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TRAIN DISPATCHER 3.5 - Train Dispatcher Simulation

1. 23 Train XXX Clear Stop in Block 2d Train XXX Pass Red Signal Command d Train XXX Reverse Train Command 0d Train XXX Change Crew Command 204 Train XXX Merge with Train XXX Command 2 24 XXX Split Commands ceteri te reet ree iet VR Ee EN E rede Reeves tere bd ideae rete ics 24 Use of Helper Traing arimeen nee en EH RR ERR TERCERA ea aeaa 24 Trains at 2 29 Permission to Enter 208 Block Permit Request 26 Grew Calling ra 7 SIMULATION STATUS INFORMATION 87 Train Status mU X 27 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 11 40 11 11 12 1 12 2 12 3 14 COMPUTER CONSULTANTS Ee Active Traim BIER PEEL anes nec aca dance canna hala 28 Train Territory Arrival Sched le 29 ee ES aa OE 30 Tran GS PIs iain 31 cte i de cb i tu tte er elut 31 Active Block Bertrmits e ERR TR e ERE E ER HE a 32 Active SIGW OPders
2. EE E tre 33 Alert ect RO a EUREN QNO cd 34 COP TIONG ME EPUM PEU dM 36 Flandarrn Performance echec deett am M LE Random Irain Parameter S i eu ein E Ee o CE TEE he e 36 Random Defect Detector Parameters 37 Random Switch and Signal Failure 5 Alert OPUIOMS ACLEVaLlOri escudo ak Ad tae due M TERRITORY DATA Territory Train Type Descriptions Train Information Train Data General Dialog Multiple Entries Dialog corrector eter cerent etre e onn ede bere i Train Data Work Schedule Dialog o eret ent HE En Et t RR neces Train Data Passenger Schedule Dialog Simulation Start Entrance Exit EOCaLbIOrIS RAE t e ERN EM Slow Orders VAS VIS NBI i erogare IBSMNEIRI IM FINDING A TRAIN TRACK BLOCK SWITCH DIAMOND OR SIGNAL GTC CONTROL MODE deir te ect delete eden Handler Gornrmmunicatlan mer rte ta e ree E r
3. 16 options Ne MU CT E 39 random defect detector performance 37 random switch and signal failures 38 random train performance 36 OS POMS xoc adeste a ERU ISP pO 56 pass red signal commands See train commands passenger 49 data 31 Status AY 4 permission to enter 26 platform Symbol ret ay d d 6 platform train 30 playback mode sse 17 properties BIOGR a aini Hela aei 10 iin eati t 13 ire lo Ee 46 restarting a 15 reverse 1 See train commands itl iG 6 20 saving a simulation 16 scrolling the screen 2 6 signal automatic control at diamonds 22 EE 19 entrance exit commands 20 TAMING E 38 late REED UE 57 AE 6 20 running 6 20 stack route commands 21 EE 19 SyITIDOl
4. 5 d x 1011 Stroudsburg 2 7 1 1 1 1 Washington 2 4 5 2 gt 2 4 gt 2 4 2 4 4 4 1 i Branchville 4 4 rr VE 1 a i Netcong 2 2 5 4 4 4 1 NE4 LH 32 Port Morris 4 92 4 97 2 Aa Dover J L j 4 9 4 amp 4j d 6 Figure 27 Train Graph The train graph plots each train The OS points are indicated on the left side of the display and time across the top Dots indicate when an actual OS time was recorded for the train Each train is assigned a color and the train s identifier is displayed above alternating OS hits To change the size of the train graph modify the pixel widths in the OS Spacing height and Hour Spacing width fields at the top of the screen and then click the Resize button 7 6 Performance Data The performance of individual trains can be monitored To view train performance select the D
5. Direction C Left Right SORTEM Train Type Slow Freight x Sunday Length 7002 feet Crew time 120 minutes Monday Tuesday Train enters at location at time 22 00 IV Wednesday or Thursday Train is created from m Friday Saturday Train exits at location wL or Train becomes new train none atlocation after minutes and splits into 2nd train none E Cancel Figure 43 Train Data General Dialog 9 3 1 Train Data General Dialog The following describes each of the fields in the dialog Train ID contains the train identifier The user can enter up to fifteen alpha numeric characters into this field Several trains can have the same identifier Number contains the unique train internal number The user cannot change this field Train Description contains a description of the train The user can enter up to twenty alpha numeric characters into this field Multiple trains can have the same description Train Direction indicates the train s initial direction of movement on the screen Train Length contains the train length in feet meters The length must be greater than or equal to 50 feet or 16 meters Train Type indicates the type of train See Paragraph 9 2 for more information on train types Crew Time the amount of time the crew has been on duty when it arrived on the territory Train enters at location
6. 6 simulation mode eee 17 simulation 3 slow orders ACTIVATION 41 deceit 33 territory data 54 3 split trai eee See train commands stacking a route See signal stack route commands start times territory data 50 start train See train commands start stop button 3 starting a simulation 2 14 starting the program 1 status display 4 alerts E es 35 ooo eC 9 13 status line diamorid iia i ii e e eas 14 SWE Pois 13 Stop See train commands switch ore Tauro 22 cee An aay ater 18 6 38 lao 57 POSITIONS wise etie ete ctp Oe et ep 18 properties 13 reverse 5 5 14 Status Il19 eet eer incen 13 ings Ert 6 technical 79 territory arrival permission nirs 26 arrival schedule 2 222 2 29 ate ats eee 41 cett lett td t e es 15 Test Handler sse 6
7. Train Dispatcher 3 5 m 4 774 Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type TIME The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Time DD HH MM SS The current simulation day and time The first two characters indicate the number of days the simulator has been running This is followed by a hyphen and then the hours minutes and seconds on the simulator s clock Example TIME 0034 01 15 11 12 13 TECHNICAL SUPPORT Signal Computer Consultants provides free technical support for up to one year after purchase to registered Train Dispatcher 3 customers for all Train Dispatcher 3 functions with the exception of the CTC Control Mode and External I O Mode functions A separate support contract is available for CTC Control and External I O Mode functions Please contact Signal Computer Consultants for more information To obtain technical support contact Signal Computer Consultants via the following means e Telephone 412 655 1884 e Facsimile 412 655 1893 e E mail signal signalcc com 14 WARRANTY If Train Dispatcher 3 does not operate correctly on the computer on which you initially installed Train Dispatcher 3 and after you contact us about the problem we are not able to solve it within a 2 week period our policy is to give you a 100 refund on the purchase price of the program To obtain this refund we must have the original CD Rom returned to us Page 77
8. 55 Figure 54 Wayside Detector Data Window sse nennen enne tnnt 56 Figure b5 OS Data WIndOW ert rm eH tet e eet t tret es n eee Vetere tiere ere pend 57 Figure 56 Finda Train Dialog eerte ei rr stem epe ere ren aede E ree 57 Figure 57 Train Informations xia er tee oe teo quete er euo quen ten dut ha 60 Figure 58 CTC Active Train EISE ni rne dte ane neo tr nae 60 Figure 59 CTC Active Block Permit T amp T 222 4 10 0 00000001000000000000000000000008 4 61 Figure 60 CTC Block Permit Dialog mh te e Beo teo o RR dnd 62 Page iv 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 1 INSTALLATION 1 1 Loading the Program Train Dispatcher 3 is a 32 bit Windows program that will run on systems running Windows 95 98 2000 NT 3 51 or NT 4 0 or later It will not run under Windows 3 1 Train Dispatcher comes on a CD ROM To install the program insert the CD ROM into the CD ROM drive and click the Start and then the Run buttons In the Open box type d autorun exe if your CD ROM is the D drive on your computer If it is not the D drive type the appropriate drive letter followed by a colon and then autorun exe ex e autorun exe f autorun exe etc Follow the instructions in the installation program to complete the installation The Setup program will ask you for a serial number The serial number for
9. Figure 15 Switch Normal and Reverse To throw a switch change its position place the mouse pointer on the switch which will cause a box to appear around the switch and click the left mouse button If the switch s position was normal prior to the operation it will change to reverse and vice versa There are cases where switches will not throw If the Help Messages menu item is checked located in a pop up menu which will appear when the Help menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen is clicked a message will appear to explain why the switch did not throw The following is a list of reasons why a switch might not throw The switch has a train on it occupied The switch has a cleared route over it The corresponding switch cannot throw Two switches be tied together when they are configured as a crossover see Figure 15 If you throw one switch the corresponding switch will automatically throw to the same position If the corresponding switch cannot throw because it is occupied by a train or has a cleared route over it the switch that was requested to throw also will not throw The switch failed Train Dispatcher 3 simulates random failures of switches which often occur on real territories You can determine how often random failures will occur by setting parameters in the Random Switch and Signal Failure Parameters dialog see Paragraph 8 1 3 6 2 Signal Control Signals operate like highway traffic l
10. Change the crew in block XXX Split train Merge train with train XXX To issue commands to a particular train place the mouse pointer on the block that contains the train and click the right mouse button A pop up menu will appear with a list of menu item representing the commands that currently can be issued to the train If there is more than one train in the block the commands available for each train in the block will be listed Only currently valid commands for each train will be listed For example if the user has not manually stopped a train the Train XXX Start Movement menu item will not appear If the train has been manually stopped the Train XXX Stop Now will not appear The following is a description of the train commands 6 4 1 Train XXX Stop Now Command The Train XXX Stop Now menu item command causes the designated train to stop as soon as possible This menu item will always appear in the pop up menu unless this command or the Train XXX Stop in Block command has already stopped the train Once the train is manually stopped the only way to start the train is to issue the Train XXX Start Movement menu item command 6 4 2 Train XXX Stop in Block Command The Train XXX Stop in Block menu item command causes the designated train to stop in the designated block The train will always stop at the far end of the block When this menu item is selected a dialog will appear with a list of blocks in which you can c
11. Command REVERSE Commands can be issued for throwing the switch into the normal or reverse position Example SWITCH 0187 SWITCHO0005 08 32 19 NORMAL Page 64 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 COMPUTER CON Field Number Data Name Data Format Description 1 BLOCK The type of record 2 Sequence Number 0 thru 9999 The record sequence number 3 Block Name Alpha Numeric Each block when created by Track Builder 3 can be assigned a unique remote monitor name that identifies the block to the external program Ifa remote monitor name was not assigned Train Dispatcher 3 generates one The generated name will be BLOCKXXXX where XXXX is the block number Status CLEAREDLEFT CLEAREDRIGHT OCUPIEDLEFT OCCUPIEDRIGHT UNOCCUPIED The status code of the block The status code is composed of the cleared occupied or unoccupied status of the block followed by the traffic direction when the block is cleared or occupied Time HH MM SS The time Train Dispatcher 3 issued this command The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds Train ID Free Blocks Alpha Numeric Numeric 0 to 2 This field will only exist if the status of the block is OCCUPIEDLEFT or OCCUPIEDRIGHT This field contains the train identifier of the first train traveling in the direction of the traffic This field will only exist if the statu
12. Locomotive right bitmap file and the Caboose bitmap file fields Train Type Of x Description Fast Freia 0 Type Cabs at each end of train direction reversible Startup time o seconds Reverse speed fis Locomotive left bitmap file red diesel left bmp Browse Locomotive right bitmap file fied diesel right bmp Browse Caboose bitmap file fied caboose bmp Browse Cancel Help Figure 41 Train Type Dialog The following describes each of the fields in the dialog Description a description of the train type Type a system description of the train type Page 42 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 ideni Cabs at each end of train is check box that indicates the train has cabs both ends and therefore has equal performance in both directions In Train Dispatcher 3 these trains are never considered to be moving in a reverse direction Trains that have dual cabs are usually transit vehicles or passenger trains Startup time is the time it takes to get a train started if it was stopped waiting for a signal This field is used to assign for the train type the default startup time that appears in the Block Properties Speeds dialog see Figure 9 Reverse speed is the maximum speed of the train when it is moving in reverse Locomotive left bitmap file custom icons can be added to the track execute in Train Dispatcher 3 These icons are created fro
13. The External Mode allows Train Dispatcher 3 to be driven by an external CTC machine Instead of using the mouse to clear signals and throw switches Train Dispatcher 3 in this mode will get these commands from an external machine It will also provide signal switch and track circuit conditions back to the external machine as if these conditions were generated by the wayside equipment For more information on the External I O Mode see Paragraph 12 6 DISPATCHING OPERATIONS The primary job of a dispatcher is to move trains over the territory from their origin to their destination as quickly as possible Because the amount of track is limited a number of trains traveling in the same and opposite directions must often share tracks Part of the dispatcher s job is determining routes that cause the most time efficient sharing of the limited trackage This can be a very complex task The primary tools dispatchers have in routing trains are switches and signals Page 17 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 onini 6 1 Switch Control Switches allow the dispatcher to change the routes of trains Switches have two positions which are called normal and reverse The normal position is for a straight move through the switch see Figure 15 The reverse position is for movement at an angle to the original course B ELMHUR Helper H Crossover switches end 4 GRAVEL Corresponding Fac Y Deld Hi e HI
14. Find Train Properties Save Column Widths Help Sort ID Sort Status Status Location Direction Crew Expiration Entrance Exit on territory 0 A steam p B C 2 Right on territory 500 A steam p AB 1 Right on territory 0 A steam p AB1 Right Figure 58 CTC Active Train List The CTC Active Train List window can also be accessed by clicking the Trains menu item near the top of the screen Select the appropriate train place the mouse on the train and click the left mouse button and then click the Properties button to display the Train Information dialog for the train If another train is located in an adjacent block clicking the Train XXXX Merge Ahead with Train XXXX menu item or Train XXXX Merge Behind with Train XXXX will cause the two trains to merge into one There may be times when a train needs to have the block ahead cleared but there is no controlled signal at the block entrance The Train XXXX Clear Blocks Ahead menu item is available in CTC Control Mode and will clear all of the blocks ahead of the train to the next controlled signal Train Dispatcher 3 maintains OS information The OS time is the current time on the clock Train OS data can be displayed by placing the mouse pointer on the train and clicking the right mouse button A pop up menu will appear Select the Train OS menu item to bring up the Train OS Report window The train graph fun
15. SuMoTuwe Amtrak Passen SuMoTuwe Amtrak Passen SuMoTuwe Amtrak Passen SuMoTuWe GM Auto Fast Fr SuMoTuWe KC A amp S A Fast Fr MoTuWeTh Empties to Regula SuMoTuWe CoaltolC Slow Fr TuThSa Coal to Slow Fr SuTuweThF Coal to Cora Slow Fr MoTuThFrSa CATWL 31 West Lab Slow Fr MoweThFrSa Cralta Sa Sloat Fr Er Figure 42 Train Data Window There is a different Train Data window for each of the four train data areas Figure 42 shows the data for the General data area To display data from another data area click the Passenger Sch the Work Schedule or the Multiple Entries button The first column of all displays contains the Train ID When the Train Data General window is first called up data is sorted by Train ID To sort the list by direction and the time the train is scheduled to enter the territory click the Sort by Time button This and the Sort by ID button will operate on windows for all four train data areas The user can re size columns in each of these windows by placing the mouse on the vertical separators in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button To add a new train click the New button To delete or e
16. This parameter sets the percentage of trains that will be late arriving on the territory If this parameter is set to zero all trains will arrive on the territory on time The amount of time a train can be late deviates from 1 minute to 9 hours and 59 minutes The algorithm used to calculate the lateness of a train causes lower time delays to be assigned more often than higher ones For example 50 of all time delays will be less than one hour 75 less than 2 hours 87 5 less than 3 hours etc Locomotive Problems Trains can have problems with one or more of their locomotives that will affect the performance of the train The number entered into this parameter indicates the percentage of trains on the territory that will have locomotive problems For example if this parameter set to 0 none will if it is set to 50 then 50 percent of the trains will develop locomotive problems Train Problems Trains can have problems such as broken air hoses When a problem of this type occurs the train must stop and the crew will have to fix the problem before it can move again As above the number entered into this field indicates the percentage of trains on the territory that will have this type of problem Page 36 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 odd inte Dropped Signal Derailment One of the most dangerous things a train dispatcher can do is drop a signal abruptly change the signal from cleared to stop in front of a moving train T
17. contains the entrance exit location where the train will come onto the territory This field should be blank if the train was created from another train At time contains the time the train will enter the territory This field should be blank if the train is already on the territory at the start of the simulation The time is entered in 24 hour military time To enter 1 AM type 100 or 0100 To enter 1 PM type 1300 Scheduled for check boxes that indicate the days of the week the train will be scheduled to arrive on the territory Train is created from train trains can be created from other trains To select a train identifier for this field click the down arrow to see a list of trains that could create this train Please note that you must have previously entered these trains into the system Page 45 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 COMPUTER CONSULTANTS Train exits at location contains the entrance exit location where the train should exit the territory This field should be blank if this train becomes creates a new train Train becomes a new train trains can become new trains at a specified location This procedure is used often on a passenger system where the same physical equipment is assigned a new train identifier and runs on the schedule assigned to that identifier To select a train identifier for this field click the down arrow to see a list of trains this train could be
18. 0 Lost 0 Late 0 Late Dep 0 Figure 4 Classic View Page 7 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 oni 3 4 2 Displaying Block Information Blocks lengths speeds signal directions and names can be displayed on the track diagram when in zoom in mode Only one of these items can be displayed at a given time For blocks that are occupied by a train have a cleared route or have an active block permit no block information will be displayed Figure 5 shows the block speeds displayed on the track diagram The speeds above the track line are for trains moving to the left and below the track for train moving to the right The speeds displayed apply when two or more signals are cleared ahead of the block The first number is the highest train type speed and the second the lowest train type speed for that block Helper H G Hiio GRAVEL PLAS ANALOMINK Figure 5 Block Speeds Figure 6 shows the block lengths in feet and miles displayed on the track diagram Lengths are displayed in feet or meters above the track and in miles or kilometers below the track Heiper H GRAVEL PLAG ANALOMINK Figure 6 Block Lengths The track diagram can be printed out at any time by selecting the Print Track Layout Diagram menu item under the File menu The block information displayed on the screen when the track diagram is printed will also appear on the printed copy which can be used for refe
19. 2 or in the train s status line display at the top of the screen which is seen when the mouse pointer is positioned on the block containing the train A new crew for a train can be called at anytime and be scheduled to replace a train s crew at a platform or ina specified block The time it takes for a crew to arrive at a platform or block is determined by the time the crew was called plus the travel time to the block There is a field in each block s Block Properties General dialog that contains the amount of time it takes to get a new crew to the block A crew s on duty time starts when the dispatcher calls the crew 7 SIMULATION STATUS INFORMATION Train Dispatcher 3 provides a considerable amount of information about the status of a simulation Most of this information is centered around the status of trains but also addresses block permits and slow orders The following describes various functions that provide status information Page 26 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 7 1 Train Status Line To quickly find information about a train place the mouse pointer on the train The train s status will appear in the status display line near the top of the screen see Figure 22 i Train Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel 412 655 1884 Web File Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View Web Pages C O7 03FrOdays Stop 20 TATH Re Hampton Job Sp
20. DD HH MM SS The simulation day and time of the status The first two characters indicate the number of days the simulator has been running This is followed by a hyphen and then the hours minutes and seconds on the simulator s clock 6 Train ID Alpha Numeric This field will only exist if the status of the block is OCCUPIEDLEFT or OCCUPIEDRIGHT This field contains the train identifier of the first train traveling in the direction of the traffic 6 Free Numeric 0 to 2 This field will only exist if the status of the block is Blocks CLEAREDLEFT or CLEAREDRIGHT This field contains the number of blocks ahead of this block that are also cleared in the same direction If the number is greater than 2 2 will be contained in this field Example BLOCK 0005 BLOCK0020 OCCUPIEDRIGHT 01 13 12 59 Train2 Page 74 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 COMPUTER CON Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type SIGNAL The type of record 2 Sequence O thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Signal Alpha Numeric Each signal when created by Track Builder 3 can Name be assigned a unique remote monitor name that identifies the signal to the external program Ifa remote monitor name was not assigned Train Dispatcher 3 generates one The generated name will be SIGNALXXXX where is the signal number 4 Status CLEAREDRIGHT The status code of the signal For cleared
