Track diagram sources

[drmvy]

Hi,

Does anyone know if track diagrams are publicly available online?
Related shared a pdf in https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/signalling-map-of-the-uk.219123/post-5253821 and there are some resources in that same thread.

There is the NESA (National Electronic Sectional Appendix), but subscription seems to be locked behind requesting access, and through some corporate email. Loads of simulation tools seem to have them, so clearly they should be available somewhere?

Anyone knows how this work?

 

[The Planner]

Hi,

Does anyone know if track diagrams are publicly available online?
Related shared a pdf in https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/signalling-map-of-the-uk.219123/post-5253821 and there are some resources in that same thread.

There is the NESA (National Electronic Sectional Appendix), but subscription seems to be locked behind requesting access, and through some corporate email. Loads of simulation tools seem to have them, so clearly they should be available somewhere?

Anyone knows how this work?

You don't need a subscription for the sectional appendix. You can just download them on the Network Rail website.

 

[DelW]

Does anyone know if track diagrams are publicly available online?
Related shared a pdf in https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/signalling-map-of-the-uk.219123/post-5253821 and there are some resources in that same thread.

There is the NESA (National Electronic Sectional Appendix), but subscription seems to be locked behind requesting access, and through some corporate email. Loads of simulation tools seem to have them, so clearly they should be available somewhere?

As well as online sources, there are physical atlases of track diagrams available from Trackmaps, including the detailed regional ones originally published under the Quail name.

I find them very useful, and often more convenient than maps on screen.

Trackmaps

trackmaps.co.uk

TRACKmaps publishes books and maps that provide in-depth insights into the UK’s current rail infrastructure, serving both Rail Industry professionals and railway enthusiasts. Known for its popular and highly regarded Quail Track Diagram series, TRACKmaps offers comprehensive details on Britain’s rail network. Additionally, TRACKmaps provides custom rail mapping services to industry clients and contributes editorial expertise to the TRACKatlas, published by Platform 5 Publishing.

 

[swt_passenger]

Hi,

Does anyone know if track diagrams are publicly available online?
Related shared a pdf in https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/signalling-map-of-the-uk.219123/post-5253821 and there are some resources in that same thread.

There is the NESA (National Electronic Sectional Appendix), but subscription seems to be locked behind requesting access, and through some corporate email. Loads of simulation tools seem to have them, so clearly they should be available somewhere?

Anyone knows how this work?

If you’ve been to the NESA page they don’t make it immediately obvious that you need to scroll right down to the bottom of the page. The pdfs aren’t updated in real time, but they’re amended quickly enough for most purposes. Another point is that it’s the date in the top right hand corner of each page that’s the important one, the one at the bottom left doesn’t seem to change unless the whole ‘book’ is reissued.

 

[drmvy]

Oh I did not realise, I got roped into their initial bit about subscribing and did not see further.

I've now looked at the sectional appendices, they do have a plethora of maps and diagrams. I still do not find any that shows track diagram including signalling equipment, like the one found in the above mentioned thread.

I'll have a closer look at trackmaps to see if they would have this level of detail.

 

[The Planner]

Oh I did not realise, I got roped into their initial bit about subscribing and did not see further.

I've now looked at the sectional appendices, they do have a plethora of maps and diagrams. I still do not find any that shows track diagram including signalling equipment, like the one found in the above mentioned thread.

I'll have a closer look at trackmaps to see if they would have this level of detail.

You won't find signalling diagrams if thats what you are after.

 

[Western Sunset]

Open Train Times shows a certain level of signalling including signal numbers, whilst Traksy shows point numbers.

 

[WTT Gremlin]

Oh I did not realise, I got roped into their initial bit about subscribing and did not see further.

I've now looked at the sectional appendices, they do have a plethora of maps and diagrams. I still do not find any that shows track diagram including signalling equipment, like the one found in the above mentioned thread.

I'll have a closer look at trackmaps to see if they would have this level of detail.

Your best chance to try and get those would be to ask (FOI) Network Rail. I don't know of 'official' sets that are in public domain.

 

[drmvy]

You won't find signalling diagrams if thats what you are after.

That's a shame, such documents seems to exist, but so hard to find.

Your best chance to try and get those would be to ask (FOI)

I've Google a bit around FOI and found https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/requ...e/2393135/attach/html/3/FOI202301002.pdf.html

It clearly state that (in there case) it could amount to very high cost to get those documents. Though I'm surprise if there wouldn't be a central document that collects all this information for a given region. But I might be too optimistic.

I assume some of the signalling info could be found in the open data feed, as Western Sunset says, traksy and open train times have this information. So I might try to dig on that front, but it will definitely be time consuming,

 

[Freightmaster]

That's a shame, such documents seems to exist, but so hard to find.

Out of curiosity, what is your use case for this data?

I assume some of the signalling info could be found in the open data feed, as Western Sunset says, traksy and open train times have this information. So I might try to dig on that front, but it will definitely be time consuming,

If it helps, I develop my own 'realtime maps' similar to OTT and Traksy and whenever I am
unsure about the precise location and numbering of specific signals, my go to source of info
are the numerous 'drivers eye view' videos on Youtube, believe it or not!



MARK

 

[drmvy]

Out of curiosity, what is your use case for this data?

No specific use case at the moment, it's mostly sheer curiosity and rabbit holery. Though I do want to work of my own simulator as a pet project (part for my own knowledge and teach myself some UI skills, and also be able to add my own algorithm into them), so I was looking for good sources

the numerous 'drivers eye view' videos on Youtube, believe it or not!

Oh, I did not even know something like this exist, I'll have to check it out!

 

[Freightmaster]

Oh, I did not even know something like this exist, I'll have to check it out!

Here are a few that I use:

Ben Elias

Share your videos with friends, family and the world

www.youtube.com

Don Coffey

The best cab ride channel on YouTube!

www.youtube.com

Anglia Cab Rides

@AngliaCabRides Cab ride around Anglia with route information of line speeds and level crossings added to help with anyone route learning. These are made for information purpose only and not intended to be used as a training material. All the videos are recorded while working and unfortunately...

www.youtube.com

...and a playlist which contains many others:

Railway Cab Rides : UK

Share your videos with friends, family and the world

www.youtube.com

MARK