Hello. So I decided I want to try my hand at driving the Antelope Valley Line but it seems that in the official manual and tutorials, there isn't a single word about signal aspects and the use of the ATS train protection. Are there any resources that I could use to learn this stuff?
Ietms isn't implemented in the route in tsw. If you just want to learn about signaling, there is a video by tygerways
Keep in mind, too, that the way the signal system works on the route is completely incorrect. Many, many incorrect signal indications. At many stations, if not all of them, you arrive on a yellow signal and the signal following the station is red until the objective of picking up passengers is complete. Then you get the line-up and the signal magically turns green. Completely incorrect. So while helpful, that video doesn't really show the true, accurate representation of how the signals work in real life.
You're right, it's not. When the signals are working, the aspects are typically correct. Like for diverging to another track, the signal before it is a "double yellow" or "approach diverging" which indicates being prepared to diverge at the next signal. This is correct. So technically yes, there's no issue with how the signals are being displayed. But on the other side of the coin, there kind of is, because of how you get your route line-up, giving you incorrect signal aspects. So it's debatable. No, there's not a problem with the signals, but at the same time there is. This dates all the way back to TSW 2020 and the Peninsula Corridor with CalTrain. It had the same issue.
This website has all the signal rules for major US railway companies, including Metrolink. Looks more complicated than it is, more often than not you’ll be coming up against Advance Approach, Approach and Stop.
For Metrolink operations, yup. This is exactly correct. When on an Approach signal, you are not allowed to travel at more than 40mph passed the signal in preparation to stop at the next one, which would be red. However, with how the signals are setup in TSW4, this means you're literally constantly slowing down to 40mph at virtually every signal before a station. It's frustrating to say the least.
That I believe is due to the limitations of TSW's dispatcher logic. Not ideal but that is what we have...
Yeah, in the real world, the dispatcher can set paths minutes in advance and the train basically has a green light for departure before it even arrives. Not to mention block signals, which will always automatically show green unless there's something in the next section. The TSW dispatcher just won't plot you multiple objectives at a time even when there's no interference from other services.
No, it is not a limitation with TSW's dispatcher logic. See all the routes where you don't get red signals at station stops.
That wouldn't affect the dispatch logic IIRC, it's well-known that the editor has a "dispatch beyond" checkbox.
Ok I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of it. One thing that is however making me a bit upset is the diverging signaling where you are supposed to follow an arbitrary speed limit shown in the timetable, which is something we don't have. Also I think I managed to cook a pair of ES44s when going up the grade so yeah, some traction motor fans would definitely be pretty handy.
ok so approach is 40-45mph, tho not enforced? can someone pls give me like, a little guide, what speed at what signal aspect? pls since the game doesnt really enforce this here
Green/clear - maximum authorized track speed. Advanced approach/flashing yellow - maximum authorized track speed, prepared to slow down at the next signal Approach diverging/double yellow - maximum authorized track speed, prepared to slow down to diverge at the next switch Red over any aspect - you’re diverging at that signal/switch and should be going whatever the turnout/crossover speed is Solid yellow- approach signal. DO NOT EXCEED 40mph, prepared to stop at the next signal Red - pretty straight forward. STOP These are basic explanations. Without going into my manuals regarding this stuff for more detailed descriptions, these are the main ones you should know, as well as all the track speed limits on the route. I would share more certain things if they weren’t internal documents. Hope this helps!
Maybe I should make a separate thread regarding basic stuff like this for Metrolink since now we have two routes to follow these rules on.
maybe... I kind of quarried similar info from a different dude regarding AWS, because most UK trains didnt really force you to slow down to a certain speed at certain aspects, like yeah we trust you you can brake in time, but then 700 Thameslink happened which actually penalized you for not following such things and so I had to learn
An Advance Approach signal does not enforce a speed limit itself, but it does require that the train be moving not exceeding 30 MPH (freight) or 40 MPH (passenger) before passing the next signal. The distance to the next signal can vary, and train crews will be familiar with the territory they operate on and will know how quickly and how soon to slow down. For someone learning a route like this, you'll just have to learn by experience. Approach Fifty and Approach Sixty signals have similar speed limits imposed by the time of passing the following signal. The speed limits dictated by the Advance Approach signal correspond to the those mandated at the Approach signal which typically follows it. Approach Diverging similarly does not impose a speed limit, but the train must be going at or below the prescribed turnout speed at the next signal. Those speed limits are listed in the employee timetable (ETT). That information should also come with the route DLC.
Here's a link to a thread I created with more detailed descriptions of stuff including some Metrolink specific rules and procedures: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/th...r-rules-useful-information.78699/#post-794586