21. Of x Save Column Widths Name Block Direction Priority Yard Entrance 24 Hour Capacity PemissionToEnter 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Figure 49 Entrance Exit Location Window This window displays information about all entrance exit locations To re size any of the columns in this window place the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The following describes each of the columns in this window Name name of the entrance exit location Block the block number that is associated with this entrance exit location Direction the side of the block the entrance exit location is on Priority 0 9 0 is highest 9 is lowest the same entrance exit name be assigned to several block locations Train Dispatcher 3 will check each of the blocks to see if the train can enter at that block If the block is occupied or cleared in the opposite direction Train Dispatcher 3 will check the other blocks assigned as entrance exit locations Priorities are assigned from 0 to 9 0 is the highest priority and 9 indicates the train will never try to enter the territory at that location Yard Entrance indicates if this entrance exit location is associated w
22. Philadelphia because of its size will not entirely fit on a screen with a resolution of 800 by 600 but will fit on a screen with a resolution of 1024 by 768 There are a number of ways to move around the territory The following lists these Scroll using the horizontal and vertical scroll bars located at the bottom and right side of the screen Press the End Pg Up Pg Dn or arrow keys to scroll the screen Press a key that represents a station call up character Each station name on the screen has a station call up character assigned These call up characters are displayed above the station names In Figure 3 the Analomink station is assigned a call up character of G If for example you press the G key the screen will scroll to position the Analomink station as close to the center of the screen as possible Position the mouse pointer close to the edge of the screen If the pointer is not located on a block switch or signal it will turn to a solid arrow pointing in the direction the screen will scroll if you click the left mouse button Page 6 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 Litto ict Position the mouse pointer on any grid square that does not contain a train switch signal diamond or track block If you click the right mouse button the screen will zoom in or out depending on its current zoom mode and the mouse pointer will be positioned at its location on the screen prior to the o
23. and Signal Failure Parameters Dialog Figure 36 Alert Parameters 0 4 0 1 21 0020001 010000000000000000000000000001 Figure 37 Function Activation Dialog sse Figure 38 Territory Data Figure 39 Territory Comments File sse Figure 40 Train Type Data Window sse Figure 41 Train Type Dialog 222 2 120 200000000008000000080000000004444 Figure 42 Train Data Window sess Figure 43 Train Data General Figure 44 Train Data Multiple Entries Figure 45 Train Data Work Schedule Dialog Figure 46 Train Data Passenger Schedule Figure 47 Start Times Window Figure 48 Start Time Data Dialog Figure 49 Entrance Exit Location Window sese Figure 50 Block Permits Window essere Figure 51 Block Permit Dialog sse Page iii COMPUTER 5ULTANTS ee 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 Figure 52 Slow Orders Window eee tenente tenerent teneret eren tenerent nennen 54 Figure 53 Slow Order Data Dialog
24. be taken out of service To take a track out of service the dispatcher issues a block permit track amp time The block permit authorizes a maintenance gang to work on the track for a specified amount of time When a foreman wants to obtain a block permit he will issue a request to the dispatcher When a request is made in Train Dispatcher 3 the dialog in Figure 21 will appear Permit Track amp Time Request EG Requestor Track Inspector Reason inspect track Track name 1 From time 07 14 To time 08 44 Time Granted From time To time 44 Request Laer Help Figure 21 Block Permit Request Dialog The dispatcher can either ask the foreman to request the permit again or authorize it for a specific time period If the foreman is not granted time he will make another request in 30 minutes If time is granted but not for the total amount requested the foreman will make another request after the first permit that was granted has expired 6 8 Crew Calling Train crews are only allowed to be on duty for 12 hours If a train crew s on duty time exceeds 12 hours crew s time expires the train will stop and will not move again until a new crew arrives and replaces the current train crew It is the job of the dispatcher to call replacement crews and to prevent train crews from expiring on the mainline The time a train s crew will expire can be found in the Active Train List window see Paragraph 7
25. field is blank the last train identifier will be used New Entrance Direction indicates whether the train re enters the territory moving forward or in reverse New Type contains the new train type if applicable For example if a train left the territory empty and returned full the user may want the train to become a different type to reflect its change in weight If this field is blank the last train type is used New Crew Time the train may have had a crew change when it was off the territory If there is an entry in this field there was a crew change and the time in minutes the new crew had been on duty when it arrived on the territory is entered into this field If this field is blank there was not a crew change and the time the crew has been on duty is accumulated from the train s last crew change 9 3 3 Train Data Work Schedule Dialog A train will sometimes perform local work on the territory This local work often consists of local trains picking up and delivering cars to industrial customers along the mainline Train Dispatcher 3 allows a train to be scheduled for local work in up to ten locations on the territory To enter information about local work the user clicks the Local Work Schedule tab in one of the Train Data dialogs which causes Figure 45 to appear Edit Train CNAWL 39 West Labadie Coal 21x General Train Data Multiple Entries Local Work Schedule Passenger Schedule Work Area Tim
26. occupied There is also a command that requests the handler to send all the block occupancy status and switch position messages This command is used when Train Dispatcher 3 is first started so that it can synchronize with the hardware Command records contain a series of fields separated by commas The first field in the record always defines the type of record and the second always contains the sequence number The sequence number is a 4 digit number Each time Train Dispatcher 3 generates a new record it increments the sequence number by one When the sequence number reaches 10000 it is reset to zero Command records are not case dependent CONTROL is the same as control Leading zeroes are not necessary 09 01 01 is interpreted the same as 9 1 1 by Train Dispatcher 3 There are six types of command records The following table lists these types Type Field Code Description Control CONTROL Requests the handler to perform a specific control command not related to switch signal or block commands Time TIME Contains the Train Dispatcher 3 s time when requested by a command issued by the handler Signal SIGNAL Requests a specific signal command Switch SWITCH Requests a specific switch to change its position Block BLOCK Provides speed control or train identifier information Error ERR Contains error information about a bad message received by Train Dispatcher 3 in the td3ctcindications ixt Page 6
27. on the territory in the next 8 hours Train Dispatcher 3 breaks this data out into four data areas The following describes these areas General Information contains general identification information about a particular train such as its type length the time and location of entry onto the territory if it was created from another train if it is to become another train the days of the week it is scheduled to run and where it is to exit the territory Multiple Entries contains specific information about a train that is to leave the territory and later return Work Schedule contains specific information about a train that performs local work in a track area Passenger Schedule contains specific information about when a train is scheduled to depart station platforms Train Dispatcher 3 has separate windows for each of these categories and separate dialog displays for entering data To enter train data select the Train Schedule menu item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Train Data General window shown in Figure 42 will appear Page 43 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 E Train Data General L GE x General Passenger Sch Work Schedule Multiple Entries Save Widths Add Edit Delete Sort by ID Sort by Time TrainiD_ Description Type Direction Length Entrance Entrance time Days of Week Created from Become Amtrak Passen
28. order becomes active When train is late arriving at a passenger station When a train has locomotive problems which affect the train s performance When train is having problems that require it to stop When a train s crew will expire in two hours When a train s crew expires The user can decide which alert messages will be generated and whether they will have an associated audio alarm see Paragraph 8 2 Alert messages will appear in the status line near the top of the screen see Figure 31 if the mouse pointer is not placed on a train track block switch diamond or signal If the mouse pointer is on any one of these items instead of the alert message information on that item will be displayed in the status line mu Train Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel 412 655 1884 Web www signalcc cq Fie Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View Web Pages rdering Help O7 03FrOdays Stop 54 15 TATH Rer Newt an ALERT 0004 07 02 Train Work Extra has just arrived on territory at H1 Figure 31 Alert Messages The alert displayed in the status line is either the last alert that occurred or the last alert the user looked at To set this option to be the last alert that occurred select the Display Last Alert menu item under the View menu There are three buttons located above the status line that are associated with the alert system These are th
29. stop the train walk to the car that is the subject of the alarm and determine if the alarm was real or false This process will cause the train to be stopped for a period of time based on the distance from the front of the train to the car that caused the alarm False Alarms Not all alarms are real A number of them are false This parameter sets the percentage of alarms that are false If the alarm is false the train will restart immediately after the car is checked If the alarm is real the train will be stopped for an additional period of time while the crew corrects the problem Page 37 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 onini 8 1 3 Random Switch and Signal Failure Parameters To enter the switch and signal failure parameters for the random performance generator select the Random Switch and Signal Failure Parameters item under the Random menu Figure 35 will appear Random Switch and Signal Failure Parameters x Switch failures per 1 000 throws I Signal failures per 1 000 clears o Time for maintainer to arrive fi 20 minutes Random maintainer arrival time percentage deviation 50 Help Figure 35 Random Switch and Signal Failure Parameters Dialog The user can define a range of randomness for switch and signal failures The following describes each of the fields in the Random Switch and Signal Failure Parameters dialog Switch failures Switches sometimes fail to throw
30. the Slow Order menu item in the menu bar and the window in Figure 29 will appear Active Slow Order List Sort Track Sort Time Save Column Widths All Pending Active Number Status Track Block Switch Name Fast Frat Slow Active Track H 3 07 00 Permanent Figure 30 Active Slow Order List Window This window is dynamically updated As the status of slow orders change the window will be continually modified to reflect the changes The list can be sorted by track name or the slow order s requested or actual start time To sort by the track name or the slow order s requested or actual start time click the Sort Track or Sort Time buttons respectively To display only the slow orders that are pending or those that are active check the Pending or Active boxes respectively The user can re size any of the columns in the window by placing the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the new column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The following describes each of the columns in this window Number contains the internal system number of the slow order Status contains the status of the slow order Page 33 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 or niter Track Block Sw
31. the slow order is always in affect From time contains the start time of the slow order The time is entered in 24 hour military time For example 1 AM would be entered as 0100 and 1 PM as 1300 To time contains the end time of the slow order The time is entered in 24 hour military time For example 1 AM would be entered as 0100 and 1 PM as 1300 Scheduled for is a group of check boxes that indicate the days of the week the slow order is in affect SLOW ORDER SPEEDS the maximum speed a train will be allowed to move over the track section block or switch during the slow order Maximum speeds are set for each train type in each direction Page 54 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 dde If there is no speed in this field for a type of train in a specified direction the speed of the train over the track section block or switch during the slow order will not vary from its normal speed over the track section block or switch 9 8 Wayside Detectors Up to ten types of wayside detectors can be specified for a territory Wayside detectors are used to monitor passing trains for various types of problems Two of the most common types of wayside detectors are hot box journal and dragging equipment To view information about wayside detectors select the Wayside Detectors item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Wayside Detector Data window shown in Figure 54 will a
32. the train If the screen is in Graphic display mode an icon representing a locomotive is displayed on the track If the train is moving in reverse an icon representing a caboose is displayed If more than one train occupy a block the train identifiers of the other trains in the block will be displayed below the track The lead train will be above the track and the following trains will be displayed below the track in the order in which they are moving through the block If any of the train identifiers are displayed in red those trains are at stop If in blue those trains are moving A train may occupy more than one block at a time since a train can be longer than a block If the program is in Graphic display mode a locomotive will partially overlay the block into which a train is moving and a caboose will partially overlay the block the train is leaving Arrows will be displayed to indicate the direction in which trains are moving Locomotive and caboose icons may in some cases be displayed on top of these arrows Green indicates the track block is part of a cleared route Arrows indicate the direction of the route Yellow indicates the track is part of a route that is stacked scheduled to be automatically cleared Light Blue indicates a block permit will become active in the next 30 minutes The time at which the block permit will become active is displayed above the track block Dark Blue indicates a block permit
33. the train will pass into any block for which a helper is required even if the signal allowing the train to enter the block has been cleared STARTUP is the time in seconds before the train will start moving into the block if the train is at stop waiting for the signal to be cleared 3 5 2 Switch Information When the user places the mouse pointer on a grid square that contains a switch the status display line at the top of the screen will display some information about the switch see Figure 10 Train Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants 412 655 1884 Web www signalcc cq File Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View Web Pages rdering Help not started Stop 20 TATY wt 22 0 Name S w 000 High Reverse 30 Low Reverse 30 Switch failure maintainer will fix at 02 09 Figure 10 Switch Status Line The information fields in the status line from left to right are the following The switch number switch name The train speeds when train goes over a switch that is in the reverse position The highest and lowest train speeds of all types of trains are shown Switch failure information including the time a maintainer will arrive to fix a switch To display more information about the switch place the mouse pointer on the switch and click the right mouse button and the dialog in Figure 11 will appear Page 12 14 November 2003 Train Dispatche
34. this file When it reaches 1 000 000 bytes Train Dispatcher 3 will reduce its size to 800 000 bytes by deleting the oldest records To view the CTC Log file select the View Show CTC Control Log File menu item 11 4 Train Tracking When Train Dispatcher 3 receives a block status message indicating that a block previously unoccupied is now occupied it will search the adjacent blocks for the train cleared into the blocks If it finds the train it will display the train identifier on the new occupancy block and move the train icon to it if in graphic display mode Please note that the train found in the adjacent block must have a clear signal into the newly occupied block If a train is not found it will create a new train and assign it an identifier The format for the identifier will be Tdxxxx where d is the day of the week 0 for Sunday 1 for Monday etc and xxxx is the train number The train number starts at 0000 at the beginning of the simulation and increments by one each time a new train is created The direction a new train will face is left unless traffic direction information was included in the block status message sent by the handler When Train Dispatcher 3 receives a block status message that a block previously occupied is now unoccupied it will remove the train identifier from the block If the train is not occupying another block Train Dispatcher 3 will assume the train has left the territory Please note that the train tra
35. 14 November 2003 Index active block permits window 32 active slow order 33 active train list 28 alert Go to 0 0 0 9 3 35 Next button 3 35 Prev DUttOn uci tet rere ee 3 35 ODUONS tpe A 39 d tested 40 Status NING vei ett eet rs 35 SYSTEM description 34 automatic signaling at diamonds See signal automatic control at diamonds block ei orn 5 displaying lengths iiio tte SE t ER 8 MAM CS wet tice 8 signal direction 8 519151578 LUE 8 crete rc EC e 57 11 5 permit 5 permit pending 5 properties general dialog 10 tee gus 22 See 511216 dta e HER noe i o cod 5 Status linea nua 9 iue E 5 track names sese 10 block permit actiVatlon io netos epo adi eoe ds 41 ACTIVE Ta a tede da arch dw eee had 5 32 CTC Control 61 ptm 5 request authorization d
36. 18 18 Yes 120 20 20 20 Yes 120 Regular Freight 20 20 20 Yes 120 20 20 20 Yes 120 Helper 20 20 20 Yes 120 20 20 20 Yes 120 Figure 9 Block Properties Speed Page 11 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher3 5 zz M BLOCK TRAIN SPEEDS specifies the speeds of trains based on train type and the number of blocks than are cleared ahead The system is designed to handle up to four speed aspects If the next block is not clear the train will stop when it reaches the end of the current block If the block beyond the next is not cleared the train must travel at a lower speed than its maximum in anticipation of stopping at the end of the next block Other fields pertaining to train speeds are TYPE lists the train type descriptions NONE Left Right Cleared Ahead Blocks contains the train speed in the current block if the next block is not cleared for the train train will stop at the end of the current block ONE Left Right Cleared Ahead Blocks contains the train speed in the current block if one block beyond the current block is cleared for the train TWO Left Right Cleared Ahead Blocks contains the train speed in the current block if two blocks beyond the current block are cleared for the train HELPER if checked indicates that the train type requires a helper for it to travel through the block The user will have to merge a helper with the train before
37. 2 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 The following six tables describe the fields in each type of command record An example follows each table COMPUTER CON Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type CONTROL The type of record 2 Sequence 0 thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Command ALLDATA Requests the handler to send all switch positions and Type block occupancy status records 4 Time HH MM SS The time Train Dispatcher 3 issued this command The first two characters are the hours the next two the minutes and the final two the seconds Example CONTROL 0034 ALLDATA 14 33 19 Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type TIME The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Time HH MM SS The current time The first two characters indicate the hour followed by the minutes and seconds on the Train Dispatcher 3 clock Example TIME 0034 15 11 12 Page 63 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 COMPUTER CON Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type SIGNAL The type of record 2 Sequence 0 thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Signal Alpha Numeric Each signal when created by Track Builder 3 can be Name assigned a unique remote monitor name that identifies the signal to the external program If a remote monitor name was no
38. 2 time 3 track file loading See changing the territory track 5 See block track names train active train list window 28 entrance eet Ap Rer 29 iet ntn inen ES 29 dert 57 CONS IEEE 44 le gt Iis 28 46 multiple entries dialog 47 OS 29 passenger 49 platform 222 30 properties general dialog 46 random 36 Status lIne icai coe ed E eerie nes 27 territory arrival 29 territory data 44 work schedule 48 train command change 2 24 merge with train 24 pass red 2 23 ede tiie eater 23 24 e 23 joy P 23 train commands sss 22 train frequency at junctions See diamond train frequency erae 31 train speeds See block speeds tralD trackilg uio iter eta er eei ei iine 59 train types 43 54 trains at juncti
39. ANTS ee Table of Contents INSTAELATION Loading the Program Starting the Program WHATS utn GETTING FAMILIAR WITH TRAIN DISPATCHER sssssesssesssessssssssessesssessssesssesssessseesseessneesseessnessneesneesseessesaneesneenseesaneesaes 3 Screen Garponernbsss oe E eS 3 Track Diagram Symbols ERROR TERR QU EDBUUPEREORMUNH E aia PRIN NERONE 4 7 Classic and Graphic VIEWS ie ee e EH TERCER WE Hee heres 7 Displaying Block normat iss ser eco ett reo Mene pea t aD ar 8 Displaying Detailed Track and Train Information 9 Track Block INFORMALION 9 Switch Information 4 13 Diamond Information 4 14 STARTING 22020400 m14 ReSta rting a Simulation ota i Ro dee 15 Territory LIDParies TEUER E EE ELIT 15 Changing the Territory 4 1 Saving Simulation sss 16 Opening a Pre
