Adding timetable and train order control to the C&W: Pt. II Train order system block diagram
Digitrax PR3
Computer interface DCC command station
Dispatcher computer running JMRI/PanelPro: •Sets and clears train order semaphores •PanelPro Logix allows only permitted actions • Displays signal aspects and status of acknowledge button • Controls fast clock time, rate and on/off •Rings acknowledge bells (and makes misc. sounds) audible in layout room
Train order semaphore
Nitinol wires Return springs
South Slocan Clear
Stop/orders
Acknowledge East- bound
West- bound
Fascia-mounted repeater panel •Repeats display of train order signal status in east/westbound •Acknowledge button and status for both east/westbound
5V/3A power to drive semaphores Nitinol draws 0.25A when activated
Train order station hardware •DS64 switch controller •Two latching relays • Misc. conditioning electronics
Signal base is an eight pin DIP package which presses into socket on layout
Additional train order stations
Loconet bus
Digitrax DCS 100
Digitrax DS 64
Digitrax DS 64
The train order station hardware use the Digitrax DS64 switch controllers in several ways: • Two addressable switch outputs are used to momentarily drive latching relays which switch the 0.25A semaphore power
• Two addressable switch outputs are used to continuously drive the acknowledge LEDs on the fascia panel
• Two monitored sensor inputs are used to sense the acknowledge buttons (east/westbound)
This photograph, taken of the dispatcher’s computer screen (above), shows the dis- patcher’s semaphore control panel running on the computer. There are six train order stations–just like the prototype–and the panel sets and restores eastbound and west- bound aspects at each station. In addition, the panel shows the “crew acknowledgement” status for each station. It also allows the dispatcher to control the fast clock.
cally drop a semaphore behind a de- parting train for a “fast clock” 20 min- utes (rule 91A) once the train has picked up its orders to protect it from the rear as was prototype practice. (See the accompanying sidebar.) Wow, power- ful stuff and actually pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it. If I had to build a similarly functioning Panelpro board now for someone else’s layout I could probably do it in about a week.
Getting a train across the line So how does this all work together?
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Let’s follow the Extra 4104 East, the Boundary Sub eastbound way freight, as it makes it way between Cascade and across Farron Hill in the face of scheduled train No. 81 – its west- bound counterpart. Remember that the Columbia & Western has “de- signed out” the train order operator role, so in the communication below listed as “4104” it is the crew of the ex- tra communicating in the place of the operators. [06:45] The crew of Extra 4104 reports for duty at Grand Forks (west end stag-
ing) and checks in with the dispatcher. Through the phone they chat about the status on No. 81, which their extra should meet along the way today, and the dispatcher confirms the details of their train contained in the train in- structions that the crew is holding. These details include things like the lo- comotive numbers and the starting wheel report, the name of the engi- neer/conductor and the work they have along the line. He also confirms whether pusher assistance is neces- sary. Then the crew hangs tight while the dispatcher writes up the clearance and train order No. 1, the “run extra” order creating their train. [07:30] The crew of Extra 4104 picks up their clearance and orders in the Grand Forks Terminal area of the pi- geon hole panel, checks the timetable, departs, and, acting as the Grand Forks operator, OS’s the dispatcher. 4104: “OS Grand Forks.” Dispatcher: “Go ahead Grand Forks.” 4104: “Extra 4104 East out of Grand
Forks at 07:30.” Dispatcher: Confirming Extra 4104 East out at 07:30. “Okay, Grand Forks. Thank you.”
The Dispatcher enters 4104 onto the eastbound side of his train sheet, makes note of the number of cars and puts “07:30” beside Grand Forks. [10:30] Extra 4104 East arrives in Cascade and note that the eastbound signal is clear so they have no orders. They OS the dispatcher. 4104: “OS Cascade.” Dispatcher: “Go ahead Cascade.”
MARCH 2014
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