Signal Placement at junctions

[efelstead]

Good morning!
Calling all experienced route builders.
Is there an optimum distance for placing signals when entering a junction?
For example should the signal be as close as possible to the junction or
a distance away equal to the length of the consist or half the length or ...............etc etc etc.
Thank you.
Best Wishes
Edward

 

[Dermmy]

Two things to consider - prototype practice and what works best in Trainz....

For 'what works best in Trainz' there should be no spline points (vertexes) between the signal and the junction lever vertex when protecting a facing junction. For a trailing junction there should be one spline point between the signal(s) and the junction lever vertex..

Andy

 

[efelstead]

Thanks Andy - Could you please excuse my ignorance and define -
A facing junction
A trailing junction.
As you will realise I am new to TRS2004.
Edward

 

[Dermmy]

Facing - approaching from the end with one track.

Trailing - approaching from the end with two tracks.

Like so...

Screenie also shows relative positions of track vertexes, lever and signals (assuming right-hand running).

Andy

 

[efelstead]

Thanks Andy!
"A picture ...................a thousand words"
(Can't remember the middle bit)
Edward

 

[tommylommykins]

In a prototypical Uk situation, signals are generally placed 200 yards before a junction to allow space for trains to stop if they overrun.

I also believe that they are not placed more than 700 yards from a junction.

 

[lewisner]

Also in prototype practice the distance of a signal from a junction is influenced by the Line Speed, Gradient and Curvature, together with the braking characteristics of the trains which use the line.As far as I remember modern practice decrees that a signal protecting a level crossing must be at least 50 yards fro the crossing.

 

[ejlynch]

As well as the above suggestions:
You should really design the entire route, including the signals, not only the type of traffic it will handle but also if you intend to use CAB , DDC, or AI modes.
In Cab mode the train needs time to stop/slow down in response to a signal depending on many things . Several of these factors are speed of the train, weight being hauled, braking capabilities of the train, weather conditions at the time.
Distance signals are a very handy thing to have about 1.5 kilometres in front of the Home signal. This placment depends also on the factors above.
I don't know how REAL signals work in real life but Trainz is just a Sim.

cheers
errol

 

[lewisner]

In UK practice Distant Signals are provided before the first Stop Signal (normally called the Home Signal)worked from a signalbox.When the Distant signal arm is horizontal (or showing a Yellow light) the driver should proceed at Caution expecting to find the next stop signal at Danger (red light).If the Distant arm is raised or lowered at 45 degrees or the signal shows a green light, the Driver will expect to find all subsequent Stop signals worked >from the same signalbox as the Distant< showing "Proceed" (arm raised or lowered at 45 degrees or showing a green light) - in other words if the Driver gets a clear Distant he has a "Straight run through".

 

[Dermmy]

In my illustration the signals could certainly be farther from the junction provided no other track vertexes intervene lest Alistair becomes confused...

Andy