40. Boonton Cementer stopped waiting signal Passenger Newton 0 36 scheduled to arrive Passenger Lake Hopatcong 11 34 stopped waiting signal Passenger moving forward Passenger became another train Passenger stopped at Netcong s Passenger scheduled to arrive Passenger scheduled to arrive Slow Freight scheduled to arrive Passenger scheduled to arrive Passenger scheduled to arrive Fast Frat Sl scheduled to arrive Regular Frei scheduled to arrive Slow Freight scheduled to arrive Regular Frei stanned miaitinn sinnal Renuilar Frei Lake Hopatcong 07 14 Netcong 07 18 Pocono Summit 12 10 Pocono Summit 08 00 Blairstown 12 04 Blairstown 03 28 oogooooog Figure 23 Active Train List Window This window is dynamically updated As trains move and their status change the window will be modified to reflect these changes To stop this window from updating click the Stop button to stop the simulation clock Page 27 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 The list can be sorted by train identifier train status or by estimated time of arrival departure ETA To sort by train identifier status or ETA click the Sort ID Sort Status or Sort ETA buttons respectively To display only the trains that are scheduled to arrive on the territory are stopped are moving or are off the territory and will not return check the Arriving Stopped Moving or Completed bo
41. Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type SWITCH The type of record 2 Sequence 0 thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Switch Alpha Numeric Each switch created by Track Builder 3 can be Name assigned a unique remote monitor name that identifies the switch to the external program If a remote monitor name was not assigned Train Dispatcher 3 will recognize a name that uses its internal switch number The format is SWITCHXXXX where XXXX is the switch number 4 Time HH MM SS The time the external program issued this command The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds 5 Switch NORMAL The switch position command being issued Command REVERSE Commands can be issued for throwing the switch into the normal or reverse position Example SWITCH 0187 SWITCHO0005 08 32 19 NORMAL 12 3 Status Indication Records Status records are generated when the status of a block signal or switch changes when Train Dispatcher 3 receives a command record that requests information or when there is an error in a command record Status records contain a series of fields separated by commas The first field in the record always defines the type of record and the second always contains the sequence number The sequence number is a 4 digit number the sequence number by one When the sequence number reaches 10000 it is reset to zero There are five types of status indication records The following table lis
42. ID New Entrance Direction New Type New Crew Time se x 660 Forward 7 Reverse E inone gt gt Forward Reverse none E 71 gt Forward Reverse inone i none none 1 Fomward 7 Reverse gt gt Foward 7 Reverse none E inone inone Forward C Reverse none M none 71 inone 71 Fomward Reverse E um Jinone gt none gt Fomward Reverse E inone inone Forward 7 Reverse none o Ello EE Figure 44 Train Data Multiple Entries Dialog The following describes the fields in the Train Data Multiple Entries dialog Entrance contains the location where the train will return to the territory Page 46 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 E rors Exit contains the location where the train should leave the territory after it re entered the territory at the location specified in the Entrance field Delay contains the time in minutes from the time the train leaves the territory until it returns to the territory at the location specified in the Entrance field New ID contains the new train identifier for the train when it re enters the territory at the location specified in the Entrance field If this
43. Schedule Passenger Schedule Add minutes to departure times Add Scheduled Dwell Time Departure in seconds Platform Name Pocono Summit Cresco Stroudsburg mm Blairstown Washington 0 Branchville 08 30 15 Newton 07 36 30 Netcong 06 59 120 Lake Hopatcong T Help Figure 46 Train Data Passenger Schedule Dialog Each Train Data Passenger Schedule dialog can display up to 10 station platform names If the territory has more that 10 platforms there will be multiple Train Data Passenger Schedule dialogs Each will have a tab such as Passenger Schedule 1 Passenger Schedule 2 etc The following describes the fields in the Train Data Passenger Schedule dialog Platform name names of the platforms defined for the territory The user cannot add or delete platform names in this dialog To perform this function select the Station Platform Data menu item under the Data menu in the menu bar Scheduled Departure contains the time the train is scheduled to depart the passenger station or platform The time is entered in 24 hour military time To enter 1 AM type 100 or 0100 To enter 1 PM type 1300 Dwell Time contains the amount of time in seconds the train will stay at the station to load and unload passengers The first train in Figure 46 will depart for example 60 seconds
44. TRAIN DISPATCHER 3 5 User Manual 10 November 2003 int Train Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel 412 655 1884 Web www signalcc com File Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View WebPages Ordering Help 07 00 Fr 0 days Stop B7 ston 20 TATY 55 5 ALERT 0001 07 00 Slow Order Active Location Track 3 permanent A B C D 4 lt 5 ELMHURST MOSCOW LEHIGH GOULDSBORO TOBYHANNA PO Helper H G Ready GRAVEL PLACE STROUDSBURG SLA Delaware Water Gap L PORT MORRIS GREENDELL LH LHR to Maybrook gt j 5 version of dlw58 trk Trains 6 Miles 0 Hr 0 Stop 0 Lost 0 Late 0 Late Dep 0 7 Copyright 2000 Signal Computer Consultants All rights reserved Train Dispatcher 3 5 COMPUTER CONSULTANTS Signal Computer Consultants P O Box 18445 Pittsburgh PA 15236 Tel 888 872 4612 toll free US and Canada only Tel 412 655 1884 Fax 412 655 1893 E mail signal signalcc com Web Page www signalcc com Train Dispatcher 3 and Track Builder 3 are dedicated to Frank Bryan and Fred Frailey who tested both programs over a four month period and provided many suggestions on improvements It is doubtful that these programs could have been successfully completed without their help and support Page ii 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 COMPUTER CONSULT
45. The most common reason to merge two trains is to facilitate the use of a Helper train to power a second train over a steep grade Because of the safety controls that are a part of CTC the merging of two trains requires several steps The CTC circuitry normally will prevent two trains from occupying the same block at the same time When a heavy train encounters a grade it cannot traverse it will stop and its status will indicate the train is stopped waiting for a helper The trains in a particular territory that are available as helpers can be seen in the Active Train List Window A train designated as a helper must be maneuvered to the block immediately behind the block containing the train needing more power The helper will automatically stop when it encounters the red signal at the entrance to the block containing the other train The dispatcher can instruct the helper to go through the red signal and into the block by right clicking on the train and selecting the Train XXX Pass Red Signal menu item The train will then proceed into the block and stop behind the other train Once the helper is stopped behind the other train the dispatcher can instruct the two trains to merge by right clicking on the helper and selecting the Train XXX Merge with Train XXX menu item The two trains will henceforth move as one train and assume the train identifier of the original forward train After the grade has been traversed the merged train can be s
46. Train Dispatcher 3 is the same serial number you received for Train Dispatcher and or Train Dispatcher 2 When Train Dispatcher 3 is installed the Setup program will load the program into the Train2 folder default and create a desktop icon 1 2 Starting the Program There are four ways to start the program To start the program Click the Start button point to Program then to the Train2 folder and click on the Train Dispatcher 3 program Double click on the Train Dispatcher 3 icon on the desktop Open the Windows Explorer find the Train Dispatcher 3 exe file in the Train2 folder and double click on the file Open the Window Explorer find a track file track files have a trk file name extension in the Train2 folder and double click on the file This will cause the Train Dispatcher 3 program to start and load the track file on which you clicked After starting the program the Track Display appears see Figure 1 2 WHAT S NEW Train Dispatcher 3 has been designed to meet the requirements of a major Class railroad and also include many of the suggestions from our Train Dispatcher 2 customers Territories developed using Track Builder 2 can be loaded into Train Dispatcher 3 however some of the new features require data they can only be generated by the Track Builder 3 program The following is a brief list of some of the new features of Train Dispatcher 3 Simulations can run for multiple days up to 90 t
47. a particular piece of external hardware These allow Train Dispatcher 3 to have one common interface for many types of external equipment It also allows users to develop their own handlers for new types of equipment Even though Train Dispatcher 3 is capable of operating as a CTC office for a commercial railroad Train Dispatcher 3 customers are not licensed to use Train Dispatcher 3 in any commercial application Use of Train Dispatcher 3 in commercial applications is strictly prohibited If you are interested in using Train Dispatcher 3 in a commercial application please contact Signal Computer Consultants at 888 872 4612 or 412 655 1884 CTC Control Mode is a free upgrade to Train Dispatcher 3 customers Because it is a free upgrade we do not provide free support for the CTC Control Mode function A support contract is available For more information about a support contract for the CTC Control Mode function contact Signal Computer Consultants at 888 872 4612 or 412 655 1884 11 1 Handler Communication Train Dispatcher 3 communicates with equipment handlers by writing to and reading messages from two comma delimited text files Although this is not a very elegant means of communication between two programs itis very simple and extremely easy to troubleshoot Normally these two files reside in the same folder as the Train Dispatcher 3 program Train3 exe but can be assigned to another folder or disk RAM disk by clicking on the Options Assig
48. after it arrived if it is behind schedule If it is running ahead of schedule it will depart at the scheduled departure time Add XXX minutes to departures since adding passenger schedules is a long and tedious process we added this feature to simplify the schedule entry for subsequent or earlier trains that run on schedules similar to trains already entered To add or subtract time from a train schedule enter the time Page 48 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 E erent in minutes negative minutes to subtract time and click the Add button All departure times in the Train Data Passenger Schedule dialog will be immediately updated 9 4 Simulation Start Times When a simulation is started the user can specify a number of start times The user can view information about start times To view the start time data select the Start Time menu item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Start Times window in Figure 47 will appear Start Times Dl View Save Column Widths Start Time StatDay EndTme After days Train Block Direction Train Block Directior TuweThFr 1009 32 0252 Left Hampton Job 43 01 Mo 1009 32 0252 Left Hampton Job 43 01 Sa Hampton Job 43 01 1053 60 0158 Right Su Cementer 79 0368 Figure 47 Start Times Window This window displays information about all of the start times To re size any column in this window pla
49. al failure 2596 on the second attempted throw 12 596 on the third throw etc The user will be asked if a maintainer should be called to correct the problem While waiting for a maintainer to fix a signal stuck on red the user can allow trains to pass the failed signal For more about this see Paragraph 6 4 5 Time for maintainer to arrive It takes a certain amount of time for a maintainer to arrive and fix the problem In this field the user specifies in minutes this amount of time Random maintainer arrival time The amount of time it takes for a maintainer to arrive and fix a problem is not always constant This field allows the user to specify limits on the randomness of the arrival time If 5096 is entered into this field and the maintainer s arrival time is 2 hours then the random arrival time will be between 1 and 3 hours Page 38 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 8 2 Alert Options There are a number of alert messages that can be activated or de activated by the user The user can select which alert messages are active and if they will produce an audio alarm The audio alarm can either use the computer s internal bell or a sound card To select the alert options click the Alert Parameters item under the Options menu Figure 36 will appear Alerts Parameters x Alerts Bells Sound File Train arrived on territory default v Ves Browse Train stopped waiting signal Ye
50. always defines the type of record and the second always contains the sequence number The sequence number is a 4 digit number Each time the handler generates a new record it increments the sequence number by one When the sequence number reaches 10000 it is reset to zero There are four types of status indication records The following table lists these types Type Field Code Description Control CONTROL Requests Train Dispatcher 3 to perform a specific control command Signal SIGNAL Contains the current signal status Switch SWITCH Contains the current switch status Block BLOCK Contains the current block status Each of the following tables describes the fields in each status indication record type and is followed by an example Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type CONTROL The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Command TIME Requests Train Dispatcher 3 to send its current time Type TIME command record 4 Time HH MM SS The time the handler generated this message The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds Example CONTROL 0023 TIME 15 46 09 Page 66 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 COMPUTER CON 5ULTANTS Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type SIGNAL The type of record 2 Sequence O thru 9999 Th
51. am 4 6 Loading Previous Simulation A list of the 10 most recently used track trk or previous simulation ssm files will appear as menu items under the File menu Simply click on one of these menu items to load the appropriate track or previous simulation file 4 7 Saving the Startup Switch Positions and Signal Conditions After you have simulated a given territory several times you will notice that the initial switch positions and signal conditions you set will not vary from time to time You will most likely always begin the simulation in the same way It is convenient therefore to save these initial switch positions and signal conditions To save these parameters before clicking the Start button the second time to start the simulation s clock set the switch positions and signal conditions and use the Save Simulation As menu item under the File menu as described above This action will preserve these initial settings to be returned to on future simulations of the territory On future uses of the territory choose the Open Previously Saved Simulation menu item under the File menu instead of Change Territory Track File 5 MODES OF OPERATION Train Dispatcher 3 has five modes of operation These are Simulation with no playback Simulation with playback Playback CTC Control External I O The mode of operation can be selected by clicking the Mode menu item in the menu bar This will cause a pop up me
52. any given time To determine if a diamond is automatically signaled place the mouse pointer on the diamond and look at the diamond s parameters in the Status Display line Page 21 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 6 3 Train Speeds The safety system determines the speeds trains shall travel Because locomotive engineers usually can not see far enough ahead to know if they must soon stop they must rely on the signaling system to tell them how fast they should be going The wayside signals will tell the engineer how many blocks ahead are cleared for his train Most systems have three aspects which indicate the condition of the next two blocks The three aspects are stop clear to proceed through the next block preparing to stop at its end and clear to proceed through the next two blocks Train Dispatcher 3 is designed to handle up to four aspects which gives the engineer information about the next three blocks The speed a train travels through a block depends on the type of train and the number of blocks that are cleared ahead of the train To display the train speeds for a particular block follow the instructions in Paragraph 3 5 1 6 4 Train Commands Train Dispatcher 3 allows the user to issue commands directly to a train crew The following is the list of commands Stop the train now Stop the train in block XXX Start the train Clear stop train request Pass next red signal Reverse the train
53. as not really CTC Interlockings were controlled by wayside towers under the verbal control of the dispatcher Notice that many tracks are signaled for movement in one direction only under Automatic Block Signal rules Single track branches were operated by timetable and train order The Work Areas for local freights are marked with a diamond symbol Helpers Eastward trains BH8 A BH4 THX and NE have helpers on their trains when they enter the territory at Scranton These helpers will automatically split from the train just east of the crossovers at Lehigh and you must return them to Scranton Westward trains HB7 2 HB9 and HBS will stop just west of Analomink to attach merge helpers Helpers must be manually split i e by you at Pocono Summit just east of the crossover and returned to Analomink for their next assignment Most hand crossovers in double track territory are 2 mph to compensate for the time required to hand operate the switches Frank W Bryan who worked at Port Morris Yard in 1956 7 Figure 39 Territory Comments File Page 41 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 9 2 Train Type Descriptions Trains can be designated as one of ten types To view the train types select the Train Type Description item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Train Type Data Window in Figure 40 will appear Train Type lof x Edit Save Column Widths De
54. at could be designated as the ending signal These are the first signals to the right of the entrance signal on the second and third tracks from the top of the figure You can designate up to five stacked routes per signal The first stacked route you enter will be the next route cleared when the current conflict is resolved To see a list of stacked routes place the mouse pointer on the signal and click the right mouse button A pop up menu will appear which will have a Delete Stack Command XXX entrance signal name exit signal name menu item for each stacked route To close the pop up menu place the mouse pointer at any location outside the pop up menu and click the left mouse button To delete a stack command select the appropriate Delete Stack Command menu item 6 2 6 Automatic Signaling of Diamonds Diamonds can be automatically signaled This means that routes can be cleared across a diamond in both directions at the same time conflicting routes are cleared across a diamond the first train that hits the approach track to the diamond will be cleared to proceed across the diamond The signals governing the diamond for the other routes will automatically go to stop until the diamond is no longer occupied by the first train at which time the next train to arrive at the approach track to the diamond will be cleared to proceed If the diamond is not set to be automatically signaled only one route across the diamond can be cleared at
55. ata Format Description Number Name 1 Device SIGNAL The type of record Type SWITCH BLOCK 2 Device Alpha Numeric Each signal switch and block when created by Track Name Builder 3 can be assigned a unique remote monitor name that identifies the signal to the external program If a remote monitor name was not assigned Train Dispatcher 3 will recognize a name that uses its internal number The format is SIGNALXXXX SWITCHXXXX or BLOCKXXXX where XXXX is the number 3 Status STOP The status of the device CLEAR NORMAL REVERSE Page 61 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 zz efe UNOCCUPIED OCCUPIED OCCUPIEDLEFT OCCUPIEDRIGHT Examples BLOCK BLOCK0004 OCCUPIED SWITCH SWITCH0102 NORMAL The Test Handler program reads the records in this file and creates a corresponding status message that it sends to Train Dispatcher 3 in the td3ctctindications file To send a manually generated message click on the Send File menu at the top the screen This will cause the Send File dialog to appear Enter the file path and name and click the Ok button to send 11 10 Command Records Train Dispatcher 3 generates command records when it wants the external hardware to perform a specific action like throwing a switch or clearing a signal Block commands are also sent Block commands provide speed control information to the handler if the block is cleared or train identifier information if the block is
56. because of mechanical problems or debris located near the switch points This parameter determines the number of switch failures that will occur for every 1 000 switch throws If a switch fails to throw the dispatcher will make several attempts to throw it again and hope the movement of the points will dislodge any debris Train Dispatcher 3 is designed to recover from a switch failure 5096 of the time on the first attempted throw after the switch failure 2596 on the second attempted throw 12 596 on the third throw etc The user will be asked if a maintainer should be called to correct the problem The user can also tell the crew of a train stopped near the switch to manually throw the switch To request a crew to manually throw a switch place the mouse pointer on the failed switch and click the right mouse button This will cause a pop up menu to appear with a Crew to throw Switch XXX Manually menu item Select this menu item to throw the switch in the opposite direction Please note that this menu item will not appear if there is no train stopped near the switch Signal failures Signals will sometimes fail to clear This parameter determines the number of signal failures that will occur for every 1 000 attempts to clear the signal lf a signal fails to clear the dispatcher will make several attempts to clear it again Train Dispatcher 3 is designed to recover from a signal failure 5096 of the time on the first attempt to clear after the sign
