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Train Dispatcher 3 M.. - Train Dispatcher Simulation

1. esee Figure 34 Random Defect Detector Parameters Dualog eese Figure 35 Random Switch and Signal Failure Parameters Dialog Figure 36 Alert Parameters Dialog eonrrvvnrnvnrnrnennnvnnrvvnrnrnennnennrnvnrnenrnesevesvrnsnanevesevesnee Figure 37 Function Activation Dialog Figure 38 Territory Data Dialog eee dette terere trier Figure 39 Territory Comments blei Figure 40 Train Type Data Window esee ener Figure 41 Train Type Dialog uiii eee rte LAN deisde Figure 42 Train Data Window eenrorenrnnenrnrenrnnenvnsnnrnsnnrnernanennnvennasennnnenrnsenrnsvnrnssnsesnnesen Figure 43 Train Data General Dialog esee Figure 44 Train Data Multiple Entries Dialog eee Figure 45 Train Data Work Schedule Dialog A Figure 46 Train Data Passenger Schedule Dialog eee Figure 47 Start Times Wrndouw essere nennen nennen Figure 48 Start Time Data Dialog Figure 49 Entrance Exit Location Window seen Figure 50 Block Permits Window eese enema Figure 51 Block Permit Dialog eee rennen Page iii COMPUTER CONSULTANTS EEE EEE 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 COMPUTER CONSULTANTS aT Figure 2 Slow Orders WindOW o iiit octane oes RC Ru io Pe Ee RE RR eege dde 51 Figure 53 Slow Order Data Dialog ane te E Rete Eo e e a ne reete ds 92 Figure 54 Wayside Detector Dat
2. Figure 24 Train OS Window 7 3 Train Territory Arrival Schedule A list of trains that are to arrive on a territory at a given entrance exit location can be called up placing the mouse pointer on the entrance exit location name and clicking the right mouse button Figure 25 will then appear Trains Arriving at Entrance Location S Properties Save Column Widths Scheduled Arrival A BH4 16 25 4000 Slow Freight BH12 17 25 4600 Regular Freight 44 18 30 1000 Passenger BH4 18 40 3900 Regular Freight THX 18 35 5000 Slow Freight Figure 25 Train Territory Arrival Window This window shows the trains that will arrive on the territory in the next eight hours The trains are sorted by their arrival time The user can re size any of the columns in this window by placing the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re Page 27 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 crit cie sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The train s data dialog can be called up by placing the mouse pointer on any data contained in a train s row clicking the left or right mouse button to select the train and then clicking the Properties button Multiple Train Territory Arrival windows for different entrance exit locations can be opened
3. Track Block Switch Name the name of the track block or switch that is affected by the slow order Permanent indicated if the slow order is permanent or has a limited time period From Time the time when the slow order goes into effect Page 31 6 December 2000 Tram Dispatcher 3 maiore ice To Time the time the slow order expires Slow Order Speeds is a group of fields for each type of train in each direction which contains the maximum speeds the trains can travel over the track block or switch when the slow order is in effect If the speed for a train type is blank the slow order does not affect the speeds for that type of train 7 9 Alert System Centralized Traffic Control systems generally allow dispatchers to view their entire territories at one time by using several monitors or a wall board Because most computers only have one monitor Train Dispatcher 3 cannot in some cases display the entire territory on a single screen even if the track diagram is zoomed out and the monitor is set at its highest resolution To help the user Train Dispatcher 3 has a message alert system which informs the user of situations that may require his or her attention The system can generate an alert message for any of the following situations When a train arrives on the territory When a train is stopped waiting at a signal When a train is stopped because of a wayside defect detector alarm When a block permit will become a
4. 1009 is stopped waiting for signal Work Extra has just arrived on territory at H1 ALERT 0005 07 02 Train Work Extra is stopped waiting for signal Figure 32 Alert Message Window 8 OPTIONS Train Dispatcher 3 has a number of options that can be selected to vary a simulation These options are broken down into three categories These categories specify the randomness of a simulation the alert parameters and which functions are to be active 8 1 Random Performance To make each simulation different and more realistic a random performance generator is included in Train Dispatcher 3 The user controls the effect of the random performance generator by entering various parameters There are three types of random performance parameters train wayside defect detector and switch and signal 8 1 1 Random Train Parameters To enter the train parameters for the random performance generator select the Random Train Parameters menu item under the Random menu Figure 33 will appear Train Type Run Time Performance Startup Delays Late Train Arrivals Locomotive Problems Train Problems Dropped Signal Derailment percentage deviation percentage percentage percentage percentage Passenger o Yes 50 Fast Frat Slow Psgr 0 Yes 50 0 Slow Freight 0 Yes 0 50 0 0 Regular Freight 0 Yes 50 Helper 0 D Yes 0 0 0 Figure 33 Random Train Paramete
