#LyX 2.2 created this file. For more info see http://www.lyx.org/ \lyxformat 508 \begin_document \begin_header \save_transient_properties true \origin unavailable \textclass paper \use_default_options true \maintain_unincluded_children false \language english \language_package default \inputencoding auto \fontencoding global \font_roman "default" "default" \font_sans "default" "default" \font_typewriter "default" "default" \font_math "auto" "auto" \font_default_family default \use_non_tex_fonts false \font_sc false \font_osf false \font_sf_scale 100 100 \font_tt_scale 100 100 \graphics default \default_output_format default \output_sync 0 \bibtex_command default \index_command default \paperfontsize default \spacing single \use_hyperref false \papersize default \use_geometry true \use_package amsmath 1 \use_package amssymb 1 \use_package cancel 1 \use_package esint 1 \use_package mathdots 1 \use_package mathtools 1 \use_package mhchem 1 \use_package stackrel 1 \use_package stmaryrd 1 \use_package undertilde 1 \cite_engine basic \cite_engine_type default \biblio_style plain \use_bibtopic false \use_indices false \paperorientation portrait \suppress_date false \justification true \use_refstyle 1 \index Index \shortcut idx \color #008000 \end_index \leftmargin 1cm \topmargin 1cm \rightmargin 1cm \bottommargin 1cm \secnumdepth 3 \tocdepth 3 \paragraph_separation indent \paragraph_indentation 0bp \quotes_language english \papercolumns 1 \papersides 1 \paperpagestyle default \tracking_changes false \output_changes false \html_math_output 0 \html_css_as_file 0 \html_be_strict false \end_header \begin_body \begin_layout Title Minetest Mod - Advanced Trains [advtrains] \end_layout \begin_layout Title Interlocking System Guide \end_layout \begin_layout Section Introduction \end_layout \begin_layout Standard In real-world railways, a so-called interlocking system is a set of railway signals and trackside equipment. Its purpose is to prevent conflicting train movements which otherwise could result in derailing or colliding trains. If you want more information, just search for \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset railway interlocking \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset on the internet. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Real-world interlocking systems perform this task by setting routes. A route is a path along a track that a train can safely pass. To set a route for a train, the signalman (the operator of a signal box) has to set switches (turnouts) to the correct position and lock them in order to make a signal for a train show \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Proceed \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . In newer systems, this is done automatically by the interlocking system. A route can not be set if switches are locked to a wrong position by another route or if any portion of the route is occupied by a train. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The interlocking system in this Minetest mod tries to follow real-world interlocking systems as far as applicable. It divides tracks into track sections and implements a route setting mechanism following the same principle. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard However, for the sake of simplicity of implementation and usage, not all concepts of real-world interlocking have been taken over. Especially, there is no mechanism for overlap. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard If you are looking for a place to learn how real-world interlocking systems work, have a look at \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset SimSig \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . By looking at their simulations, you can obtain experience on how to set up your own interlocking systems in AdvTrains. The SimSig glossary is a good place to look up unknown terms in this document. \end_layout \begin_layout Section Setting up track sections \end_layout \begin_layout Standard In the real world, a line of track is divided into so-called track sections, or track circuits. Those systems often can not tell where exactly a train is, but only which track sections it occupies. A route can never be set through an occupied track section. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard A track section often covers: \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize A section on a main running line, between two signals \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize A single turnout \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize A rail crossing, or a set of turnouts acting as a double/single slip switch \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize A siding \end_layout \begin_layout Standard You will find some examples on how to interlock certain patterns later. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Track Circuit Breaks \end_layout \begin_layout Standard In this mod, you will not directly configure the locations of track sections. Instead, you designate the borders of each track section using a special node, the Track Circuit Break, abbreviated TCB. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard For example, if you want to create a track section for a piece of a main running line, you set up two TCBs at the ends of this track circuit. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Setting up a TCB works as follows: \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate Place a TCB node somewhere near the place where the circuit break is going to be located. \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate Right-click the TCB node \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate Punch the rail which should act as TCB \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The result should look like this: \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/screenshot_20180830_142551.png width 10cm \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Now you have assigned the TCB node to a rail. Right-click the TCB node once again. This will bring up a form which looks as follows: \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/Bildschirmfoto_2018-08-30_14-26-35.png width 10cm \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard You see that the form is divided in side A and side B. To designate where each side is, a marker is displayed on the rail. You can always make this marker show up by punching the TCB node, and remove it by punching the marker. Both sides are shown as \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset End of interlocking \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . This means that there is no track section set up at this place. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard You should repeat this procedure once again a few meters away from the first TCB to create a second TCB on the same track. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/Bildschirmfoto_2018-08-30_14-32-48.png width 10cm \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Once you have both bordering TCBs set up, you can now create the actual track section. To do this: \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate Right-click one of the TCBs \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate Locate the correct side (A or B) to create the track section \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate Click \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Create interlocked Track Section \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset in the formspec on the chosen side. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Now, the text on the formspec has changed. It shows something like this: \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/Bildschirmfoto_2018-08-30_14-27-25.png width 5cm \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Clicking \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Show Track Section \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset brings up another formspec: \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/Bildschirmfoto_2018-08-30_14-28-32.png width 5cm \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard On the top, you see a list of all TCBs that border this track section. In your case, there should be two TCBs listed. If there's only one, head over to \begin_inset CommandInset ref LatexCommand ref reference "subsec:Long-track-sections," \end_inset . You should now select a name for the track section, to identify it later. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The same procedure is applicable when you create a turnout track section, except that you have to set up three or more TCBs. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The AdvTrains interlocking system allows you to add more TCBs after you have created a track section. This works without problems in most cases. For example, you can easily insert a turnout into an already set-up track section and create another TCB behind it, and AdvTrains will automatically detect the existing track section. Problems arise only if you try to insert a TCB in-between a section, in which case both sides of the TCB will end up assigned to the same section. The code currently does not handle this case properly, so try to avoid this situation by all means. As a last resort, you can always dissolve a faulty track section, as described in the next chapter. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Long track sections, crossings and other edge cases \begin_inset CommandInset label LatexCommand label name "subsec:Long-track-sections," \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Subsubsection Very long track sections \end_layout \begin_layout Standard If you try to set up a track section that is longer than 1000 nodes, advtrains won't recognize the TCB at the other end because of a safety limit in the traverser function, which is supposed to prevent deadlocks. This case has happened when the Track Section overview screen only shows one TCB in the list. The procedure for this is as follows: \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate Go to the second TCB (the one that wasn't recognized). It should show \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset End of Interlocking \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset on the relevant side. \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate Click \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Create interlocked track section \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . The section created will be different from the one that is already present. \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate In the track section overview, click \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Join into other section \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate Go back to the first TCB, bring up the Track Section overview screen of the first track section and click \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Join with ??? \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The other, missing TCB should now appear in the list. If you accidentally started such a joining procedure, click the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset X \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button on the right. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsubsection Rail crosses \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Since rail crosses are created by laying tracks across each other without logical connection, there's no way for advtrains to know whether rails cross each other. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Rail crossings in interlocking systems are always one single track section, which in most cases has 4 TCBs adjacent. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/Bildschirmfoto_2018-08-30_14-51-25.png width 5cm \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The procedure is quite similar to the one for long sections: First, create two track sections for the branches, and then use the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Join \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset function to merge both sections into one. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsubsection Deleting and re-adding single TCBs to a section \end_layout \begin_layout Standard In some occasions, for example when you remove a siding or a crossover, it can be necessary to unassign a TCB from a track section. There are multiple ways to do this: \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize In the TCB form, click the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Remove from section \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize In the track section form, first select the TCB in the list and then click \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Unlink selected TCB \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The result is that the TCB shows \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset End of Interlocking \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and the section does not list the TCB as an endpoint anymore. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The other case is adding a siding or a crossover, in which case one or more TCBs still show \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset End of Interlocking \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset although they should be part of a section: \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Go to another TCB that is registered in the track section and click \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Update near TCBs \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize If that did not work, follow the procedure of creating a long track section \end_layout \begin_layout Subsubsection Dissolving sections \end_layout \begin_layout Standard If you made a mistake setting up something and you don't see any other way to fix a misconfigured track section, you can always delete it using the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Dissolve section \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button. This operation removes the track section and sets all TCBs that previously belonged to the section as \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset End of Interlocking \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . This will always work and lets you start over new with setting up track sections. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Interlocking patterns \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Have a look at the following images. They show you how you can set up sections so that reasonable train moves are possible. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard You should settle on a naming scheme for your sections. This way, you can determine the source of an issue faster \end_layout \begin_layout Section Signals and routes \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Signals are appliances that can give instructions to trains. That can be the permission to proceed, a speed restriction, or other informatio n. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard There are 2 types of signals: \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Static signals always display the same information to the train. This can be a speed restriction (or the end of one), a disallowal to proceed as shunt move or similar things. In most cases, these are signs. \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Dynamic signals are what most people would call a \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset signal \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . Its function is to inform trains about whether and at which speed they can proceed into the next section safely. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Signal Influence Point \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Every signal is associated to a track on which the instruction should be followed. Signals are usually placed right next to the track on the right side. Human observers do know then that the signal belongs to the track left of it, however, train safety systems (like the one in advtrains) can not. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard This is the reason why a so-called \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset influence point \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset needs to be assigned to any signal that should actually give instructions to trains, should the driver (if even there is one) fail to recognize the instructions. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Depending on the signal and the mod that adds the signal, there are different ways to configure this. Signals integrated into advtrains behave as follows: \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Static signals and all red-green light signals from core advtrains that are not assigned to a TCB can be configured by holding the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Use \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset key and then right-clicking the signal \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize All signals that are assigned to a TCB can be configured by first right-clicking them, then selecting \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Influence Point \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset in the signalling formspec. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The small formspec that opens allows you to set and later view or clear the Influence Point. To set the influence point, click the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Set \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button, face towards the signal and punch a rail about 2m in front of the signal. A small marker will be shown, indicating success. To cancel setting an influence point, punch anything other. (note that then the influence point remains unset, regardless of its previous state) \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The advtrains-internal train safety system ensures that the train always obeys any restrictions imposed by signals, if (and only if) the influence point is set properly. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Signal Aspects \end_layout \begin_layout Standard While static signals are mainly used for speed restrictions, the interesting ones are variable signals. Of course, you can always control any variable signal by traditional means (mesecons, digiline, right-click) if the signal allows it, but that misses the point of this interlocking system. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard A signal aspect is a piece of information that a signal shows to the train driver. It contains information about whether and at what speed the driver may proceed at the signal. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Every signal, both static and dynamic ones, imposes a certain aspect to trains passing the signal. For static signals, this is always the same aspect, such as \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Proceed at speed of 8 \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset or \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Shunt moves may not pass \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . Dynamic signals, however, can display multiple different aspects. The default for them is always as restrictive as possible, mostly \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Halt! \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . \end_layout \begin_layout Standard You should know that both static and dynamic signals use exactly the same properties for signal aspects. There is no difference in the meaning of the aspect definitions. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard In the following sections, we will talk about main signals. By this, we mean a variable signal that can display both a \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Danger \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset aspect (trains are not allowed to proceed) and at least one \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Proceed \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset aspect (train may proceed as train/shunt move, with optional speed restriction) , which act as an \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset entry signal \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset for one or multiple routes. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Train moves and Shunt Moves \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize A \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Train move \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset is a train that is running, going to run on or coming from a main line between stations, passing through or stopping at a station. Train moves can expect that there are no obstacles on the route and they can proceed at the maximum permitted speed of the line. This is the regular operation mode for trains. Shunt signals have no meaning for train moves. \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize A \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Shunt move \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset is a train that moves within a station and/or is coupling or decoupling wagons or engines. A shunt move may never leave a station except into a siding. Also, shunt moves may drive at a maximum speed of 6 speed units, because it is usually not ensured that the path is free of obstacles. (however, advtrains ensures that every route is free of railway vehicles, even shunt routes) \end_layout \begin_layout Standard There are also 2 general types of signals: Main signals and Shunt signals. While main signals have a meaning for all types of trains, Shunt signals only have to be followed by shunt moves. Usually, Shunt signals that are on a train move route are set to a Proceed aspect as well. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard When a train reverses, its mode automatically changes to \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset shunt move \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset until it passes a main signal that shows \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Proceed as train move \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset , which is usually designated by a green light. From this point on, it can accelerate to maximum permitted speed. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Some main signals, like the ones from the Ks signals mod included by default, can also display \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Proceed as shunt move \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset , which is designated by 2 white lights along with the red light. Once a train passes this signal, it becomes a shunt move. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection The concept of routes \end_layout \begin_layout Standard A so-called route is a locked path between two main signals, which locks all turnouts in the correct position. Its purpose is to offer a train a path on which it can safely proceed without interfering with any other train. A route always incorporates and locks one to multiple track sections, starting with the one that lies directly behind the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset entry \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset signal. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Example: Imagine a station with 2 platforms on a single track running line. We are looking at signal A. You probably want trains coming from the right to go into platform 1 or into platform 2, so you need to program 2 routes. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/route_ex1.png width 7cm \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard This leads us to the most important aspect of route programming: Routes always start at a signal (A) and end at a signal facing in the \series bold same direction \series default (D and E), not at an opposite-facing signal (B and C). There are only few exceptions, we'll cover this later. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard When you set a route to make a train proceed on it, the interlocking system ensures that: \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize There are no rail vehicles on the route \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize All turnouts are set to the correct position and it is impossible to move them \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize No other routes can be set that would in any way conflict with this route \end_layout \begin_layout Standard For this to work, you need to specify all track sections the train will pass along, as well as the positions of all turnouts that need to be locked. Those are not only the turnouts that lay directly on the train's route, but also some turnouts on adjacent tracks, the so-called flank protection. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The purpose of flank protection is to prevent runaway trains and/or wagons to pass into a route. This is achieved by setting nearby turnouts to a position that points \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset away \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset from the route. Example: \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/route_ex2.png width 7cm \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The upper turnout, of course, needs to be locked in straight (normal) position, while the lower one is not relevant for the route itself. But what if the lower turnout was set to the diverging (reverse) position and the driver of another train approaching signal B fails to see the red light? This train would crash into the first one. To minimise danger, that other train would need to be routed towards signal D. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard There are, of course, situations, where both positions of a turnout would conflict with a route equally. In those situations, there's nothing you can do and no flank lock needs to be set. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Assigning main signals to TCBs \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Main signals in the advtrains interlocking system are positioned - like in real life - at the border of track sections, because routes also start and end there. For advtrains to know from which signal which routes can be set, you need to assign the signal to a TCB. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard To do this, perform the following steps: \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate If not already happened, set up a TCB (you don't need to, but are advised to, configure track sections there) \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate Place the signal a few meters in front of the TCB, so that trains stopping at the signal do never pass the TCB \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate Locate the side of the TCB which points in the direction that trains will proceed past the signal, as shown in the figure below. \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate Right-click the TCB, and click \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Assign a signal \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset on this side. \end_layout \begin_layout Enumerate Punch the signal. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/assign_signal.png width 8cm \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard If you haven't set an influence point for the signal yet, the influence point formspec automatically opens. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard You can assign a signal to each side of a TCB. This is, for example, useful when creating block sections on a bi-directional main running line. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Only main signals can ever be assigned to TCBs, because static ones can either not display \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Danger \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset or do not permit to proceed at all. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Shunt routes \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \series bold The information in this section is subject to future change because of safety issues! \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Operating railways is not all about driving trains around. Coupling, decoupling and moving single engines, wagons or groups of wagons across a station, called shunting, also plays an important role. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Remember what we said about routes: There must be no rail vehicles on the route. So what if you have some goods wagons ready on a siding, and want to couple an engine to it? You can not set a regular route into the siding, because it is occupied. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The solution is to program a second route into the siding, but with the difference that it already ends at the rear-facing signal of it, so it doesn't include the siding section itself: \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/route_ex3.png width 7cm \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The Sht2 route then needs to show a shunt aspect, which instructs the driver to proceed slowly and watch out for vehicles on the route. See later on for how to set this up. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Shunt routes like this are, so far, the only exception to the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Routes should end at a signal facing the same direction \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset rule. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Route Release \end_layout \begin_layout Standard In early real-life interlocking systems, routes either had to be cancelled by the signalman after the train had passed the route, or there was a single release contact at the end of the route. However, as interlocking systems evolved and the position of trains is now roughly known by the track sections, portions of the route can be freed as soon as the train has left the corresponding section. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard AdvTrains has chosen a modern approach to route releasing. Each turnout lock is associated to a track section belonging to the route's path. Once the train leaves this section, all assigned locks are also freed. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Please note that reversing a train outside of stations is not only discouraged, but also very dangerous, because even real-world interlocking system do not expect this. There is a clear, human-sense rule that you should never reverse the driving direction of a train while on a main line or on a turnout. Else, you can be considered a terrorist. (quote from professional!) \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Programming a route \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The route programming procedure is quite straightforward if you've read the previous sections and understood how routes should be set. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Routes always start at a main signal. You must have assigned the signal to a TCB, as described earlier. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard When you right-click the main signal, it no longer changes its aspect. Instead, a formspec pops up, showing you an (empty) list of routes with the possibility to set them or to create new routes. Click the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Create new route \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button to start programming a new route. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The form closes, and an arrow is displayed on the TCB. You are now in \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Route Programming \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset mode, programming the first track section of the route. Now: \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Put any turnouts you need to lock in the correct position (e.g. by right-clicking them). This includes flank protection. \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Punch them. This makes a marker with a blue lock symbol appear. \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize If you punch a turnout again, or punch the marker, you can remove the lock again. \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize When you've locked all turnouts in the current section, go to and punch the TCB that is the border to the next track section the train proceeds into. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Depending on the situation, you are now offered some possibilities to proceed: \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Click the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Advance to next section \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button if your route consists of more sections with turnouts to lock, and you need to continue programming. Follow the above steps to set locks for the next section. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Once you've clicked the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Advance \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button, the lock markers change to a red lock symbol, telling they can't be changed anymore. Repeat the above procedure until you are ready to complete the programming procedure: \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Click the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Finish route HERE \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button when you've set up the locks for the last track section of the route and punched the final TCB (the one with the next signal). You will be asked for a route name and your route will be saved. \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize The \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Finish route at end of NEXT section \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button (third button) is an useful quickhand to make the route proceed one more section. Using this button is equivalent to first clicking the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Advance \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button, then flying to the end of the next track section and finishing the route there. You can not (officially) set turnout locks in the final section using this method. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard A few hints: \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize If you accidentally advanced the route wrongly, you can use the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Step back one section \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button to undo this. \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize If you want to stop programming the entire route without saving it, use the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Cancel route programming \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button. \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize The third button is especially useful for programming simple block sections on a main running line, since you can stay at the starting signal (punch starting TCB and select third button). \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize If a route should end in a dead end, you MUST use the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Finish in NEXT section \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button, because there is no final TCB that you could punch. \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize The third button does NOT work on sections with more than 2 exits, because the system won't be able to determine the final TCB of the route then. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Route information screen \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/Bildschirmfoto_2019-01-15_19-28-09.png width 10cm \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard This is the screen that appears when you click \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Edit Route \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . It lets you change the route name and delete the route. Also, it shows a summary of the route and its elements. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The route summary lists information per track section on the route, so the line starting with \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset 1 \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset is the first section of the route. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The ARS rule list and its purpose is explained later. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Specifying signal aspects \end_layout \begin_layout Standard By default, newly programmed routes show an aspect that comes closest to \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Proceed at maximum speed \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . However, it can be desirable to change this behavior, like when the route passes a diverging turnout, the train should be signalled to drive slower, or the route is a shunt route and therefore only \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Shunting allowed \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset should be shown. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard This is the purpose of the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Change Aspect \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button in the route info screen. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Signal aspects in advtrains consist of 4 sections: main (Information for train moves), dst (Distant signal information, not implemented yet), shunt (Information for shunt moves) and info (additional information, currently not in use). \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Train may proceed as train move at maximum speed: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset main: free, speed -1 \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Train may proceed as train move at speed of 8: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset main: free, speed 8 \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Train may proceed as shunt move: \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset shunt: free \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard There's a field in the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset shunt \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset part of signal aspects that is not displayed in the GUI, but is of potential interest to developers of signal addons: shunt.proceed_as_main. \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize A train move can always become a shunt move by passing a signal that shows \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Halt for train moves, shunting permitted \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize A shunt move can only pass a signal saying \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Proceed as train move, shunting not permitted \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset when proceed_as_main is true. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The property is used by the Limit Of Shunt sign, where proceed_as_main is set to false. Shunt moves have to stop in front of it, while train moves are signalled \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Proceed \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . Regular main signals that show \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset green \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset have the field set to true, so that all trains can pass it. \end_layout \begin_layout Section Interlocking system operation \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Setting up the interlocking for a portion of a railway network requires some time, experience and planning, but once done, there's not much to do anymore to make trains run on your, now safer, railway. This section covers some useful practices to route trains across your network. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard At the moment, routes can either be set by clicking the signal or via LuaATC, or by using the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Remote Routesetting \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset button from the Onboard Computer. It is planned to control this via a \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset signal box \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset view based on the currently broken itrainmap. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Train Safety System \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The Train Safety System, called \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset LZB \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset in the code (from the german term Linienzugbeeinflussung, although this is a completely different system), ensures that trains obey any restrictions imposed by signals when influence points are set. This way, it is not possible to pass signals at danger or to bypass speed restrictions. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard It is possible to overrun red signals, if a route is cancelled while a train is approaching. Real interlocking systems use a mechanism called Approach locking for this, however, as of now, there's no similar system in this mod. If a red signal is overrun, the train brakes using emergency brake ( \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset BB \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ) and can not be moved any further. You should then examine the situation and drive the train backwards out of the section. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Simple route setting and cancelling \end_layout \begin_layout Standard To set a route, simply right-click the signal, select a route and click \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset set route \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . If there are no conflicts, the signal turns green and the train is allowed to proceed. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard It may be possible that the route can not be set, because one or more other routes conflict with the current one, or a section is blocked. In this case, the signal stays red, and the conflicting item is shown in the formspec. As soon as the conflict is resolved (by cancellation or release of the conflicting route, or the section becoming free), the requested route will be set and the signal turns green. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard If a route is either requested or set, it can be cancelled from the signalling formspec. This means that all turnouts and sections are released, and the signal reverts back to red. This of course only works when the train has not passed the signal yet. There is no mechanism for Approach Locking. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Automatic Working \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Block signals on main running lines usually only have a single route to set, the one proceeding along the main line. Their purpose is only to show whether there are trains in the next section. So, it would be convenient if this only route would set itself again after a train passed. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard This is what Automatic Working is for. Set a route, click \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Enable Automatic Working \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset , and as soon as a train passes, the route is automatically re-set. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard This function is nearly identical to SimSig automatic signals. It can also be useful on a line with high traffic, when there's a low-frequente d access to a siding. You'd enable automatic working for the main route and cancel it only when you need a train to go into the siding. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsection Automatic Route Setting (ARS) \end_layout \begin_layout Standard As interlocking systems evolved, the goal always was to offload work from the human to the system, automating things. Modern interlocking systems can automatically set routes based on a pre-program med routing table for each particular train. Since one outstanding feature of Advtrains is it's high degree of automation, it has a similar system to automatically set routes for a train depending on certain parameters. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Every train in Advtrains has 2 internal properties that can be set through the Onboard Computer of every engine in the train, the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Line \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset and the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Routing Code \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize The \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Line \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset property is supposed to distinguish trains of multiple lines that share a track. \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize The \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Routing Code \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset property is supposed to tell the target of a train or which route it should take to reach the target \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Examples: \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/arslin_ex1.png \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Both lines share the section between Blackbirdshire and Parktown. To divert them again, they can save their line number in the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Line \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset field. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/arslin_ex2.png \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Some trains should go to B, some to C, the direction can be set with a routing code. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard One single routing code should not contain spaces. You can set multiple routing codes by just separating them with spaces in the Routing Code field. So, \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Stn Ori \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset would be matched by ARS rules either containing \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Stn \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset or \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Ori \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . This does not work for lines. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsubsection Writing ARS Rules \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Every route of every signal can be given a set of ARS rules. A single ARS rule can either match a line or a routing code (combinations, e.g. and's, are not yet supported). The first rule in the first route that matches any of the properties of the train is selected, and that route is set for the train. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset Graphics filename lyx_img/ars_ex1.png \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Standard You can add an asterisk ( \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset * \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset ) to the ARS rules of one route. That route then becomes the default route. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard If no explicit ARS rule matches the train, then the default route is chosen and set. If there is no default route, nothing happens and the signal remains red. \end_layout \begin_layout Subsubsection Using ARS \end_layout \begin_layout Standard In contrast to Automatic working, where the route is re-set immediately after the train passed, ARS sets the route only when the train approaches the signal, e.g. is just about to start braking in front of it. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard At any place where one of the following things take place, you should use the ARS system in favor of Automatic Working: \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize A main line diverts into 2 or more lines: Using ARS, you can direct the trains along the line where they should go \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Two or more main lines join into one: You cannot use automatic working here, because all routes are tried to be set at the same time and it is a matter of luck which one \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset wins \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . In a bad situation, you have a train coming from A, but it cannot proceed because Signal B has won the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset route race \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset into the shared section, even if there's no train coming from B. Using ARS, by just specifying the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset default route \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset by a *, the inward route is only set when a train approaches. \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Complex intersections, which are probably a combination of the above two \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize sometimes-used branching tracks on which only certain trains (with certain routing code or line) should head off, like the entrance to a factory where only one specific goods train should drive in. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard In the route overview, you can see some information on the ARS settings: All routes that have ARS rules are highlighted red, the \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset default route \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset is highlighted green. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard ARS does not affect signals which already have a route set, and signals which are operating under \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Automatic Working \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . \end_layout \begin_layout Section Final notes \end_layout \begin_layout Standard The interlocking system is mainly finished, though there are still some plans and ideas. They include: \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Signalbox panels, as revival of itrainmap \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize Distant signals \end_layout \begin_layout Itemize On-Train head-up display for oncoming signals (they have something like this in Czech Republic, I forgot how it's called.) \end_layout \begin_layout Standard Apart from this, there's the large oncoming project of a new timetable-based train automation system, but this will take some time to evolve and is out of the scope of this document. \end_layout \begin_layout Standard If you have any suggestions, corrections, improvements, criticism or cute kittens and stuff, you can always contact me by various means (Forum PM, E-Mail (orwell@bleipb.de), Linuxworks server chat a.s.o.). Have fun! \end_layout \begin_layout Standard - orwell \end_layout \end_body \end_document