57. block permit request 9 7 Slow Orders The user can create or modify temporary or permanent slow orders designate when they become active and specify their speed restrictions for the different train types The user can enter information about slow orders by selecting the Slow Order item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Slow Order window shown in Figure 52 will appear Slow Orders B New Delete Edit Save Column Widths Print Printer Setup Sort Track Sort Time Number Track Block Switch Name Days of the Week Th 10 10 10 10 Block 0072 Block 0194 SuMoTuweThFrSa Track 0 0 506 SuMoTuweThFrSa Track K L 1b SuMoTu Track K L 1b We Track Q A 1b MoTuweTh Figure 52 Slow Orders Window Page 53 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 rdiet This window displays information about all of the slow orders To re size any of the columns in this window place the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button This window can be sorted by the slow orders track block switch names or the slow order start times by clicking the Sort Track or Sort Time buttons To add a new slow order click the New button To delete or edit a slo
58. can cancel the switch request by placing the mouse on the switch and clicking the left mouse button Page 57 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 Train Dispatcher 3 will constantly try to read the td3ctcindications txt file When it sees that this file exists it will rename the file and begin processing the status records in the file Once Train Dispatcher 3 renames the file the td3indications txt file will no longer exist in the system When the handler wants to add a new status record it will create a new td3ctcindications txt file if it does not exist or append the new record to the end of an existing td3ctcindications txt file Signals will also no longer automatically clear a route when they are clicked Train Dispatcher 3 will blink the signal and the route until it receives a status message from the handler that the route has been cleared As with Switches a request to clear a signal can be cancelled prior to receiving a command from the field that the signal has been cleared 11 3 CTC Control Log File To help troubleshoot a log file called td3ctclog txt can be maintained This file contains all records that were sent to and received from the handler and can be viewed by any word processing program The log file function is turned on off from a check box located in the Assign CTC File Folder dialog that is displayed by clicking on the Options Assign CTC File Folder menu item Train Dispatcher 3 will monitor the size of
59. ce the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button To view data on a start time first place the mouse pointer on the data in the start time s row and single click the left mouse to select highlight the start time Then click the View button The View button will cause the Start Time Data dialog to appear see Figure 48 Double clicking the left mouse button on data in a start time s row will automatically cause the Start Time Data dialog to appear Page 49 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 rdiet Start Time Data x Start time 07 00 Scheduled for Sunday Monday IV Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Noendtime End time 05 59 after fi days Train 1016 53 Start block 0246 Train location at start time Hampton Job 43 Crew time 240 Start direction Left Right Start at work area E Start at multiple entry point o Cancel Help Figure 48 Start Time Data Dialog The following describes each of the fields in the dialog Train location at start time this is a list of trains that are on the territory at the start time Included in this list form left to right is the following data about each train o Trai
60. ck The first number is the highest train type speed and the second is the lowest train type speed for that block If a slow order is active the highest and lowest slow order speeds will be displayed instead of the normal train speeds for the block The length of the block in feet meters The direction s in which the block is signaled Left Right or Both directions The name of the passenger platform located in the block If no platform is located in the block nothing will be displayed The name of the OS point assigned to the block If no OS point is assigned nothing will be displayed The name of the area work area associated with the block If no area is associated nothing will be displayed The types of the wayside detectors located in the block Up to three detectors can be located in a block If there are no detectors in the block nothing with be displayed To display more information about the track block place the mouse pointer on the block and click the right mouse button If a train occupies the block a pop up menu will appear Select the Block XXX Properties menu item and Figure 8 will appear If a train does not occupy the block Figure 8 will appear immediately Page 9 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 oiii Block Properties x General Block Data Block Speeds Number 0 Track name Connector Left device or Entrance Exit name Right device Block 0003 or Entra
61. ck Permit Track amp Time x Number From time To time 17 05 Track name aa 4 Requestor Track Foreman Reason Track Maintenance Cancel Help Figure 60 CTC Block Permit Dialog 11 9 Test Handler Included with Train Dispatcher 3 is a Test Handler program called testhandler exe This program when running will automatically respond to signal and switch commands sent by Train Dispatcher 3 It will also send user generated messages to Train Dispatcher 3 in the proper format When the program is first executed a Test File Folder Setup dialog will appear The first parameter in this dialog specifies the folder name where the td3ctccommands txt file can be found This is the folder in which the Test Handler program will create the td3ctcindications txt file This folder should be the same as specified in the Train Dispatcher 3 Assign CTC File Folder dialog The second parameter in the Test File Folder Setup dialog specifies in seconds how often the Test Handler program will execute If the Test Handler program sees a message in the td3ctccommands txt file it will not respond to that message until it runs a second time The Test File Folder Setup dialog can be displayed at any time by clicking on the Setup menu at the top of the Screen Manually generated messages can also be sent to Train Dispatcher 3 at any time Manually generated messages are entered into a text file with the following format Field Data D
62. cking algorithms are not extremely sophisticated If for example a train spans several track blocks and one of the blocks in the center of the train becomes unoccupied Train Dispatcher 3 will split the train in two and assign a new train identifier to the back half of the original train 11 5 Train Parameters and Commands The user can modify the parameters of a tracked train and issue commands to the train To access these functions place the mouse pointer on the train and click the right mouse button A pop up menu will appear Clicking on the Train XXXX Reverse Direction menu item will cause the train to point in the opposite direction Clicking on the Train XXXX Properties menu item will cause the Train Information dialog to appear You can change all of the train s parameters in this dialog see Figure 57 Page 58 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 zz Train Information x TrainID 10001 Number fi Type pass Length 500 feet Crew expiration time 8 30 Entrance location Exit location inone DK Cancel Figure 57 Train Information Clicking on the Train XXXX Status menu item will cause the CTC Active Train List window to appear with the selected train highlighted By clicking the Properties button in this window the Train Information dialog will appear for the train see Figure 58 Active Train List Sorted by ID Bl x
63. come Please note that you must have previously entered these trains into the system at location the platform or area location P for platform A for area where this train will become a new train and or split into another train after XX minutes the amount of time this train must be at the location before it becomes and or splits into another train and splits into 274 train the train this train will split into To select a train identifier for this field click the down arrow to see a list of trains this train could split into Please note that you must have previously entered these trains into the system The split train will be located behind the original train in the block The length of the original train will be reduced by the length of the split train 9 3 2 Train Data Multiple Entries Dialog A train will often leave the territory and later return The best example of this is when a train leaves the territory to load coal at a mine and then returns to the territory to deliver that coal to its destination Train Dispatcher 3 allows trains to reenter the territory up to ten times To enter information on multiple entries the user clicks the Multiple Entries tab in one of the Train Data dialogs see Figure 43 which causes Figure 44 to appear Edit Train CATOV 56 Coal to Cora IL x General Train Data Multiple Entries Local Work Schedule Passenger Schedule Entrance Exit Delay Train
64. command The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds 5 File Alpha Numeric The track file name in quotes of the track territory to be loaded 6 Start Day Su Mo Tu We The day of the week on which the simulation will Th Fr Sa start Please note that the track territory must have a start day and time that is the same as the entry in the Start Day and Start Time fields If nota CMDERR message will be generated 7 Start Time HH MM The time of the day the simulation will start The format is the hours followed by a colon and then the minutes Example CONTROL 0001 LOAD 10 12 11 C Train3 USA BNSF Bakersfield Oakley CA 2000 trk tu 0 00 Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type CONTROL The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Command SIMLOAD Request Train Dispatcher 3 to load a previously Type saved simulation 4 Time HH MM SS The time the external program issued this command The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds 5 File Name Alpha Numeric The simulation file name in quotes of the simulation to be loaded Example CONTROL 0001 SIMLOAD 10 12 11 C Train3 USA BNSF Bakersfield CA Oakley CA 2000 ssm Page 70 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 COMPUTER CON 5ULTANTS F
65. ction is also active in CTC mode and will show OS data for all trains To display the train graph select the View Display Train Graph menu item Page 59 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 ord 11 6 Speed Control For model railroad operation it is helpful to provide speed information to the external hardware With this information a model railroad can control train separation between following trains and slow a train up when it must stop at the next signal When a signal is cleared Train Dispatcher 3 will send to the handler a message for each block that is in the cleared path This message will show the block status cleared the cleared direction traffic direction and the number of blocks beyond this block that have a cleared signal If the next block is occupied the number will be zero The number of blocks cleared ahead will never be reported as a number higher that two If four blocks are actually cleared ahead this message will only indicate two This message will be sent again any time the status of the block changes or the number of blocks cleared ahead changes Train Dispatcher 3 does not expect the handler to respond to these messages If speed information is of no interest to the handler these messages can be ignored 11 7 Train ID Reporting Any time Train Dispatcher 3 sees that a block status has changed from unoccupied to occupied or that a train s identifier or type has changed it will send a message
66. d The time the new crew will arrive will be determined by the crew s call time entered in this dialog and the time it takes the new crew to travel to the block Page 23 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 The time it takes for a crew to get to a block be found in the Block Properties General dialog see Paragraph 3 5 1 When information in the Call Crew dialog is successfully entered the time the new crew will arrive in the block will be displayed See Paragraph 6 8 for more information about the crew calling and crew time expirations 6 4 8 Train XXX Merge with Train XXX Command The Train XXX Merge with Train XXX menu item command causes the designated train to merge with another train This menu item will appear in the popup menu when the designated train is behind another train in the same block and both trains are stopped Once two or more trains are merged together they can be split apart by the Train XXX Split command 6 4 9 Train XXX Split Command The Train XXX Split menu item command causes the designated train to be split into two trains This menu item will appear in the popup menu when the designated train has been previously merged with another train When this menu item is selected a dialog will appear which asks which train is to be split from the designated train 6 4 10 Use of Helper Trains Two trains are sometimes connected together or merged for various reasons
67. d 40 Len 1000 Exit N2 moving forward ETA at 7 04 Crew 15 00 Figure 22 Train Status Line The train status line contains the following information The train identifier The average speed of the train in the block The length of the train The next entrance exit location where the train is to leave the territory or the train identifier of the train this train will become The status of the train i e moving forward The train s next scheduled event o if the train is moving the time it will arrive at the end the block o ifthe train is at stop waiting for a signal the time it stopped o forall other train stops platform work area etc the estimated time of departure The time when the crew will expire because they have worked 12 hours If a new crew has been called the place and time the crew change will occur 7 2 Active Train List Trains that are on the territory and are due to arrive on the territory in 8 hours appear in the Active Train List window To call up the Active Train List window select Trains in the menu bar and the display in Figure 23 will appear Active Train List Sorted by ID B x Find Train Properties 05 Sort ID Sort Status Sort ETA iv All Arriving Stopped Moving Complete Save Column Widths Status Length Type Location Direction Speed Crew Ex Entrance Enit Station Stop Time_ Part of Train_
68. dit a train first place the mouse pointer on any data in the train s row in the window and single click the left button to select highlight the train Then click the Delete or Edit button The Edit button will cause the Train Data dialog to appear see Figure 43 You can also place the mouse on data in a train s row and click the right mouse button which will cause a pop up menu to appear that has New Edit and Delete menu items Double clicking the left mouse button on a train type row will automatically cause the Train Data dialog to appear in the edit mode The train identifiers displayed in all four Train Data windows consist of the train identifier entered in the Train Data dialog in Figure 43 plus a dash and then a unique train internal number Because several trains can have the same user entered identifier it was necessary to add a unique number to the identifier to discriminate trains that have the same ID Train Dispatcher 3 will not display the unique train internal numbers in the Active Train List or on the Track Display Information about the data displayed in each of the Train Data windows can be found in the following descriptions of each data area s input dialog Page 44 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 Edit Train CATWL 31 West Labadie Coal General Train Data Multiple Entries Local Work Schedule Passenger Schedule Train ID CATwL Number 31 Train Description west Labadie Coal
69. e Data menu in the menu bar Figure 38 shows the dialog this menu selection produces Page 40 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 Territory Information X Territory Version Free C ForSale Number Country 0 Railroad Division Subdivision Scranton M amp E partial TefpweN 9800 Track File Name E Track Builder Test TB3 version of Author Frank w Bryan Address E mail fwbryan fidnet com Public Domain Copyright Notice a Copyright Protected Comments File Name C Projects T rain3 tb3 version of diw58 txt Open Print Print Figure 38 Territory Data Dialog Train Dispatcher 3 does not have the Comments field that was in Train Dispatcher 2 To provide greater flexibility Track Builder 3 users can attach a comments file to the track file When Train Dispatcher 3 loads a track file it generates the comments file This file is a text file txt file extension and can be generated by any word processing application or Window s NotePad or WordPad programs To open the comments file click the Open button and the NotePad program will start and display the comments file A sample of what this display might look like is shown in Figure 39 fj tb3 version of dlw58 txt Notepad iof x File Edit Search Help Lackawanna Railroad circa 1958 DL amp W w
70. e Prev Alert Next Alert and Go to Alert The program saves a list of the 50 most recent alert messages Page 34 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 odd niet Each alert message is assigned a sequential number If there is an alert message after the one that is currently being displayed in the status line the Next Alert button will be active not gray To display the next alert message click the Next Alert button If there is an alert message previous to the one being displayed the Prev Alert button will also be active Clicking on the Go to Alert button will cause the mouse pointer to be positioned on the territory screen at the location train or track block that caused the alert condition displayed in the status line The alert system can also display a window that shows all 50 of the alert messages currently saved in the system To display the Alert Message window see Figure 32 click on the Display Alert Window item in the View menu The alert that is displayed in the status line will be highlighted in the window that appears To go from this window to the device that caused the alert message double click using the left mouse button on the message Alert Message Window ALERT 0001 07 00 Slow Order Active Location Track H I 3 permanent ALERT 0002 07 00 Train 1014 is stopped waiting for signal ALERT 0003 07 00 Train 1009 is stopped waiting for signal n Train Work Extra has just arrived o
71. e OS button Figure 24 shows the Train OS window Page 28 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 dd eros Train Hampton Job OS Report B x Properties Save Column Widths 0 Time Time Time Time Time T r Ir Scranton 11 08 Fr 0 Lehigh 10 40 Fr 0 Cresco 10 14 Fr 0 Stroudsburg 08 42 Fr 0 Washington 07 04 Fr 0 Branchville Netcong Port Morris Dover Figure 24 Train OS Window 7 3 Train Territory Arrival Schedule A list of trains that are to arrive on a territory at a given entrance exit location can be called up placing the mouse pointer on the entrance exit location name and clicking the right mouse button Figure 25 will then appear Trains Arriving at Entrance Location S Properties Save Column Widths Scheduled Arrival Slow Freight Regular Freight Passenger Regular Freight Slow Freight Figure 25 Train Territory Arrival Window This window shows the trains that will arrive on the territory in the next eight hours The trains are sorted by their arrival time The user can re size any of the columns in this window by placing the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The train s data dial
72. e inArea Direction Leaving Area eacock 15 Left C Right Peacockh 15 Left C Right Left C Right none Let C Right gt Left C Right mone gt C Right gt C Right Riot Left C Right noe Left C Right Figure 45 Train Data Work Schedule Dialog The following describes the fields in the Train Data Work Schedule dialog Work Area contains the name of the track area where the local work will be performed Page 47 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 Time Area is the time in minutes that the train will be stopped in the work area Direction Leaving Area after the work is completed a train can leave the area and travel in either direction If it leaves the area in a direction that is opposite the direction from which it entered the area the system assumes the train turned around in the area and will move forward not reverse in the new direction 9 3 4 Train Data Passenger Schedule Dialog This function allows a user to define a train s departure time for each platform defined in the territory To enter this information the user clicks the Passenger Schedule tab in one of the Train Data dialogs and the Train Data Passenger Schedule dialog will appear see Figure 46 Edit Train 1009 32 Psgr amp Milk Empties General Train Data Multiple Entries Local Work
73. e record sequence number Number 3 Signal Alpha Numeric Each signal when created by Track Builder 3 can Name be assigned a unique remote monitor name that identifies the signal to the external program If a remote monitor name was not assigned Train Dispatcher 3 generates one The generated name will be SIGNALXXXX where XXXX is the internal signal number 4 Status CLEAR The status code of the signal STOP 5 Time HH MM SS The time the handler generated this message The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds Example SIGNAL 0006 SIGNAL0019 CLEAR 09 23 17 Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type SWITCH The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Switch Alpha Numeric Each switch when created by Track Builder 3 can Name be assigned a unique remote monitor name that identifies the switch to the external program Ifa remote monitor name was not assigned Train Dispatcher 3 generates one The generated name will be SWITCHXXXX where is the internal switch number 4 Position NORMAL The position code of the switch The position code REVERSE indicates whether the switch is in the normal or reverse position 5 Time HH MM SS The time the handler generated this message The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds 6 Status OCCUPIED The status code of the switch The status code i
74. e simulation has been running The total amount of time trains have been stopped waiting for signals to clear and the total amount of time trains have been stopped due to crew expirations The total amount of time lost since the beginning of the simulation because trains were not moving at their maximum speed The total amount of time since the beginning of the simulation that trains were late in departing station platforms The number of times since the beginning of the simulation that trains were late departing station platforms 3 2 Track Diagram Symbols The track diagram has a number of symbols to represent tracks switches diamonds signals trains etc Many of these symbols are shown in Figure 3 Page 4 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 Helper H 1 Figure 3 Track Symbols The following lists the different symbols and the meaning of the colors used to indicate their status Straight lines drawn on the track diagram represent railroad track The vertical or horizontal bars drawn perpendicular to the track line indicate the beginning or termination of a track block The track is broken down into a number of blocks Block lengths may vary and several trains can occupy a block at a given time The following describes the meaning of the different track block colors Red indicates a train occupies the track block A train identifier will appear above the block that contains