5. Switches sometimes fail to throw because of mechanical problems or debris located near the Switch points This parameter determines the number of switch failures that will occur for every 1 000 switch throws If a switch fails to throw the dispatcher will make several attempts to throw it again and hope the movement of the points will dislodge any debris Train Dispatcher 3 is designed to recover from a switch failure 50 of the time on the first attempted throw after the switch failure 25 on the second attempted throw 12 5 on the third throw etc The user will be asked if a maintainer should be called to correct the problem The user can also tell the crew of a train stopped near the switch to manually throw the switch To request a crew to manually throw a switch place the mouse pointer on the failed switch and click the right mouse button This will cause a pop up menu to appear with a Crew to throw Switch XXX Manually menu item Select this menu item to throw the switch in the opposite direction Please note that this menu item will not appear if there is no train stopped near the switch Signal failures Signals will sometimes fail to clear This parameter determines the number of signal failures that will occur for every 1 000 attempts to clear the signal If a signal fails to clear the dispatcher will make several attempts to clear it again Train Dispatcher 3 is designed to recover from a signal failure 5096 of the time on the first a
6. and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button This window can be sorted by the block permits track names or the requested times for the block permits to start by clicking the Sort Track or Sort Time buttons To add a new block permit click the New button To delete or edit a block permit first place the mouse pointer on its data and single click the left mouse button to select highlight the block permit Then click the Delete or Edit button The Edit button will cause the Block Permit dialog to appear see Figure 51 You can also place the mouse on data in a block permit s row and click the right mouse button which will cause a pop up menu having New Edit and Delete menu items to appear Double clicking the left mouse button on data in a block permit s row will automatically cause the Block Permit dialog to appear in the edit mode Block Permit Track amp Time x Number H Scheduled for From time To time 09 45 Sunday IV Monday Track name ec Ma E Tuesday Requestor Track Foreman IV Wednesday Reason inspect track IV Thursday IV Friday Cancel Help Saturday Figure 51 Block Permit Dialog The following describes each of the fields in the dialog Number is the internal number which cannot
7. 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel 412 655 1884 Web www signalcc cd Fie Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View Web Pages Ordering Help notstated Stop sef 20 Teri kne 2c 0 Name SW 000 High Reverse 30 Low Reverse 30 Switch failure maintainer will fix at 02 09 Figure 10 Switch Status Line The information fields in the status line from left to right are the following The switch number The switch name The train speeds when a train goes over a switch that is in the reverse position The highest and lowest train speeds of all types of trains are shown Switch failure information including the time a maintainer will arrive to fix a switch To display more information about the switch place the mouse pointer on the switch and click the right mouse button and the dialog in Figure 11 will appear Switch Information x Switch number p Switch name mee Control monitor name I DS Point finone Reverse right device Block 0013 Normal left device Block 0010 Normal right device Block 0012 SWITCH REVERSE TRAIN SPEEDS MPH TRAIN TYPE SPEED TRAIN TYPE SPEED Passenger Fast Frgt Slow Psgr Slow Freight Regular Freight Helper Figure 11 Switch Information Data in this dialog cannot be modified by the Train Dispatcher 3 user The following describes each of the fields in this dialog Switch number the unique switch num
