Introduction
Lines layout
CCT-controlled areas
Simulation
Norac signaling
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NORAC Signaling System
Rules
The rules
define how the train engineer should behave based on the signal aspects.
In the area covered by the simulation, Amtrak uses a positional and color-based
signaling as shown here. The presence of colored lights is redundant,
since the position of the lights (including blinking) uniquely identifies the aspect;
on the same stretch sometimes one can even find the same signals
but with only yellow lights, such as that shown in the photo.
Since I did not have precise information about each individual signal,
I chose to unify all the signals using a single type, selecting the
positional signaling with colors, and taking into account
the size of the signals on the layout, this way making it easier to recognize them.
NB:
When there is more than one signal, the first is about block and advance signal,
the second about automatic block signals, and the third is for ground-level (dwarf)
block signals.
AMTRAK Signals |
Rule |
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281 Clear
Proceed at maximum allowed
speed (either at the speed limit, or at the train's own maximum speed)
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281b
Approach Limited
Approach the next signal
at reduced speed (45 MPH)
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281c
Limited Clear
Proceed at reduced speed
(45 MPH) until the train has exited the area controlled by the automatic signaling,
or until switches are free, then proceed at normal speed.
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282
Approach Medium
Approach the next signal
at medium speed (30 MPH)
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282a
Advance Approach
Proceed and be ready
to stop at the second signal. Trains that go beyond the reduced speed (45 MPH)
must lower their speed to the reduced speed as soon as their locomotive
passes the signal. ..
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283
Medium Clear
Proceed at medium speed (30 MPH)
until the train has exited the automatic signaling area and until the switches are freed,
then proceed at normal speed.
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284 Approach
Slow
Proceed and approach the
next signal at low speed (15 MPH). Train that travel above medium speed (30 MPH)
must reduce their speed as soon as their locomotive passes the signal.
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285
Approach
Proceed and be ready to stop
at the next signal. Trains traveling at medium speed (30 MPH) must reduce
their speed as soon as their locomotive passes the signal.
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286
Medium Approach
Proceed and be ready to stop
at the next signal. Trains traveling above medium speed (30 MPH)
must reduce their speed as soon as the medium approach signal is clearly visible.
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287
Slow Clear
Proceed at low speed (15 MPH)
until the train has exited the automatic signaling area and frees the switch,
then proceed at normal speed. In CSS area with constant automatic block signals
trains without in-cabing signaling system must approach the next signal
at medium speed (30 MPH) once they have left the block area limits.
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288
Slow Approach
Proceed and be ready to stop at the next signal.
Low speed is enforced within the limits of the automatic signaling
or through the switches, then medium speed (30 MPH) is enforced.
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290
Restricting
Proceed at reduced speed
until the train has freed the signal interlocking area and the
automatic switches and the first wheels have:
1. passed a fixed signal more permissive; or
2. entered a territory without DCS signaling.
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291 Stop
and Proceed
Stop and then proceed
at reduced speed until the train has freed the signal interlocking area
and the automatic switches and the first wheels have:
1. passed a fixed signal more permissive; or
2. entered a territory without DCS signaling.
Even though this signal
is found outside stations and is considered a permissive red,
it has not been used for the lack of support in creating a script
that models this behavior.
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292
Stop Signal
Stop.
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Speeds:
Each signal
has a specific speed (limited, medium, etc.) corresponding to a
number according to the following table:
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Naming used |
Mph,
(km/h) |
in the simulation
in the simulation (km/h) |
Normal
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Max.
allowed |
Max.
allowed |
Limited
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45
(72,42 km/h) |
70 |
Medium
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30
(48,28 km/h) |
50 |
Slow
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15
(24,14 km/h) |
25 |
Restricted
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<
15 (10) (16,09 km/h) |
15 |
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Signaling examples
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Main line

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Side line with LIMITED speed

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