75. eady on the territory for each start time select the Start Time menu item under the Data menu Page 14 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 edere To start the simulation clock click the Start button again The clock will start and trains will begin to move If after you click the Start button a dialog appears asking for a password you are trying to simulate a track territory from the For Sale library which you have not previously used See Paragraph 4 2 for more information 4 1 Restarting a Simulation To restart a simulation click the File menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen to display a pop up menu and then click the Restart Simulation menu item 4 2 Territory Libraries Signal Computer Consultants maintains two distinct libraries of territory track files which we have named the Customer Contributed and For Sale libraries As of December 2000 there were over 300 track files available Most of the files were created by our Track Builder customers All track files developed with Track Builder 2 and Track Builder 3 can be simulated in Train Dispatcher 3 The track files over 150 in the Customer Contributed Library are completely free and can be simulated in Train Dispatcher 3 The track files over 150 in the For Sale Library can be viewed via Train Dispatcher 3 prior to purchase but are password protected for operational purposes When a territory from the For Sale Library is purchased from Signal C
76. ed on your computer you can click the Run WinZip button to load just the territories you want If you do not have WinZip on your computer you can download a free evaluation copy from their web page at www winzip com 4 3 Changing the Territory There are over 300 territories that can be simulated with Train Dispatcher 3 To change the territory to be simulated click the Change Territory Track File menu item under the File menu The program will display a list of territory files that can be opened Each of these files has a file extension of trk Select the file to be simulated and click the OK button 4 4 Saving a Simulation Train Dispatcher 3 allows you to save the current simulation and restart it at a later time at the point where you left off To save the current simulation click the Save Simulation As menu item under the File menu The program will ask the user to assign a file name The file name must have an extension of 55 to indicate it is a saved simulation Page 15 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 4 5 Opening a Previously Saved Simulation To run a previously saved simulation click the Open Previously Saved Simulation menu item under the File menu A selection box will appear Select the file to be simulated and click the OK button After you have entered the appropriate day of the week the simulation will resume where you left off and display the track diagr
77. ere tee rH eque GontrbolMade FUnctioris t tee e Gavan CTC Control Log File Train Tracking sss Train Parameters and Commands Speed Control sss Train ID Reporting Block Permits ete Test i et Rh e tem m wanted tne De ne b ee A eere Command Records Status Indication Records EXTERNAL 1 tentent tnt ttn senten tnt External 1 0 Log File Command Records Status Indicatignile GOES s 50 c a a Ea Eaa A pa a WARRANTY tM cd E HM dE Page ii 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 List of Figures Figure 1 Train Dispatcher Screen sse Figure 2 Train Dispatcher Screen Bottom sss Figure 3 Track Symbols steer ee Figure 4 Classic Figure 5 Block Speeds sse Figure 6 Block Figure 7 Track Block Status Figure 8 Block Properties General sss Figure 9 Block Properties Speed Figure 10 Switch Status Figu
78. ering a playback name the system will display the Simulation Playback Time dialog in Figure 14 Simluation Playback Time B x Playback File C Projects Train3 test5 playback ply Playback start time 07 00 day of week Fr Jump to start time M week fo Cancel Help Figure 14 Simulation Playback Time Dialog The playback of a simulation can be fast forwarded to a particular time in the simulation by entering a time and day in the Jump to start time and day of week fields different from the simulation s original start time and day Once the system reaches the time and day specified in the Jump to start time and day of week fields it will continue the playback of the simulation at the speed specified in the Time Multiplier field in the tool bar on the main screen During playback the user can stop and start the time clock change the time multiplier zoom in or out scroll around the display and display various status windows The user cannot throw switches or clear signals during playback He can however at any time in the playback stop the operation and place the system into the simulation without playback mode This allows the user to continue on with a new simulation at any point in the playback of a previous simulation 5 4 CTC Control Mode The CTC Control Mode allows a user to control and monitor a model railroad For more information on the mode see Paragraph 11 5 5 External I O Mode
79. ering the next block Emergency braking is very dangerous and can cause the train to de rail The safety system assumes the train may not come to a complete stop until it has entered the block beyond the signal at stop The system will therefore not allow the dispatcher to change the switch positions in the route that was cleared until five minutes after the signal was dropped The signal and route will blink on the track diagram when time is running on a signal The program will only run time on a signal if the block in front of the signal is occupied by a train 6 2 4 Entrance Exit Signal Commands To help the dispatcher set a route faster some dispatching offices use a system where a dispatcher specifies a route s entrance and exit signals and the system automatically aligns the route positions all the switches and clears the signals This eliminates the need for the dispatcher to manually position each switch before clearing the signals Train Dispatcher 3 also has this capability To specify an entrance exit route place the mouse pointer on the signal which is the first signal in the route and click the right mouse button A popup menu will appear that has an Entrance menu item Select the Entrance menu item and the signal will begin blinking Next find the signal where you want the route to end place the mouse pointer on the signal and click the left or right mouse button If Train Dispatcher 3 can find a path from the en
80. erritory files only Routes be cleared by designating an entrance and an exit signal Union routing Routes can be stacked Users can specify up to 5 stacked routes per signal that will automatically be cleared for the next train after the previous route has been completed or cancelled Trains can be given permission to proceed past a red signal Trains can be merged or split into two trains The user can request a train to stop anywhere on the territory Trains can be reversed at any location in a block and in blocks that are used to enter or exit the territory Page 1 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 Helpers may be required in order for some train types to move through some blocks TB3 territory files only Trains scheduled to arrive on the territory can be easily displayed by clicking on an entrance exit location Trains scheduled to stop at a platform can be easily displayed by clicking on a block that contains the platform The user may be required to give permission before trains can enter the territory at designated locations TB3 territory files only Crews can expire because their time on duty has exceeded the 12 hour limit The user can call crews and specify where the crew exchange will occur for a given train Block permits and slow orders can be scheduled for different days of the week The user must grant permission before a block permit can go into effect S
81. erse position This may be followed by FAILED or REVERSEFAILED ERROR If FAILED the switch has a problem that NORMALERROR may require a maintainer to fix If ERROR the REVERSEERROR switch position could not be changed as requested by the last command because of a traffic conflict 5 Time DD HH MM SS The simulation day and time of the status The first two characters indicate the number of days the simulator has been running This is followed by a hyphen and then the hours minutes and seconds on the simulator s clock 6 Status CLEAREDRIGHT The status code of the switch The status code is CLEAREDLEFT composed of the switch cleared occupied or OCCUPIEDRIGHT unoccupied status followed by the traffic direction if OCCUPIEDLEFT the status is cleared or occupied UNOCCUPIED Example SWITCH 0056 SWITCHO199 NORMALERROR 01 17 12 54 0CCUPIEDLEFT Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type CMDERR The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Error Alpha Numeric A text error message in quotes that explains the message problem with the command record 4 Command Alpha Numeric The command record in quotes with which this error Record message is associated Example CMDERR 0008 The signal named in the third field of the message could not be found on the track layout SIGNAL 0011 SIGNAL0412 12 23 17 CLEAR Page 76 14 November 2003
82. here the train should exit the territory Next Station Stop Time contains the name of the next station platform and the time the train is scheduled to stop at the platform Part of Train if the train is merged with another train the train identifier of the merged train To locate a train on the territory place the mouse pointer on any of the data contained in a train s row click the left or right mouse button to select the train and then click the Find button Train Dispatcher 3 will then scroll on the territory screen to the location of the train and place the mouse pointer on the train The train s data dialog can be called up by placing the mouse pointer on any data contained in a train s row clicking the left or right mouse button to select the train and then clicking the Properties button Train Dispatcher 3 keeps a record of train movements by recording the time a train passes an OS point OS is sometimes referred to as on station or out of station OS point names are usually assigned to the switches at each end of a siding or to blocks in the middle of a siding The number and location of the OS points are determined by the railroad A list of the OS points can be called up by selecting the OS Points item under the Data menu The train s OS window can be called up by placing the mouse pointer on any data contained in a train s row clicking the left or right mouse button to select the train and then clicking th
83. his parameter determines the percentage of trains moving at speeds greater than 35 miles per hour that will be de railed if the dispatcher drops a signal in front of them For trains traveling less than 35 miles per hour the percentage that will de rail will be half of this parameter Trains already stopped when a signal is dropped will obviously not be de railed Derailed trains will be stopped for a period of between 2 and 10 hours 8 1 2 Random Defect Detector Parameters To enter the defect detector parameters for the random performance generator select the Random Defect Detect Parameters item under the Random menu Figure 34 will appear Random Defect Detector Parameters x Defect Detector Alarms False Alarms per 1000 checks percentage hot box d 0 dragging equipment 0 0 train inspection 0 0 slide detector 0 0 Figure 34 Random Defect Detector Parameters Dialog For each type of wayside defect detector the user can define a range of randomness for alarms and false alarms The following describes each of the fields in the Random Defect Detector Parameters dialog Alarms A number of track blocks may contain wayside defect detectors Trains passing through these blocks will be scanned for problems and an alarm will be generated if a problem is detected This parameter determines the number of times a problem be detected for every 1000 trains scanned If an alarm is generated the crew will
84. ialog 26 termtory ient ec t 53 changing the 16 ClOCK Rn 3 comments about 41 crew expiration activation 41 CTC Control 18 58 diamond i 57 Status m 14 6 train frequency ieu 25 entrance exit POES va coe ee tete beet 52 ideo 6 territory data 52 entrance exit commands See signal entrance exit commands External 18 70 finding train block switch diamond or signal 57 fleeting signals See signal fleeting function activation 22 2 41 helper actiVatiOn tci eee ie 41 merging with trains 2 24 1 log CTC Control 59 External 71 merge 1 See train commands modes of operation 16 moving around the screen 6 multiple entries 47 opening a saved simulation
85. ield Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type CONTROL The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Command START Requests Train Dispatcher 3 to start the simulation Type 4 Time HH MM SS The time the external program issued this command The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds Example CONTROL 0013 START 23 12 11 Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type CONTROL The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Command STOP Requests Train Dispatcher 3 to stop pause the Type simulation 4 Time HH MM SS The time the external program issued this command The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds Example CONTROL 0015 STOP 12 12 11 Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type CONTROL The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Command TIME Requests Train Dispatcher 3 to send the current Type simulation time TIME indication record 4 Time HH MM SS The time the external program issued this command The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds Example CONTROL 0023 TIME 15 46 09 Page 71 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 COMPUTER CON 5ULTANTS Field Data Data Format De
86. ights Trains will not advance beyond a signal unless it is cleared green All signals on the track diagram have two states called stop red and cleared to proceed green Railroad signaling systems are designed to maintain safe train operations Because it can take over a mile to stop a 100 car train moving at 60 miles per hour the locomotive engineers must rely on the signaling system The system is designed to allow only one train to occupy a given track block at a given time Each block has wayside signals that allow trains to enter the block Some blocks have automatic signals which allow a train to enter the block as long as the block is not occupied or does not have a route cleared in the opposite direction Other blocks have controlled signals which are controlled by the dispatcher and appear on the track diagram Page 18 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 Controlled signals can be located anywhere the track diagram but are usually used to control moves over switches at interlockings When a signal is cleared it clears a route to the next controlled signal that is in the same direction The route may be cleared over a number of blocks and switches The switches and blocks in a cleared route are displayed in green with arrows showing the direction of the route 6 2 1 Signal Commands To change a signal s state place the mouse pointer on the signal which will cause a box to appear around it and click
87. ill appear in the status display line In this case Train Dispatcher 3 would automatically clear and move 2 trains a day across this junction Each train s route would be cleared 5 to 15 minutes before the train arrived and be occupied for 2 to 5 minutes 6 6 Permission to Enter Territory A number of entrance exit locations require the dispatcher to give the train permission before it can enter the territory To determine if an entrance exit location requires trains to obtain permission before entering the territory place the mouse pointer on the entrance exit location name The status display line will display information about the entrance exit location including whether trains must obtain permission to enter the territory at that location When a train requests permission to enter the territory the dialog in Figure 20 will appear Train Entry Request ile Train work Extra requests permission to enter territory at location m at Request i Help Figure 20 Train Entry Request Dialog The request can either be granted for a specified time or can be delayed until later If delayed the train will make another request in 30 minutes The train entry request function can be de activated See Paragraph 8 3 about turning off this function Page 25 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 ord 6 7 Block Permit Request Tracks often require maintenance Before maintenance can be performed the track must
88. in Parameters Dialog For each train type the user can define a range of randomness for performance delays and failures The following describes each of the fields in the Random Train Parameters dialog Run Time Performance Even though the signaling system and operating rules dictate how fast a train should travel locomotive engineers operate differently This parameter sets by how much train speed will deviate from expected speed If this field is set to 10 for example the trains speeds will deviate 10 from the expected speed A train therefore with an expected speed of 60 miles per hour will be assigned a random speed between 54 and 66 miles per hour If this parameter is set to zero the trains will always travel at the expected speeds The random speed deviation for a particular train type applies from the time it enters the territory until it exists the territory Therefore a train will travel through all blocks at the same percentage deviation from the expected speed Startup Delays Stopped trains do not always immediately start to move when a signal is cleared The train startup time can be affected by the weight of the train the slope of the track and the locomotive engineer s response time When this parameter is checked a random startup time for the train will be generated based on the normal start up time for that train type Late train arrival Trains will not always arrive on the territory at the scheduled time
89. in the opposite position clears the mainline block in front of the siding Without stacking the dispatcher has to constantly monitor the situation until there is no longer a conflict and then clear the new route Stacking allows the dispatcher to enter the next route to be cleared into the system As soon as the system sees that there is no longer a conflict it will automatically clear the route by positioning the switches and clearing the signal To set up a stacked route place the mouse pointer on the signal you want to clear next and click the right mouse button A pop up menu will appear Select the Add Stack Command and the signal will begin to blink in the same fashion as the entrance exit command Next find the signal where you want the stacked route to end place the mouse pointer on the signal and then click the left or right mouse button If Train Dispatcher 3 can find a path from the beginning to the ending signal it will give you a message that the stack command was added The stacked route will also be displayed in yellow Only those portions of the route that are currently unoccupied will be shown in yellow A number will also appear at the base of signal indicating the number of routes that have been stacked for that signal Unlike entrance exit commands stack commands can only go to the next signal In Figure 17 if the signal shown as the entrance signal is specified as the beginning of a stacked route there are only two signals th
90. ion overwhelming To alleviate this problem Train Dispatcher 3 allows the user to turn off many of the optional functions The following is a list of function that can be turned off Slow Orders Block Permits Crew Calling Helper Requirements Requiring the user to grant permission before allowing a train to enter the territory Limiting how often train can enter yard Page 2 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 3 GETTING FAMILIAR WITH TRAIN DISPATCHER 3 1 Screen Components Figure 1 shows the main Train Dispatcher screen ij Train Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel 412 655 1884 Web www signalcc com File Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View WebPages Ordeting Help O7 00FrOdays Stop 20 TATH Ems 70 t Aet Becky ALERT 0001 mcm A C D 4 lt SCRANTION Clock N Clock Time GH GOULDSBORO TOBYHANNA PO Time Status Multiplier lt Status Display Line Under the menu bar there is a tool button bar containing a number of items The following describes these items in order from left to right Figure 1 Train Dispatcher Screen Clock time displays the game s simulation time in 24 hour military time the day of the week and the number of days since the start of the simulation Clock status displays the status of the simulation s clock Run indicates ti
91. is active The time the block permit will expire is displayed above the track block Page 5 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 iiiter If track blocks are blinking they are part of a route that is running time see Paragraph 6 2 3 and therefore cannot be cleared until a specified time period has elapsed If the screen is in the Graphic display mode a yellow box signifies a switch location Switches two positions which are called normal and reverse The normal position causes the train to proceed through the switch along the straight track as it would if there were no switch present see Paragraph 6 1 The reverse position causes the train to change course and move off at an angle to the straight track The yellow box around the switch will turn light blue if the switch fails A blinking switch indicates the user tried to clear a route that could not be cleared Switches will also blink if they are part of a route that is running time see Paragraph 6 2 3 A diamond at grade crossing is represented by two lines that cross each other Diamonds will be displayed in the same color combinations as track blocks Any one of four different symbols can represent a signal These symbols consist of a mast and a signal ball If the signal ball is to the right of the mast the signal controls train movement to the right and conversely signals with the ball to the left of the mast control movements to the left Signa
92. ispatcher 3 can create a train graph showing the movement of trains during a simulation The train graph shows when a train arrives at each of the OS points OS is sometimes referred to as on station or out of station To view information about OS point select the OS Points item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen Figure 55 will then appear Page 55 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 onini nm OS Data PG x Save Column Widths Nam Block Switch Block Switch Block Switch Block Switch Block Scranton Lehigh Cresco Stroudsburg Washington Branchville Netcong Port Morris B 285 286 Dover Figure 55 OS Data Window This window displays information about all OS points The user can re size any of the columns in this window by placing the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The window lists the blocks and switches that are assigned to each OS point An unlimited number of blocks or switches can be assigned to each OS point but only 10 will be displayed 10 FINDING A TRAIN TRACK BLOCK SWITCH DIAMOND OR SIGNAL Train Dispatcher 3 has a tool to help users find a particular train track block switch diamond or sig