8. 3 program Double click on the Train Dispatcher 3 icon on the desktop Open the Windows Explorer find the Train Dispatcher 3 exe file in the Traine folder and double click on the file Open the Window Explorer find a track file track files have a trk file name extension in the Train2 folder and double click on the file This will cause the Train Dispatcher 3 program to start and load the track file on which you clicked After starting the program the Track Display appears see Figure 1 2 WHAT S NEW Train Dispatcher 3 has been designed to meet the requirements of a major Class I railroad and also include many of the suggestions from our Train Dispatcher 2 customers Territories developed using Track Builder 2 can be loaded into Train Dispatcher 3 however some of the new features require data they can only be generated by the Track Builder 3 program The following is a brief list of some of the new features of Train Dispatcher 3 Simulations can run for multiple days up to 90 TBS territory files only Houtes can be cleared by designating an entrance and an exit signal Union routing Houtes can be stacked Users can specify up to 5 stacked routes per signal that will automatically be cleared for the next train after the previous route has been completed or cancelled Trains can be given permission to proceed past a red signal Trains can be merged or split into two trains The user can request a train to stop any
9. 3 user The following describes each of the fields in this dialog Number the unique number assigned to the block Track name the name of the track block Connector a check box to indicate whether or not the block is a connecting line that does not have length or hold trains Left device the block switch or diamond to the left Entrance Exit name Left the entrance exit name to the left of the block Right device the block switch or diamond to the right Entrance Exit name Right the entrance exit name to the right of the block Signal Direction indicates if the block is signaled in the left and or right direction Usually blocks are signaled in both directions If not trains can only move in the direction in which the block is signaled Block Length the length of the block in feet miles meters or kilometers Left exit control signal the signal number of the controlled signal that allows a train moving to the left to exit the block If no signal number is displayed the program assumes the exit signal is automatic Right exit control signal the signal number of the controlled signal that allows a train moving to the right to exit the block If no signal number is displayed the program assumes the exit signal is automatic Normal crew change point a check box to indicate if crews are normally changed in the block Page 9 6 December 2000 Tram Dispatcher 3 COMPUTER CONSULTANTS Delay
10. Fast Frat Sl B amp P scheduled to arrive Regular Frei BH8 scheduled to arrive Slow Freight Boonton scheduled to arrive Regular Frei Cementer stanned maitinn sinnal Rienilar Frei Lake Hopatcong 07 14 Netcong 07 18 Pocono Summit 12 10 Pocono Summit 08 00 Blairstown 12 04 Blairstown 03 28 0O0TGSNODGDD DO Ki Figure 23 Active Train List Window This window is dynamically updated As trains move and their status change the window will be modified to reflect these changes To stop this window from updating click the Stop button to stop the simulation clock The list can be sorted by train identifier train status or by estimated time of arrival departure ETA To sort by train identifier status or ETA click the Sort ID Sort Status or Sort ETA buttons respectively To display only the trains that are scheduled to arrive on the territory are stopped are moving or are off the territory og not and will not return check the Arriving Stopped Moving or Completed boxes respectively The user can re size any of the columns in this window by placing the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The following describes each of the columns in thi
11. Yes Browse Train stopped detector alarm IV Yes Browse Train stopped train problem IV Yes Browse Locomotive problem performance lowered 7 Yes Browse Train stopped derail V Yes SE Browse Block permit Time and Track active IV Yes Browse Block permit Time and Track complete Iv Yes Browse Slow order active IV Yes Browse Late station departure 4 minutes Yes Browse SERRE RRR Crew Expiration 2 Hour Warning IV Yes Browse Crew Expired M Yes Browse Cancel Help Figure 36 Alert Parameters Dialog The following describes the fields in this dialog Alerts Each type of alert message can be turned on or off by clicking the appropriate Yes check box If the Yes box is checked for a particular alert message an alert message will be issued any time the condition exists For any alert message conditions that do not have the Yes box checked alert messages will not be issued Bells Sounds can also be generated when an alert message is issued If the computer s internal bell is used a number greater than zero should be entered in the appropriate Bell field indicating how many times a bell will chime as an alert to the dispatcher of the alert condition Please note that sometimes the internal bell is turned off if the computer has a sound card installed Please refer to your computer s setup function not the Window s Setup function if the interna
