Potteries Loop Line

What is Signal box?

This is a very brief overview of the Signal Box rule. If you think this is something you may be interested in then please do download the documentation from the downloads page.

The Signal Box Rule monitors and controls signals, points (junctions), turntables and level crossing gates in the Home Section controlled by a signal box. The Rule enables interactive signalmen to be fitted to signal boxes throughout a route to provide control of all or part of the route's trackwork as required. The operation of all signals, points, turntables and level crossings is provided from the signal box .


What is Signal box? This is a very brief overview of the Signal Box rule. If you think this is something you may be interested in then please do download the documentation from the downloads page. The Signal Box Rule monitors and controls signals, points (junctions), turntables and level crossing gates in the Home Section controlled by a signal box. The Rule enables interactive signalmen to be fitted to signal boxes throughout a route to provide control of all or part of the route's trackwork as required. The operation of all signals, points, turntables and level crossings is provided from the signal box .
	Within each enabled signal box a control panel allows the user to communicate with other signal boxes on the route using the bell codes, telephone, and line signalling equipment. The control panel facilitates the setting of junctions and signal states as well as the control of turntables, level crossings, and even trains. Within each signal box is a signalman which allows the user to view the route through the signal box windows.
Available instructions and information:
	A full Operation manual is available from the downloads page which examines in detail the scope and capabilities of the Signal Box rule. Also available is 'Notes to Signalmen' which provides information on the operation of each signal box on the PLL route. There are also two videos available which show Signal Box in use and give training in how to use it. Signalman Training 1 - Block Instruments and Signals: This 14 minute video demonstrates the use of Block Instruments to control train movements. It also shows the operation of points, signals and level-crossing gates. The operations shown in this video can be done by running session 'SB1 - Signalman Training 1 - Block Instruments and Signals' Signalman Training 2 - Loco Control This 7 minute video demonstrates the control of a locomotive performing a shunting operation from a signal box while also controlling points and signals from the signal box. A similar operation can be done by running session 'SB3 - Signalman Training 3 - Locomotive Control'.

Sessions included for Signal Box A number of sessions have been included in order to demonstrate Signal Box and provide training on its use. There are also sessions in which you can be a signalman for a few hours.

SB-1 - Signalman Training 1 –Block Instruments and Signals SB-2 - Signalman Training 2 –Operating Points SB-3 - Signalman Training 3 –Locomotive Control
These sessions demonstrate the various aspects of the operation of Signal Boxes for the management of main line traffic and for shunting. Read the Signal Box Operation Manual and view the Signal Box Training videos with these sessions to understand how the Signal Boxes work and to develop your operating skills.

SB-4 - Morning Turn – 9.20 to 10.00am – Longport Junction Signal Box SB-5 - Morning Turn – 9.20 to 10.00am – Etruria Junction Signal Box SB-6 - Morning Turn – 9.20 to 10.00am – Newcastle Junction Signal Box SB-7 - Morning Turn – 9.20 to 10.00am – Stoke North Signal Box
These sessions, based on actual timetables for the late 1930s, represent the 40 minutes of operation between 9.20 and 10am on a typical weekday. Each session shows the operations from a different signal box. The sessions increase in complexity as you approach Stoke-on-Trent. The sessions can be run with the signal box operating automatically. Once you are familiar with operations you can take full control of all signals, points and level crossing gates under the control of your signal box.

SB-8 - Local Transfer - Longport - Pinnox Sidings - RIDE SB-9 - Local Transfer - Longport - Pinnox Sidings - DRIVE
These sessions present a typical shunting operation transferring coal wagons between the Pinnox exchange sidings for the Chatterley Whitfield Colliery and the main line sidings at Longport. In the 'RIDE' session the transfer train operates automatically but you can operate the Pinnox Junction and Longport Junction signal boxes to manage the operation. In the 'DRIVE' session you are in complete control of both the train and the signal boxes.

SB-10 - Gas Works Coal - Pinnox Sidings to Etruria Gas Works - RIDE SB-11 - Gas Works Coal - Pinnox Sidings to Etruria Gas Works - DRIVE
These sessions present an operation transferring coal between the Pinnox exchange sidings for the Chatterley Whitfield Colliery and the Etruria Gas Works. In the 'RIDE' session the transfer train operates automatically but you can operate the Pinnox Junction and Longport Junction signal boxes to manage the operation. In the 'DRIVE' session you are in complete control of both the train and the signal boxes.