93. isplay Performance item under the View menu and the window shown in Figure 28 will appear Performance Data C x Save Column Widths StopTime LostTime LateDepatweTime LateDepatues MisedEsis 2 TOTAL 1218 1505 369 656 14 8 1003 20 1 9 0 0 0 1011 78 24 37 0 0 0 1014 5 10 1 0 0 0 1015 0 0 0 0 0 0 1015 11 31 5 5 1 D 1017 0 0 0 0 0 0 1021 0 0 0 0 0 0 1022 0 0 0 0 0 0 1023 0 0 0 0 0 0 1024 1 0 0 0 0 1 1028 22 89 1 82 1 1 1031 0 0 0 0 0 0 rl Figure 28 Performance Window Page 31 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 ordini This window displays the total performance of the system first row and the individual performance of each train The train performance is sorted by the train identifier The following describes the columns in this window Train ID the train identifier Miles the total number of miles the train has traveled Stop Time the amount of time the train has been stopped either waiting for a signal to clear or due to crew expiration Lost Time the amount of time that was lost because the train was not moving at its maximum speed Late Departure Time the amount of time the train was late in departing station platforms Late Departure the number of times the train was late departing station platforms Missed Exits the number of times the train departed the territory at the wrong entrance exit location 7 7 Active Block Permits Bloc
94. isplayed in this field Wayside detectors up to three wayside detectors can be located a block Wayside detectors check the train for problems such as hot boxes and dragging equipment If a wayside detector is not located in the block none will be displayed in these fields OS point contains the OS point assigned to the block OS points are used to create a train graph OS points can be assigned to multiple blocks or switches If an OS point is not assigned to the block none will be displayed in this field Remote monitor name An advanced version of Train Dispatcher 3 is capable of monitoring and controlling external devices such as real railroad ground equipment or a model railroad display The remote monitor name is used to associate external devices to the devices in the Train Dispatcher 3 display Speeds must be assigned to the block for each different type of train for each of the three signal aspects To display the Block Speed dialog click the Block Speeds tab at the top of the Block Properties dialog see Figure 8 and Figure 9 will appear Block Properties 2 x General Block Data Block Speeds BLOCK TRAIN SPEEDS MPH TYPE LEFT CLEARED AHEAD BLOCKS RIGHT CLEARED amp HEAD BLOCKS NONE ONE TWO HELPER STARTUP NONE ONE TWO HELPER STARTUP Passenger 20 30 30LT Yes 120 20 30 30 Yes 120 Fast Frat Slow 20 20 20 Yes 120 20 20 20 Yes 120 Slow Freight 15
95. itch Name the name of the track block or switch that is affected by the slow order Permanent indicated if the slow order is permanent or has a limited time period From Time the time when the slow order goes into effect To Time the time the slow order expires Slow Order Speeds is group of fields for each type of train in each direction which contains the maximum speeds the trains can travel over the track block or switch when the slow order is in effect If the speed for a train type is blank the slow order does not affect the speeds for that type of train 7 9 Alert System Centralized Traffic Control systems generally allow dispatchers to view their entire territories at one time by using several monitors or a wall board Because most computers only have one monitor Train Dispatcher 3 cannot in some cases display the entire territory on a single screen even if the track diagram is zoomed out and the monitor is set at its highest resolution To help the user Train Dispatcher 3 has a message alert system which informs the user of situations that may require his or her attention The system can generate an alert message for any of the following situations When a train arrives on the territory When a train is stopped waiting at a signal When a train is stopped because of a wayside defect detector alarm When a block permit will become active in 30 minutes When a block permit becomes active When a slow
96. ith a yard Page 51 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 24 Hour Capacity if it is a yard entrance this field indicates the number of trains per day the yard can handle If Train Dispatcher 3 sees this capacity being exceeded it will prevent trains from exiting into the yard until the number of trains handled over a given period of time is reduced below the yard s capacity Permission To Enter indicates if trains entering the territory at this entrance exit location are required to ask permission before entering the territory 9 6 Block Permits The user can create and modify block permits Track and Time and specify when they become active The user can enter information about block permits by selecting the Block Permits item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Block Permits window in Figure 50 will appear Block Permits Track amp Time Bi x New Delete Edit Save Column Widths Printer Setup Sort Track Sort Time Number Track Name FromTime ToTime Daysotthe Week Requestor Reaen l 09 15 03 45 MoTuweThFr Track Foreman inspect track 9 D E Mb 14 10 15 50 MoTuweThFr Track Foreman surface track 2 E F Mc 12 15 1415 WelhFr Section Gang Brush Cutter 1 F G Ma 07 25 08 45 MoTuweTh Welding Gang weld joints 6 G H Mb 12 55 14 25 MoWeFr Welding Gang repair track welds 16 G H Mb 13 01 14 01 Sa Track Inspector in
97. k permits that are active authorized by the dispatcher and not active or to be requested within 8 hours pending can be viewed in the Active Block Permit List window To call up the Active Block Permit List window select the Permit item in the menu bar and the window in Figure 29 will appear mi Active Block Permit T amp T List Pm x Authorize Sort Track Sort Time Save Column Widths iv Pending Authorized Active LN Sens Track Name fiom Tine ToTive Time Stil Active Track Inspector inspect track Pending Track Inspector inspect track Pending d Section Foreman surface track Pending 4 t Surfacing Gang replace ties Pending Surfacing Gang replace ties Pending x Section Foreman replace ties Pending 4 Roadmaster inspect track Figure 29 Active Block Permit List Window This window is dynamically updated As the status of block permits change the window will continually be modified to reflect these changes The list can be sorted by track name or the permit s requested or actual start time To sort by the track name or the permit s requested or actual start time click the Sort Track or Sort Time buttons respectively To display just the block permits that are pending authorized or active check the Pending Authorized or Active boxes respectively The user can re size any column in this window by placing the mouse on the vertica
98. l separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The following describes each of the columns in this window Number contains the internal system number of the permit Status contains the status of the permit Track contains the name of the track that will be protected by the permit Page 32 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 From Time contains the requested or actual time the permit will start To Time contains the requested or actual time the permit will end Time Still needed the amount of time the requestor still needs after the currently authorized or active permit ends Requestor the name of the person requesting the block permit Reason the reason for the request To authorize a pending block permit request place the mouse pointer on any of the data contained in a block permit s row click the left or right mouse button to select the block permit and click the Authorize button The Block Permit Request dialog in Figure 21 will then appear 7 8 Active Slow Orders Slow orders that are active or will occur within 8 hours pending can be viewed in the Active Slow Order Permit List window To call up the Active Slow Order List window select
99. le Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options not started Stop 20 0 Diamond Automatic Yes train frequency 2 Figure 12 Diamond Status Line The information fields in the status line from left to right are the following The diamond number The diamond name If the diamond is automatically signaled see Paragraph 6 2 6 The number of trains day that automatically move left to right and right to left top to bottom bottom to top across the diamond see Paragraph 6 5 4 STARTING A SIMULATION When Train Dispatcher 3 is executed the last territory used will automatically be loaded To load another territory select the Change Territory Track File menu item under the File menu To start the simulation click the Start button in the tool bar near the top of the screen The first time this button is clicked after the program is executed or a new territory is loaded the Start Time and Day Selection dialog will appear see Figure 13 Start Time and Day Selection Select simulation start time and day 07 00 07 00 Monday 07 00 Tuesday 07 00 Friday 07 00 Saturday Cancel Figure 13 Start Time and Day Selection Most territories will have multiple start time selections Select the start time and day to pre load the trains that are already on the territory at that start time To see the list of trains alr
100. lper to move up a hill the helper would have to move past a red signal in order to get into the block that is occupied by the train needing the helper Once in the block and stopped behind the other train the helper can be connected to it by use of the Train XXX Merge menu item command This menu item will only appear in the pop up menu when a train is stopped waiting for a signal 6 4 6 Train XXX Reverse Train Command The Train XXX Reverse Train menu item command causes the designated train to stop and start movement in the reverse direction as soon as possible This menu item will always appear in the pop up menu unless the train has been manually stopped or there is another pending reverse request Trains cannot be reversed if there is opposing traffic in the reverse direction between the train and the next control signal or the track behind the train is not signaled in the reverse direction 6 4 7 Train XXX Change Crew Command The Train XXX Change Crew menu item command instructs the train to stop in a designated block and wait for the new crew to arrive It also calls the new crew When this menu item is selected it causes the Call Crew dialog in Figure 18 to appear Call Crew for Helper X Location to change crew block number or platform Block 0000 Block 0001 Block 0006 Call time fi 3 46 Cancel Figure 18 Crew Call The block in which the crew exchange is to occur must be selecte
101. ls that have long signal masts can be fleeted see Paragraph 6 2 2 and signals with short masts cannot be fleeted A red signal ball indicates the signal is at stop a green ball indicates the signal is cleared for traffic to proceed and a blue ball indicates the signal has failed If a gray signal ball also appears the signal is fleeted Signals that are blinking are running time A signal that is the entrance signal to one or more a stacked routes will have the number of stack routes displayed near the base of the signal see Paragraph 6 2 5 A station platform is represented by a gray rectangle located near the track block that contains the platform Usually a passenger station name appears near the platform symbol Entrance exit location names are assigned to any track block that is not connected to another block or switch These names are two characters long and are displayed in blue white in the Classic view at the end of the block that does not have a connecting switch or block Entrance exit locations are places where trains enter and exit the territory 3 3 Moving Around the Screen Most territories will not completely fit on the screen when the territory is zoomed in old Closeup View However if you are using a screen with a resolution of 800 by 600 pixels most territories designed should entirely fit on the screen when the territory is zoomed out old Overview The Northeast Corridor territory from Washington DC to
102. m bitmap files that have a bitmap representing a left facing locomotive a right facing locomotive or a caboose These bitmaps must be 32 bits wide by 14 bits high and have no more than 16 colors A number of locomotive and bitmaps files are included with Train Dispatcher 3 The user should feel free to modify these The data entered into this field is the name and location of the bitmap file To easily locate and enter this data click the Browse button Locomotive right bitmap file see Locomotive left bitmap file Caboose bitmap file see Locomotive left bitmap file If the user changes the bitmap files for the locomotive or caboose icons these new bitmaps will be displayed only after the track file is saved using the Save Track Territory File menu item under the File menu and then re loaded using the Change Territory Track File menu item 9 3 Train Information Each territory has a considerable amount of data on each train Train Dispatcher 3 users can not only view this information but also change it and save the modified territory Please note that changes made to the train information should be made prior to starting a simulation If changes are made after the simulation has started they will not affect any train that already appeared in the Active Train List window see Paragraph 7 2 The Active Train List window shows all of the trains that are on the territory and all of the trains that are scheduled to arrive
103. me is running and Stop means the clock is stopped Stop button when clicked causes the simulation s clock to stop Start button when clicked causes the simulation s clock to start Time multiplier displays how many times faster than real time the simulation s clock is running If for example the time multiplier is 30 the clock will run 30 times faster than normal and will therefore be incremented one minute for every 2 seconds of real time up arrow button when clicked causes the time multiplier to be increased down arrow button when clicked causes the time multiplier to be decreased Turn Sound Off Turn Sound On when clicked causes the sounds generated for various alerts to be turned off or on if the sound is already off Prev Alert button when clicked causes the previous alert message to be displayed in the status line located below the button Next Alert button when clicked causes the next alert message to be displayed in the status line located below the button Go to Alert button when clicked causes the screen to automatically scroll to and the mouse pointer to be placed on the train or block that generated the alert Zoom In Out button when clicked zooms the track diagram either in or out depending on its current zoom status Page 3 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 riii Back button when clicked scrolls and zooms the sc
104. mn widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button To locate a train on the territory place the mouse pointer on any of the data contained in a train s row click the left or right mouse button to select the train and click the Find button Train Dispatcher 3 will then scroll on the territory screen to the location of the train and place the mouse pointer on the train The train s data dialog can be called up by placing the mouse pointer on any data contained in a train s row clicking the left or right mouse button to select the train and then clicking the Properties button 7 5 Train Graph A historical record of train movements can be displayed in the form of a train graph The train graph is a graphical representation of train movements obtained by plotting the time each train hits an OS point To display the train graph select the Display Train Graph item under the View menu see Figure 27 Page 30 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 ST iy Train Graph e x os Spacing 60 Hour Spacing 120 Resize 07 00 Fr 0 08 00 Fr 0 09 00 Fr 0 10 00 Fr 0 11 00 Fr 0 12 00 Fr 0 13 00 Fr 0 14 00 1 Scranton i 9 4 8 4 En i 7 L 1 Lehigh 0 er eee i i 1 1 1 i gt 1N 2 1 Cresco amp 4 1 4 4 1 22 1
105. mputer s setup function not the Window s Setup function if the internal bell fails to sound Please also make sure that the sound in Train Dispatcher 3 is turned on by clicking the Turn on Sound button in the toolbar near the top of the screen Sound File If a sound card is installed in the computer unique sounds for each alert condition can be generated by entering a wave file name files with an extension of wav in the Sound File field If the computer has a sound card a number of wave files are usually provided by one of the vendors and are located in the windows or windows media folder To find these files use the Browse button next to the Sound File field Page 39 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 rnit If you cannot find any wav files click the Window s Start button select the Find menu item select the Files or Folders menu item enter wav in the field and click the Find Now button A list of wav files should appear and indicate in which folders they reside on the disk With a sound card users can also generate their own sound files that contain verbal messages check the documentation which accompanied the sound card for more information Late station departure the user can also specify in this dialog how many minutes beyond a scheduled departure time a train can fail to depart a platform before an alert is generated 8 3 Function Activation T
106. mulation starts Crew time is the time the crew has been on duty for the selected train at the start of the simulation Page 50 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 E erect Start direction is the direction which the selected train is traveling at the start of the simulation Start at work area is the number of the next work area in which the selected train is scheduled to perform work If the train has not performed work at any of the scheduled areas at the start of the simulation this number will be 1 If it has already completed work at the first work area this number will be 2 Start at multiple entry is the number of multiple entries the train has completed prior to the start of the simulation If the train has never left the territory this number will be 0 If the train has left the territory once and returned this number will be 1 9 5 Entrance Exit Locations Each entrance exit location has information regarding its entrance priority whether or not it is a yard entrance whether or not the yard has a capacity limitation and whether or not the train has to ask the dispatcher for permission to enter the territory at the location The user can view information about each entrance exit location by selecting the Entrance Exit Location menu item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Entrance Exit Location Window in Figure 49 will appear Entrance Exit Locations
107. n A pop up menu will appear which will have a Fleet menu item Select the Fleet menu item and a gray signal ball will appear next to the green signal ball to indicate the signal is now fleeted Ready GRAVEL PLACE STROUD Figure 16 Signal Fleeting Signals do not have to be cleared prior to being fleeted If the signal is at stop Train Dispatcher 3 will automatically try to clear it Page 19 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 To cancel signal fleeting place the mouse pointer on the fleeted signal and click the right mouse button A pop up menu will appear which will have a Remove Fleet menu item Select the Remove Fleet menu item and the gray signal ball will disappear 6 2 3 Running Time on a Signal Train dispatchers controlling a territory operating under Centralized Traffic Control are prevented from causing dangerous conditions because of safety procedures built into the system The most dangerous thing a dispatcher can do is drop a signal turn it red in front of train when from information provided by previous signals the locomotive engineer is not expecting to have to stop The signaling system is designed to tell the locomotive engineer how many blocks are cleared ahead Ifa locomotive engineer suddenly sees a stop signal when he is expecting to see a cleared one he will probably place his train into emergency braking to attempt to stop the train from ent
108. n CTC File Folder menu item Any word processing program such as Notepad WordPad or Word can view these text files The text file that is used to send commands from Train Dispatcher 3 to the handler is called td3ctccommands txt The text file into which Train Dispatcher 3 receives status indications from the handler is called td3ctcindications txt Each of the files is a comma delimited text file with each record message in the file terminated with a line feed character Hex 0A Records have variable lengths Train Dispatcher will only write records to the td8ctccommands txt file when Train Dispatcher is placed in CTC mode select the CTC Mode menu item under the Mode menu 11 2 CTC Control Mode Functions When Train Dispatcher 3 is placed in CTC Control mode the simulation clock will show the time of day Most of the Train Dispatcher 3 simulation functions will be disabled Signal and switch commands will also act differently When switches are thrown instead of the switch automatically moving to the new position Train Dispatcher 3 will blink the switch and send a command to the handler to throw the switch Train Dispatcher 3 accomplishes this by adding a switch command record to the td3ctccommands file The switch will continue to blink until a switch status message is received from the handler that indicates that the switch has been moved to the requested position Any time before the switch status message is received the user
109. n Identifier o Block in which the train is located at the start of the simulation o Direction the train is moving at the start of the simulation o Time in minutes the crew has been on duty at the start of the simulation o first work area the train will see after the start of the simulation number of multiple entries the train has made at the start of the simulation Trains in this list are sorted by their Train Identifier Start time is the time of the day the simulation will start Scheduled for is a group of check boxes that indicate for which days of the week the start time is valid A single start time entry can be used for every day of the week No end time Train Dispatcher 3 can run the simulation for multiple days up to 90 If this box is checked Train Dispatcher 3 will not end the simulation until 90 days after the start End time the time the simulation will end after xx days is the number of days or 24 hour periods the simulation will run If this number is 0 the start time is 00 01 and the end time is 23 59 the simulation will start at 00 01 on the first day and end at 23 59 on the first day If the number of days is 1 the simulation will start at 00 01 on the first day and end at 23 59 on the second day Train is the train identifier of the selected train in the Train location at start time list Start block is the block where the selected train will be located when the si
110. n territory at H1 ALERT 0005 07 02 Train Work Extra is stopped waiting for signal Figure 32 Alert Message Window 8 OPTIONS Train Dispatcher 3 has a number of options that can be selected to vary a simulation These options are broken down into three categories These categories specify the randomness of a simulation the alert parameters and which functions are to be active 8 1 Random Performance To make each simulation different and more realistic a random performance generator is included in Train Dispatcher 3 The user controls the effect of the random performance generator by entering various parameters There are three types of random performance parameters train wayside defect detector and switch and signal 8 1 1 Random Train Parameters To enter the train parameters for the random performance generator select the Random Train Parameters menu item under the Random menu Figure 33 will appear Page 35 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 Random Train Parameters x Train Type Run Time Performance Startup Delays Late Train Arrivals Locomotive Problems Train Problems Dropped Signal Derailment percentage deviation percentage percentage percentage percentage Passenger Yes 0 50 0 0 Fast Frat Slow Psgr 0 Yes 0 50 0 0 Slow Freight 0 Yes 0 50 0 0 Regular Freight 0 Yes 0 50 0 0 Helper 0 Yes 0 0 0 0 Help Figure 33 Random Tra
