The signalling desks are the equipment which signallers use to control train traffic around the the Stepford County Railway network in a Rail Operations Centre or Signalling Box. Each signalling desk covers a certain part of the network, known as a signal zone. Signallers can access train information, monitor actual traffic condition on the line using cameras, and control the railway signals within the signal zone on the screens and GUIs of the signalling desk.
History
Signalling desks have been present since almost the start of SCR. Before Version 1.0, each signaller had all the buttons to change the signals in front of them with a camera for each signal available. However, as the buttons were physical ones, and the signalling system was less advanced at that time, it was hard to signal at that time.
This changed with the release of Version 1.0 and signalling desks were changed to have a line diagram in the style of an IECC where each individual signal's status could be checked and if the signal was "manual", the signal aspect could be changed. Signal desks were divided into small areas, with physical buttons being replaced with GUIs, making signalling more easier and efficient.
The next major update came with V1.7, where the desks were reallocated so that the control areas were larger. The style remained like an IECC however, the UI to control and manage trains made the workflow more organised for signallers.
Signalling Desks Distribution
Version 1.7
After the release of Version 1.7, the desks were reallocated into different, larger areas:
Zones
Zones shown on a Network Map. (click to zoom)
- Zone A - Stepford Zone, including the Willowfield and Whitefield Branches, excluding St Helens Bridge
- Zone B - St Helens Bridge to Coxly and Beaulieu Park
- Zone C - Stepford Airport Zone including Benton Bridge and Airport Parkway Siding, , excluding Waterline Stepford Airport West branch
- Zone D - Morganstown to Edgemead including Airport Parkway Depot
- Zone E - Faymere to Llyn-by-the-Sea
- Zone F - Benton Area excluding Benton Bridge and the Waterline Network excluding Morganstown
Locations
The desks were also moved to different areas, being:
- Zones A/C/D - Stepford ROC
- Zone B - Beaulieu Park Signal Box
- Zone E - Llyn ROC (before 1.7.2, it was located in Starryloch Signal Box)
- Zone F - Benton Signal Box
Version 1.0 - 1.6.5
Zones
- 1A - Whitefield to Stepford High Street
- 1B - Waterline to Newry Harbour and West Benton
- 1D - Cambridge Street Parkway to Connolly and Airport West
- 1E - James Street and Airport Parkway to Airport Central
- 2A - Stepford Victoria to St Helens Bridge and Beechley Sidings
- 2B - Angel Pass to Coxly
- 2C - Benton Station
- 2D - Benton Crossover to Hampton Hargate including Benton Bridge Junction and Port Benton Approach
- 2E - Water Newton to Edgemead including the Fast Lines
- 2F - Faymere to Llyn-by-the-Sea
- 3B - New Harrow to Berrily
- 3C - East Berrily to Morganstown including Port Benton to Greenslade
Note:
- Signalling zones 1C and 3A did not exist for unknown reasons.
- Between V1.6 and V1.6.5, the whole Willowfield branch except Beechley Sidings could not be signalled manually due to technical limitations of the old signalling system.
Locations
- Version 1.0.0 - Version 1.0.22 - Benton Rail Operations Centre
- Version 1.1.0 - Version 1.4.3 - Stepford East Rail Operations Centre
- Version 1.4.4 - Version 1.6.5 - Stepford Rail Operations Centre