstown Road.

The display closest to the signal shows the usual train description, the one behind shows a description of the form Pxxx, where xxx appears to be the platform the train is scheduled to arrive in. However, the train description and the Pxxx codes aren't linked, as often the Pxxx code overtakes the description.

The map on Traksy doesn't show these second displays. Does the signaller see them? Are the Pxxx codes entered automatically, or does the signaller input them? I suspect they are entered automatically, as they seem to appear as soon as a description steps into the first dual berth - if they do appear automatically, can the signalman change them?

OTT don't show routes set across the immediate station throat, I assume because there must be so many alternative routes, but Traksy does. At the time I was watching, OTT had the code P010 associated with a particular train, but Traksy showed the route set into platform 9. The description stepped into platform 10, so I assume that was where the train actually went.

 

[Tom]

Yes, the signaller sees them. They basically show the booked platform for the train and is part of the Automatic Code Insertion/Route Setting system in Wimbledon box. The signaller can choose to do as they wish, though.

There are few route indications from the platform starters and the first signal out, and vice versa, at Waterloo so I expect Traksy is trying to do a bit of guesswork.

 

[Vexed]

This is a photo of Panel 2 at Wimbledon ASC (an entrance-exit panel), I'm not copying it here as it is copyrighted, you can just about see a platform number in one of the smaller square berths with the train descriptions in the rectangular berths.

Wimbledon Panel 2 (1) | Signalling Photos

Wimbledon Panel 2 (1) - Wimbledon Panel 2 (1).jpg

photos.signalling.org

 

[Belperpete]

This is a photo of Panel 2 at Wimbledon ASC (an entrance-exit panel), I'm not copying it here as it is copyrighted, you can just about see a platform number in one of the smaller square berths with the train descriptions in the rectangular berths.

Wimbledon Panel 2 (1) | Signalling Photos

Wimbledon Panel 2 (1) - Wimbledon Panel 2 (1).jpg

photos.signalling.org

Thanks for that. I wasn't aware that Waterloo was still worked from a panel. I haven't seen those half-sized TD displays used anywhere else, I wonder if they are unique to Waterloo?

 

[takno]

Looking at the Open Train Times map for the Waterloo area, the signals approaching Waterloo seem to have two displays. These second displays start from Queenstown Road.

The display closest to the signal shows the usual train description, the one behind shows a description of the form Pxxx, where xxx appears to be the platform the train is scheduled to arrive in. However, the train description and the Pxxx codes aren't linked, as often the Pxxx code overtakes the description.

The map on Traksy doesn't show these second displays. Does the signaller see them? Are the Pxxx codes entered automatically, or does the signaller input them? I suspect they are entered automatically, as they seem to appear as soon as a description steps into the first dual berth - if they do appear automatically, can the signalman change them?

OTT don't show routes set across the immediate station throat, I assume because there must be so many alternative routes, but Traksy does. At the time I was watching, OTT had the code P010 associated with a particular train, but Traksy showed the route set into platform 9. The description stepped into platform 10, so I assume that was where the train actually went.

The route information is there, but as Tom notes the whole thing is a bit painful to work out. In some cases there are 3 or 4 separate possible routes across different points from the last signal to the platform, each of which has its own bit in the data. There are also a couple of routes which cross from one panel to the other, which adds to the joy and confusion.

I wasn't aware of the platform number berths. I might look at including them, although it depends a bit on whether they look likely to be useful to many users

 

[Peter Mugridge]

A word of caution if using these platform indications to get to the correct side of a busy train to get off quickly at Waterloo - I have known the platform allocations to change at the last moment, especially if the train is held at the last signal out from the station... so wait until then before being definite as to which side you need to be by the doors!

 

[takno]

A word of caution if using these platform indications to get to the correct side of a busy train to get off quickly at Waterloo - I have known the platform allocations to change at the last moment, especially if the train is held at the last signal out from the station... so wait until then before being definite as to which side you need to be by the doors!

Tom mentioned that it shows the timetabled platform rather than the one the signaller/control have decided on. The signalled routes should be more useful, although of course only if they're correct.