111. nal To find one of these items select the appropriate menu item under the Find menu If the Find a Train menu item is selected the dialog illustrated by Figure 56 will appear Find Train Train ID Description 1008 needs SOLS Milk Empties 1011 1014 Equipment 1016 1022 2 Pocono Express 2 HB3 via Old Line 25 Merchants Exp 3 Phoebe Snow 47 amp Milk Empties B amp P Drill BH8 Freight Boonton Roustabout Cementer Cement Train Hampton Job Roustabout HB7 Drag Freight Figure 56 Find Train Dialog To locate a particular train place the mouse pointer on its ID and click to left mouse button This will cause this dialog to disappear and the mouse pointer to be placed on the selected item in the Track Display Other track elements can be found in the same way by choosing the appropriate item under the Find menu Page 56 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 11 CTC CONTROL MODE Train Dispatcher 3 can operate as a CTC office for a model railroad signaling system It has the capability to send switch and signal commands and to receive signal indications switch positions and block occupancy status Train Dispatcher 3 does not communicate directly with external hardware Since there are many types of hardware interfaces Train Dispatcher 3 relies on programs commonly called handlers that are specifically written to communicate with
112. nce Exit name I Signaledleft v Signaledright Block length 20 miles Left exit control signal Right exit control signal Normal crew change point Delay in block because of crew change 5 minutes Time to send crew to block o minutes Platform name Wayside detectors DS Point Scranton Remote monitor name Figure 8 Block Properties General Data in this dialog was created via Track Builder and cannot be modified by the Train Dispatcher 3 user The following describes each of the fields in this dialog Number the unique number assigned to the block Track name the name of the track block Connector a check box to indicate whether or not the block is a connecting line that does not have length or hold trains Left device the block switch or diamond to the left Entrance Exit name Left the entrance exit name to the left of the block Right device the block switch or diamond to the right Entrance Exit name Right the entrance exit name to the right of the block Signal Direction indicates if the block is signaled in the left and or right direction Usually blocks are signaled in both directions If not trains can only move in the direction in which the block is signaled Block Length the length of the block in feet miles meters or kilometers Left exit control signal the signal number
113. nu to appear with the five modes of operation listed as separate menu items Select the appropriate menu item to go into that mode of operation The following describes these modes of operation 5 1 Simulation no playback Mode This is the normal simulation mode Train Dispatcher 3 will simulate the territory but will not create a playback file 5 2 Simulation with playback Mode This mode allows the user to run the simulation and create a playback file When this mode is selected the system will first check to see if a simulation is running If there is a simulation running the system will ask the user if he wants to restart the simulation The user must select Yes to enter into this mode After the user clicks the Start button and selects a start time the system will then ask the user for the name of the playback file The file name must have an extension of ply to indicate it is a playback simulation Please note that the system will generate about 200 to 400 K of data for each hour of the simulation For 24 simulated hours as much as 12 MB of data will be stored in this file The playback file allows the user to review previous simulations Signal Computer Consultants also plans to develop a screen saver program from a user generated playback file Page 16 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 5 3 Playback Mode In playback mode the system will ask the user for the name of the playback file After ent
114. of the controlled signal that allows a train moving to the left to exit the block If no signal number is displayed the program assumes the exit signal is automatic Right exit control signal the signal number of the controlled signal that allows a train moving to the right to exit the block If no signal number is displayed the program assumes the exit signal is automatic Normal crew change point a check box to indicate if crews are normally changed in the block Delay in block because of crew change the amount of time in minutes for the crews to change once the new crew has arrived Page 10 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 cdd Time to send crew to block the amount of time in minutes it will take the new crew to get to the block after being is called Platform name contains the passenger platform name assigned to the block Passenger trains that are scheduled to stop at a particular platform will stop in blocks that are assigned to the platform name Several blocks can be assigned to the same platform name If a platform is not assigned to the block none will be displayed in this field Area name contains the name of the area to which the block is assigned Blocks can be grouped areas Areas are used to define locations where trains will perform local work or where trains will either become new trains or be split into multiple trains If the block is not assigned to an area none will be d
115. og can be called up by placing the mouse pointer on any data contained in a train s row clicking the left or right mouse button to select the train and then clicking the Properties button Multiple Train Territory Arrival windows for different entrance exit locations can be opened at the same time These windows will automatically update as the status of trains change 7 4 Train Platform Schedule A list of trains scheduled to stop at a platform can be called up placing the mouse pointer on a block containing the platform and clicking the right mouse button Click on the Train Stop at Platform item in the pop up menu that will appear and the window shown in Figure 26 will be displayed Page 29 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 ord Trains Stopping at Platform Stroudsburg O x Find Train Properties Save Column Widths 1000 Passenger Arriving S 1000 Fast Frat Arriving D 1000 Passenger Arriving 1000 Passenger Arriving S Figure 26 Train Platform Schedule Window This window shows the trains that will be stopping at the platform in the next eight hours The trains are sorted by their scheduled platform departure time The user can re size any column in this window by placing the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the colu
116. ome entrance exit locations can be designated as yard entry locations and the user can specify how often trains can enter the yard leave the territory TBS territory files only Slow orders can be made permanent Diamonds at grade crossings are supported TB3 territory files only Diamonds used as part of a junction with foreign railroad can specify how often train on the foreign railroad with be cleared over the diamond TB3 territory files only Diamonds can be set up for automatic signaling which allows conflicting routes to be cleared over the diamond at the same time The first train that hits the approach block to the diamond gets the route TB territory files only Trains be scheduled to perform local work in designated blocks TB3 territory files only Signals can fail and require a maintainer to fix When switches fail the user can specify that a train crew can manually throw the switch Train OSs are recorded and a train graph can be displayed TB3 territory files only A simulation can be recorded and later played back Train schedules block permits and slow orders can be changed in Train Dispatcher 3 Trains can develop problems such as a broken hose Locomotives can develop problems that degrade the performance of the train Train Dispatcher 3 is an extremely realistic simulation of a dispatcher s job Because of the many enhancements a novice user can find the simulat
117. ommand the train to stop Once the train is manually stopped the only way to start the train is to issue the Train XXX Start Movement menu item command Page 22 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 6 4 3 Train XXX Start Movement Command The Train XXX Start Movement Now menu item command causes the designated train to start moving as soon as possible This menu item will only appear in the pop up menu if the train is stopped because the Train XXX Stop Now or the Train XXX Stop in Block commands have previously been issued for the train 6 4 4 Train XXX Clear Stop in Block XXX The Train XXX Clear Stop in Block XXX menu item command causes a previous instruction to stop the train in a designated block to be cancelled This menu item will only appear in the pop up menu when a train has been issued a Train XXX Stop in Block command 6 4 5 Train XXX Pass Red Signal Command The Train XXX Pass Red Signal menu item command causes the designated train to move past the next red signal There are several reasons why a dispatcher may want to instruct the crew to go through a red signal The two most common are to allow the train to pass a signal stuck on red due to signal failure and to allow a train to proceed into a block already occupied by another train traveling in the same direction This second reason is important if two trains are going into a merge For example if a train requires a he
118. omputer Consultants a password is assigned that unlocks that territory for use The first time the user clicks the Start button with a For Sale territory loaded that has not been previously used the system will ask for the password for that territory Once a valid password is entered for the particular territory the program will not ask for it again Track files in both the Customer Contributed and For Sale libraries can be downloaded from our web page at www signalcc com select the Territory Libraries menu item under the Web Menu to go the territory library web page and are included on the Train Dispatcher 3 CD Rom To load these territories from the CD insert the CD into the drive and a program should automatically load If this program does not automatically load click the Start button select the Run menu item and then type D autorun exe where D is the drive identifier for your CD If D is not your CD drive substitute the appropriate letter that identifies your CD drive Finally click the Ok button to start the installation program When the installation program starts it will display buttons for loading the track territory libraries Click on the button for either the For Sale or Customer Contributed Library which will open a WinZip Self Extracting program If you click the Unzip button all the tracks in the library chosen will be loaded into the designated folder If you have WinZip install
119. ons See diamond train frequency view GIASSIC eds dete etui eedem 7 ere o 7 Warranty 79 wayside detector random 37 termtory Cate 56 NEW 1 work 04 0 48 ZOOM TET 3
120. ords in the file Once Train Dispatcher 3 renames the file the td3commands txt file will no longer exist the system When the external program wants to add a new command record it will have to create a new td8commands txt file Page 68 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 12 1 External I O Log File To help troubleshoot a log file called td3eiolog txt can be maintained This file contains all records that were sent to and received from the external program and can be viewed by any word processing program The log file function is turned on off from a check box located in the Assign External I O File Folder Name dialog that is displayed by clicking on the Options Assign External I O File Folder menu item Train Dispatcher 3 will monitor the size of this file When it reaches 1 000 000 bytes Train Dispatcher 3 will reduce it to 800 000 bytes by deleting the oldest records To view the External I O Log File select the View Show External I O Control Log File menu item 12 2 Command Records The external program generates command records when the program wants Train Dispatcher 3 to perform a specific action like throw a switch or clear a signal There are also commands to load a new simulation start or stop pause the simulation request the current simulation time and request the current status of all blocks signals and switches Command records contain a series of fields separated by commas The first field in the reco
121. peration Position the mouse pointer on a track at the far left or far right of the screen If you click the left mouse button the screen will scroll to and the mouse pointer will be placed on the track that is linked to the first track 3 4 Display Views 3 4 1 Classic and Graphic Views There are two display views We have named these views Graphic and Classic The Graphic view has a white background and displays locomotive and caboose icons There are yellow boxes around each of the switches and graphics representing objects such as bridges rivers buildings etc are displayed Most real Centralized Traffic Control systems do not use icons to display trains They mainly use train identifiers and different colored track lines displayed on a black or dark background Train Dispatcher 3 can simulate this type of classic or traditional display see Figure 4 To display the territory in the Classic view click the Classic View item under the View menu File Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View Web Pages Ordering Help not started Stop 20 TA TH i 2927 D ELMHURST MOSCOW LEHIGH GOULDSBORO TOBYHANNA 4 Y 4 4 GRAVEL PLACE STROUDSBURG 7 LAFAYETE BRANCHVILLEZ BY 7 LNE F ANDOVER JCT gt 4 K GREENDELL LHR to Maybrook gt CAP version of dlw58 trk Trains 0 Miles 0 0 Stop
122. plit into the two original trains by right clicking on the train and selecting the Train XXX Split menu item The original helper train will reassume its original train identifier and the two trains will once again move as two distinct trains obeying all of the CTC circuitry 6 5 Trains at Junctions Diamonds are often used at junctions with a foreign railroad Trains moving across the junction are often controlled by another railroad and can have a serious impact on dispatching operations Train Dispatcher 3 simulates the impact of these trains by specifying how often a train controlled by another dispatcher will cross the junction Diamonds that are partially controlled by another dispatcher do not have any signals in the route across the diamond that the other dispatcher controls In Figure 19 another dispatcher controls the route that crosses the diamond at Branchville from top to bottom Page 24 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 imm Train Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel 412 File Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options not started Stop colse 20 0 Diamond Automatic Yes Top bottom train frequency 2 e n X LAFAYEITE ANDOVER JCT Figure 19 Diamond Train Frequency Example To display the frequency of foreign trains across the diamond place the mouse pointer on the diamond The train frequency over the diamond w
123. ppear TOS wayside Detector Data n x Save Column Widths Description Generates a Waming Problem Dela dragging equipment Yes 30 30 hot box Yes 30 120 slide detector Yes 10 30 train inspection Yes 30 20 Figure 54 Wayside Detector Data Window This window displays information about all wayside detectors To re size any of the columns in this window place the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The following describes each of the columns in this window Description is the name or description of the wayside detector Generate a Warning indicates if the alarm will create a warning that will stop the train Hot boxes for example create false alarms If this field contains a Yes the train will stop for the crew to check the train Warning Delay If the crew finds a problem there will be an additional delay Problem Delay field for the time it will take the crew to correct the problem In the case of a real hot box the crew would remove the car from the train Warning Delay is the time in minutes for the crew to check the train for a problem Problem Delay is the time in minutes for the crew to correct the problem 9 9 OS Names Train D
124. r Reverse Right Block field but not both If the switch does not have a reverse left position this field will not appear Reverse Right Block the block switch or diamond to the right of the switch when the switch is in the reverse position The switch can either have a value in the Reverse Left Block or Reverse Right Block field but not both If the switch does not have a reverse right position this field will not appear Normal Left Block the block switch or diamond to the left of the switch when the switch is in the normal position Normal Right Block the block switch or diamond to the right of the switch when the switch is in the normal position SWITCH REVERSE TRAIN SPEEDS the speeds to which trains will be limited when moving over a switch that is in the reverse position Each type of train will travel at the indicated speed for the length of time it takes the entire train to move over the switch Page 13 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 rdiet If there is no speed in this field for a type of train the train s speed over a switch in the reverse position will not vary from its normal speed in the block 3 5 3 Diamond Information When the user places the mouse pointer on a grid square that contains a diamond the status display line at the top of the screen will display some information about the diamond see Figure 12 me Train Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel Fi
125. r 3 5 Switch number 0 Switch name ENS Control monitor name DS Point none Reverse right device Block 0013 Normal left device Block 0010 Normal right device Block 0012 SWITCH REVERSE TRAIN SPEEDS MPH TRAIN TYPE SPEED TRAIN TYPE SPEED Passenger Fast Frat Slow Psar 3 Slow Freight Regular Freight 3 Cancel Help Figure 11 Switch Information Data in this dialog cannot be modified by the Train Dispatcher 3 user The following describes each of the fields in this dialog Switch number the unique switch number assigned to this switch Switch name the name of the switch Control monitor name An advanced version of Train Dispatcher 3 is capable of monitoring and controlling external devices such as real railroad ground equipment or a model railroad display The remote monitor name is used to associate external devices to the devices in the Train Dispatcher 3 display OS point contains the OS point assigned to the switch OS points are used by Train Dispatcher 3 to create a train graph OS points can be assigned to multiple blocks or switches If an OS point is not assigned to the switch none will be displayed in this field Reverse Left Block the block switch or diamond to the left of the switch when the switch is in the reverse position The switch can either have a value in the Reverse Left Block o
126. rain Dispatcher 3 tries to accurately simulate a dispatcher s operation This can sometimes be overwhelming to a novice To make it simpler to simulate a territory Train Dispatcher 3 allows the user to turn off various functions To activate or de activate these optional functions click the Function Activation menu item under the Options menu Figure 37 will appear Function Activation x Slow Orders Active Block Permits Active Permission To Enter Territory Active Yard Entry Capacity Limit Active Crew Expiration Active Figure 37 Function Activation Dialog 9 TERRITORY DATA The user can view data in a loaded track territory file by selecting one of the menu items under the Data menu A Train Dispatcher 3 user can also modify some data in the track file The Train Dispatcher 3 user can modify train block permit and slow order data Data about the track structure or speed restrictions cannot be changed If the user changes track file data a new track file can be created that contains the user changes To save a modified track file select the Save Territory Track File menu item under the File menu This action will not overwrite the original track file The following describes the various track file data areas 9 1 Territory Data Data about the territory that can be viewed by the users is included in Train Dispatcher 3 To view this information select the About Territory item under th
127. rd always defines the type of record and the second always contains the sequence number The sequence number is a 4 digit number Each time the external program generates a new record the sequence number is incremented by one When the sequence number reaches 10000 it is reset to zero Command records not case dependent CONTROL is the same as control Leading zeroes are not necessary 09 01 01 is interpreted the same as 9 1 1 by Train Dispatcher 3 There are three types of command records The following table lists these types Type Field Code Description Control CONTROL Requests Train Dispatcher 3 to perform a specific control command not related to switch and signal commands These control commands are for things such as loading a new simulation and starting or stopping the simulation clock Signal SIGNAL Requests a specific signal command Switch SWITCH Requests a specific switch to change its position Page 69 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 ERER e efr Each of the following tables describes the fields in various command records and is followed by an example Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type CONTROL The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Command LOAD Request Train Dispatcher 3 to load a track territory Type 4 Time HH MM SS The time the external program issued this
128. re 11 Switch Information sese Figure 12 Diamond Status Figure 13 Start Time and Day Figure 14 Simulation Playback Time Figure 15 Switch Normal and Reverse Figure 16 Signal Fleeting Figure 17 Entrance Exit Signal Commands sss Figure 18 Crew Figure 19 Diamond Train Frequency Figure 20 Train Entry Request Figure 21 Block Permit Request Dialog esee Figure 22 Train Status Figure 23 Active Train List 2 Figure 24 Train OS Window sss enne Figure 25 Train Territory Arrival Figure 26 Train Platform Schedule Window sss Figure 27 Train Graph Figure 28 Performance Window Figure 29 Active Block Permit List Window Figure 30 Active Slow Order List Window Figure 31 Alert Messages Figure 32 Alert Message Window sse Figure 33 Random Train Parameters Figure 34 Random Defect Detector Parameters Figure 35 Random Switch
129. reen back to its previous location and zoom status Fwd button when clicked returns the screen to the location and zoom status that was displayed before the Back button was clicked Under the tool button bar there is a Status Display Line that displays depending on the location of the mouse pointer information about trains blocks switches diamonds signals entrance exit locations or alert messages lf the mouse pointer is on a block that is occupied by a train train status will be displayed If the mouse pointer is on a switch diamond signal or unoccupied block information about that device will be displayed If the mouse pointer is not on a block switch diamond or signal an alert message will be displayed Track File Performance Status Line LH LHR to Maybro CAP Mb3 version of diw58 trk Trains 0 Miles 0 Hr 0 Stop 0 Lost 0 Late 0 Late Dep 0 Figure 2 Train Dispatcher Screen Bottom At the bottom of the screen there is a message line see Figure 2 This message line contains the file name of the track territory currently being displayed and the Performance Status Line The Performance Status Line contains the following items in left to right order The number of trains currently on the territory total number of miles trains have traveled since the beginning of the simulation The total number of miles all trains have traveled divided by the number of hours th
130. rence Block speeds lengths signal directions or names will not appear on either the track diagram or a printout of the track diagram when the screen is zoomed out 3 5 Displaying Detailed Track and Train Information 3 5 1 Track Block Information When the user places the mouse pointer on a grid square that contains a track symbol and is not occupied by a train the status display line located under the tool button bar at the top of the screen will display some information about the track block see Figure 7 Page 8 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 zz Train Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel 412 655 1884 Web File Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View Web Pages rdering notstated Stop 20 0 Name A B 1 Spd 30 18 30 20 Len 10560 Sig Both OS Scranton Figure 7 Track Block Status Line The information fields in the status line from left to right are the following The track block number The track name or an indication that the selected block is a connecting line Connecting lines are not real blocks and therefore have no length Connecting lines link switches and diamonds to real blocks The train speeds in the block The first two speeds are for trains moving to the left and the second two for trains moving to the right These speeds apply when two or more signals are cleared ahead of the blo
131. s Browse Train stopped detector alarm Yes 1 Browse Train stopped train problem Yes Browse Locomotive problem performance lowered 7 Yes Browse Train stopped derail Yes Browse Block permit Time and Track active Yes Browse Block permit Time and Track complete Yes 52 1 Browse Slow order active Yes Browse Late station departure minutes 7 Yes Browse Crew Expiration 2 Hour Warning Yes n 1 Browse Crew Expired Yes Browse Help Figure 36 Alert Parameters Dialog The following describes the fields in this dialog Alerts Each type of alert message can be turned or off by clicking the appropriate Yes check box If the Yes box is checked for a particular alert message an alert message will be issued any time the condition exists For any alert message conditions that do not have the Yes box checked alert messages will not be issued Bells Sounds can also be generated when an alert message is issued If the computer s internal bell is used a number greater than zero should be entered in the appropriate Bell field indicating how many times a bell will chime as an alert to the dispatcher of the alert condition Please note that sometimes the internal bell is turned off if the computer has a sound card installed Please refer to your co
132. s OCCUPIEDRIGHT composed of the switch occupied or unoccupied OCCUPIEDLEFT status followed by the traffic direction if the direction UNOCCUPIED is available This is an optional field and does not have to be included in the message Example SWITCH 0056 SWITCHO199 NORMAL 17 12 54 0CCUPIEDLEFT Page 67 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher3 5 zz Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type BLOCK The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Block Alpha Numeric Each block when created by Track Builder 3 can be Name assigned a unique remote monitor name that identifies the block to the external program If a remote monitor name was not assigned Train Dispatcher 3 generates one The generated name will be BLOCKXXXX where is the internal block number 4 Status OCCUPIED The status code of the block The status code is OCUPIEDLEFT composed of the block occupied or unoccupied OCCUPIEDRIGHT status followed by the traffic direction if available UNOCCUPIED when the block is occupied 5 Time HH MM SS The time the handler generated this message The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds Example BLOCK 0005 BLOCK0020 OCCUPIEDRIGHT 13 12 59 12 EXTERNAL I O INTERFACE Train Dispatcher 3 allows an external program to control and monitor train dispatcher functions Commands and status indica
133. s of the block is CLEAREDLEFT or CLEAREDRIGHT This field contains the number of blocks ahead of this block that are also cleared in the same direction If the number is greater than 2 2 will be contained in this field Train Type Alpha Numeric This field will only exist if the status of the block is OCCUPIEDLEFT or OCCUPIEDRIGHT This field contains the train type of the first train traveling in the direction of the traffic Example BLOCK 0005 BLOCK0020 OCCUPIEDRIGHT 13 12 59 Train2 Passenger Page 65 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 COMPUTER CON 5ULTANTS Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type ERR The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Error Alpha Numeric A text error message in quotes that explains the message problem with the command record 4 Command Alpha Numeric The command record in quotes with which this error Record message is associated Example ERR 0008 The signal named in the third field of the message could not be found on the track layout SIGNAL 0011 SIGNAL0412 12 23 17 CLEAR 11 11 Status Indication Records The handler generates status records when the status of a block signal or switch changes or when Train Dispatcher 3 requests that all status information be sent Status records contain a series of fields separated by commas The first field in the record
134. scription Type Dual Cab Locomotive Left Bitmap Locomotive Right Bitmap Caboose Bitmap Fast Frgt Sl Freight No red diesel left bmp red diesel right bmp red caboose bmp Helper Helper Yes red diesel left bmp red diesel right bmp red caboose bmp Passenger Passenger Yes 30 20 red diesel left bmp red diesel right bmp red caboose bmp Regular Fre Freight No 120 20 red diesel left bmp red diesel right bmp red caboose bmp Slow Freight Freight No 120 20 red diesel left bmp red diesel right bmp red caboose bmp Figure 40 Train Type Data Window This window displays information about all of the train types The user can re size any column in this window by placing the mouse on vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button To edit a train type first place the mouse pointer on the train type row and click the left button to select highlight the train type Then click the Edit buttons The Edit button will cause the Train Type dialog to appear see Figure 41 You can also place the mouse on the train type row and click the right mouse button which will also cause the Train Type dialog to appear The only fields that can be changed in this dialog are the Locomotive left bitmap file the
135. scription Number Name 1 Type CONTROL The type of record 2 Sequence 0 thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Command ALLDATA Requests Train Dispatcher 3 to send all switch signal Type and block indication records 4 Time HH MM SS The time the external program issued this command The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds Example CONTROL 0034 ALLDATA 14 33 19 Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type SIGNAL The type of record 2 Sequence 0 thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Signal Alpha Numeric Each signal when created by Track Builder 3 can be Name assigned a unique remote monitor name that identifies the signal to the external program If a remote monitor name was not assigned Train Dispatcher 3 will recognize a name that uses its internal signal number The format is SIGNALXXXX where XXXX is the signal number 4 Time HH MM SS The time the external program issued this command The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds 5 Signal CANCEL The signal command being issued Commands can Command CLEAR be issued for canceling a signal clearing a signal FLEET fleeting a cleared signal or canceling a fleeted signal FLEETCANCEL Example SIGNAL 0112 SIGNAL0122 11 15 10 CLEAR Page 72 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 COMPUTER CON 5ULTANTS Field
136. signals CLEAREDLEFT the status code will have CLEARED followed by CLEARRIGHTFLEET the traffic direction and the fleet indication For CLEARLEFTFLEET stopped signals the status code will have STOP STOP which maybe followed by FAILED or ERROR If STOPFAILED FAILED the signal has a problem that may require STOPERROR a maintainer to fix If ERROR the signal could not be cleared as requested by the last command because of a traffic conflict 5 Time DD HH MM SS The simulation day and time of the status The first two characters indicate the number of days the simulator has been running This is followed a hyphen and then the hours minutes and seconds on the simulator s clock Example SIGNAL 0006 SIGNAL0019 CLEAREDRIGHT 02 09 23 17 Page 75 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 COMPUTER CON Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type SWITCH The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Switch Alpha Numeric Each switch when created by Track Builder 3 can Name be assigned a unique remote monitor name that identifies the switch to the external program If a remote monitor name was not assigned Train Dispatcher 3 generates one The generated name will be SWITCHXXXX where XXXX is the switch number 4 Position NORMAL The position code of the switch The position code REVERSE indicates whether the switch is in the normal or NORMALFAILED rev
137. spect track 15 H I Mb 12 01 13 15 TuSa Track Inspector inspect track 14 IJ Mb 11 01 12 15 TuSa Track Inspector inspect track 5 KL 1a 08 40 12 30 We Track Foreman tamp low spot 10 N D 2a 03 15 05 45 Th Track Foreman repair broken rail Figure 50 Block Permits Window This window displays information about all block permits To re size any of the columns in this window place the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button This window can be sorted by the block permits track names or the requested times for the block permits to start by clicking the Sort Track or Sort Time buttons To add a new block permit click the New button To delete or edit a block permit first place the mouse pointer on its data and single click the left mouse button to select highlight the block permit Then click the Delete or Edit button The Edit button will cause the Block Permit dialog to appear see Figure 51 You can also place the mouse on data in a block permit s row and click the right mouse button which will cause a pop up menu having New Edit and Delete menu items to appear Double clicking the left mouse button on data in a block permit s row will a
138. t assigned Train Dispatcher 3 will recognize a name that uses its internal signal number The format is SIGNALXXXX where XXXX is the signal number 4 Time HH MM SS The time the Train Dispatcher 3 issued this command The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds 5 Signal CANCEL The signal command being issued Commands can Command CLEAR be issued for canceling a signal or clearing a signal 6 Free Numeric 0 to 2 This field will only exist if the status of the signal is Blocks CLEAR This field contains the number of blocks ahead of this signal that are also cleared in the same direction If the number is greater than 2 2 will be contained in this field Example SIGNAL 0112 SIGNALO0122 11 15 10 CLEAR 1 Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type SWITCH The type of record 2 Sequence 0 thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Switch Alpha Numeric Each switch created by Track Builder 3 can be Name assigned a unique remote monitor name that identifies the switch to the external program If a remote monitor name was not assigned Train Dispatcher 3 will recognize a name that uses its internal switch number The format is SWITCHXXXX where XXXX is the switch number 4 Time HH MM SS The time Train Dispatcher 3 issued this command The first two characters are the hours followed by the minutes and seconds 5 Switch NORMAL The switch position command being issued
139. the left mouse button which will cause the signal to go to the opposite state unless an existing condition prevents the change There are many safety reasons why a signal might not clear If the Help Messages menu item located in a pop up menu which will appear when the Help menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen is clicked is checked a message will appear explaining why the signal did not clear and blink the switch or block that caused the problem The following is a list of reasons why a signal might not clear A route cannot be established to the next signal because a switch is open A block in the route is cleared in the opposite direction A block the route is not signaled the same direction as the requested route see Paragraph 3 5 1 train occupies the first block in the route A block in the route has an active block permit Track and Time see Paragraph 7 7 6 2 2 Signal Fleeting Each time a train advances beyond a signal the signal will go to stop If another train is following the dispatcher has to re clear the signal A signal fleeting function is provided to help the dispatcher This function automatically re clears the signal as soon as the train that initially passed the signal no longer occupies the first block beyond the signal Only signals with long masts can be fleeted see Figure 16 To fleet a signal place the mouse pointer on the signal and click the right mouse butto
140. tions are transferred from and to an external program via text files that by default reside in the same folder as the Train Dispatcher 3 program Train3 exe However clicking on the Options Assign External I O File Folder menu item can change the folder in which these files reside Any word processing program such as Notepad WordPad or Word can view these text files The text file that is used to send commands to Train Dispatcher 3 from an external program is called td3commands txt The text file that Train Dispatcher 3 uses to transfer status indications to an external program is called td3indications txt Each of the files is a comma delimited text file with each record in the file terminated with a line feed character Hex 0A Records have variable lengths Train Dispatcher 3 will only write records to the td3indications txt file when Train Dispatcher 3 is placed in External I O mode select the External I O menu item under the Mode menu and after Start Time and Day have been selected click the Start button after the territory is loaded When switch signal or block status changes Train Dispatcher 3 will append a new record to the end of the td3indications txt file If the file does not exist Train Dispatcher 3 will create a new td3indications txt file When in External I O mode Train Dispatcher 3 will monitor the td8commands txt file When it sees that this file exists it will rename the file and begin processing the command rec
141. to the handler for each affected block which contains the train identifier of the train occupying the block and its type Train Dispatcher does not expect the handler to respond to these messages If the train identifier or type information is not of interest these messages can be ignored 11 8 Block Permits T amp T Block permits can be issued in CTC Control Mode There are two methods for issuing block permits The first is to click on the Permits menu near the top of the screen This will cause the CTC Active Block Permit List window to appear see Figure 59 Click on the Issue button to create a new block permit See Figure 60 CTC Active Block Permit T amp T List Issue Cancel Edit Sort Track Save Column Widths All Pending Active Sort Time Help Number Status Requestor Reason 0 Active 15 02 12 02 Track Foreman Track Maintenance 1 Active 3 15 02 17 02 Track Foreman Track Maintenance Active Track Foreman Track Maintenance Figure 59 CTC Active Block Permit T amp T List The second method is to place the mouse pointer on the track for which you want to issue the block permit and click the right mouse button This will cause a pop up menu to appear Select the Issue Block Permit menu item to create a new permit Page 14 November 2003 COMPUTER 5ULTANTS Train Dispatcher 3 5 CTC Blo
142. trance to the exit signal it will try to clear a route If it cannot clear the route an appropriate message will appear In Figure 17 for the indicated entrance signal you can select any signal on the second or third track from the top of the figure as the exit signal Even signals that are for the opposite direction can be selected When an opposite direction signal is selected as an exit the route will be cleared to the next signal that is in the same direction as the route To cancel and entrance exit request after selecting the entrance signal place the mouse pointer on any place on the screen that is not a signal and click the left mouse button Entrance exit requests will set up routes that go beyond just the next signal in the same direction The system will search for the exit signal up to 50 devices from the entrance signal A device is considered to be any track block switch diamond or connecting line In Figure 17 the number of devices from the entrance signal to the first signal to the right of the entrance signal on the second track from the top of the figure is 9 Page 20 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 ord niter Entrance Signal Figure 17 Entrance Exit Signal Commands 6 2 5 Stack Route Commands There are many occasions when a dispatcher wants to clear a route as soon as a conflicting situation is resolved For example a dispatcher wants to clear a train out of siding as soon as a train moving
143. ts these types Each time Train Dispatcher 3 generates a new record it increments Type Field Code Description Block BLOCK Contains the current block status Signal SIGNAL Contains the current signal status Switch SWITCH Contains the current switch status Command Error CMDERR Contains error information about a bad command received by Train Dispatcher in the tdScommands txt Time TIME Contains the simulation time when the simulation time is requested by a command issued by the external program Page 73 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 e ef Each of the following tables describes the fields in each status indication record type and is followed by an example Field Data Data Format Description Number Name 1 Type BLOCK The type of record 2 Sequence thru 9999 The record sequence number Number 3 Block Alpha Numeric Each block when created by Track Builder 3 can be Name assigned a unique remote monitor name that identifies the block to the external program If a remote monitor name was not assigned Train Dispatcher 3 generates one The generated name will be BLOCKXXXX where XXXX is the block number 4 Status CLEAREDRIGHT The status code of the block The status code is CLEAREDLEFT composed of the block cleared occupied or OCCUPIEDLEFT unoccupied status followed by the traffic direction if OCCUPIEDRIGHT the status is cleared or occupied UNOCCUPIED 5 Time
144. utomatically cause the Block Permit dialog to appear in the edit mode Page 52 14 November 2003 Train Dispatcher 3 5 Block Permit Track amp Time x Number Scheduled for From time To time 09 45 Sunday Monday Track name e c Ma 7 Tuesday Requestor Track Foreman Wednesday Reason inspect track Thursday Friday Cancel Help Saturday Figure 51 Block Permit Dialog The following describes each of the fields in the dialog Number is the internal number which cannot be changed by the user that the system has assigned to the block permit From time contains the requested start time of the block permit The time is entered in 24 hour military time For example 1 AM would be entered as 0100 and 1 PM as 1300 To time contains the requested end time of the block permit The time is entered 24 hour military time For example 1 AM would be entered as 0100 and 1 PM as 1300 Scheduled for is a group of check boxes that indicate the days of the week the block permit will be active Track name is the name of the track a group of blocks protected by the block permit To display a list of allowable track names click the down arrow at the right side of the selection box Requestor name is a text entry field that holds the name of the person requesting the block permit Reason is a text entry field that holds the reason for the
145. viously Saved Simulation 4 16 Loading Previous Simulation 16 Saving the Startup Switch Positions and Signal Conditions 4 16 MODES OF OPERATION ED 16 Sim l tior n playback 17 Simulation with playback Mode 17 Playback Mode 17 CTC Control Mode 4 18 EIER IEEE CHER IER IHR 4 18 DISPATCHING OPERATIONS Glas naman ee Signal Commands Signal Fleeting AV UTS oma socer t REED REIR R dee tced 20 Entrance Exit Signal Gorrie oat tte tb d nie ER Decent el cione ra i uu 20 Stack Route 5 2 Automatic Signaling of Diamonds 22 Train Speeds 88 Train 5 280g Train XXX Stop Now Command Tram XXX Stop in Block Gorrimapnd cnectect i occi e rere repone ne e ea ee ee E cre dere 23 Train XXX Start Movement 2
146. w order first place the mouse pointer on its data and single click the left mouse button to select highlight the slow order Then click the Delete or Edit button The Edit button will cause the Slow Order Data dialog to appear see Figure 53 You can also place the mouse on data in a slow order s row and click the right mouse button which will cause a pop up menu having New Edit and Delete menu items to appear Double clicking the left mouse button on data in a slow order s row will automatically cause the Slow Order Data dialog to appear in the edit mode Slow Order Data x Number 5 Track block switch name BEES SIS Permanent From time 00 01 To time 23 59 SLOW ORDER SPEEDS Scheduled for TRAIN TYPE LEFT RIGHT TRAIN TYPE LEFT RIGHT Sunday Passenger IV Monday Fast Freight M Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Slow Freight Regular Freight Friday Saturday Cancel Figure 53 Slow Order Data Dialog The following describes each of the fields in the dialog Number is an internal number which cannot be changed by the user given to the slow order by the system Track block switch name is the name of the track a group of blocks block or switch that is affected by the slow order To display a list of allowable track block and switch names click the down arrow at the right side of the selection box Permanent is a check box that if checked indicates that
147. xes respectively The user can re size any of the columns in this window by placing the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The following describes each of the columns in this window Train ID contains the train identifier Status contains a text description of the train s current status Length contains the train length in feet meters Type indicates the type of train Location contains the name of the track where the train is currently located Direction indicates the train s current direction Speed the average speed in which the train is moving in the current block ETA the following describes the contents of this field if the train is moving the time it will arrive at the end the block if the train is scheduled to arrive the time it will arrive on the territory if the train is at stop waiting for a signal the time it stopped for all other train stops platform work area etc the estimated time of departure Crew Expiration the time the crew will expire because it was on duty for 12 hours Entrance contains the entrance exit location where the train came onto the territory the last time Exit contains the entrance exit location w

TRAIN DISPATCHER 3.5 - Train Dispatcher Simulation

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