12. are often controlled by another railroad and can have a serious impact on dispatching operations Train Dispatcher 3 simulates the impact of these trains by specifying how often a train controlled by another dispatcher will cross the junction Diamonds that are partially controlled by another dispatcher do not have any signals in the route across the diamond that the other dispatcher controls In Figure 19 another dispatcher controls the route that crosses the diamond at Branchville from top to bottom TOS Train Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel 412 File Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options not started Stop sl se 20 TA 0 Diamond Automatic Yes Top bottom train frequency 2 L X LAFAYEITE BRANCHVILLE gt l ANDOVER JC ch Figure 19 Diamond Train Frequency Example To display the frequency of foreign trains across the diamond place the mouse pointer on the diamond The train frequency over the diamond will appear in the status display line In this case Train Dispatcher 3 would automatically clear and move 2 trains a day across this junction Each train s route would be cleared 5 to 15 minutes before the train arrived and be occupied for 2 to 5 minutes 6 6 Permission to Enter Territory A number of entrance exit locations require the dispatcher to give the train permission before it can enter the territory To determine if an entrance exit lo
13. assigned to the block If no OS point is assigned nothing will be displayed The name of the area work area associated with the block If no area is associated nothing will be displayed The types of the wayside detectors located in the block Up to three detectors can be located in a block If there are no detectors in the block nothing with be displayed Page 8 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 ceri eie To display more information about the track block place the mouse pointer on the block and click the right mouse button If a train occupies the block a pop up menu will appear Select the Block XXX Properties menu item and Figure 8 will appear If a train does not occupy the block Figure 8 will appear immediately Block Properties i x General Block Data Block Speeds Number 0 Track name Connector Left device finone or Entrance Exit name ER Right device Block 0003 or Entrance Exit name I IV Signaledleft IV Signaledright Block length 20 miles Left exit control signal Right exit control signal Normal crew change point Delay in block because of crew change 5 minutes Time to send crew to block o minutes Platform name finone Area Name finone Wayside detectors inne finone finone DS Point Scranton Remote monitor name Cancel Figure 8 Block Properties General Help Data in this dialog was created via Track Builder and cannot be modified by the Train Dispatcher
14. at the same time These windows will automatically update as the status of trains change 7 4 Train Platform Schedule A list of trains scheduled to stop at a platform can be called up placing the mouse pointer on a block containing the platform and clicking the right mouse button Click on the Train Stop at Platform item in the pop up menu that will appear and the window shown in Figure 26 will be displayed Find Train Properties Save Column Widths Scheduled Dep 26 08 45 1000 Passenger Arriving S 47 09 50 1000 Fast Frat Arving D 3 12 28 1000 Passenger Arriving D 2 13 06 1000 Passenger Arriving S Figure 26 Train Platform Schedule Window This window shows the trains that will be stopping at the platform in the next eight hours The trains are sorted by their scheduled platform departure time The user can re size any column in this window by placing the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button To locate a train on the territory place the mouse pointer on any of the data contained in a train s row click the left or right mouse button to select the train and click the Find button Train Dispatcher 3 will then scroll on the territory screen to the locati
15. block There is a field in each block s Block Properties General dialog that contains the amount of time it takes to get a new crew to the block A crew s on duty time starts when the dispatcher calls the crew 7 SIMULATION STATUS INFORMATION Train Dispatcher 3 provides a considerable amount of information about the status of a simulation Most of this information is centered around the status of trains but also addresses block permits and slow orders The following describes various functions that provide status information 7 1 Train Status Line To quickly find information about a train place the mouse pointer on the train The train s status will appear in the status display line near the top of the screen see Figure 22 mi Tram Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel 412 655 1884 Web File Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View Web Pages 07 03FrOdays Stop 20 Tara R Hampton Job Sp 40 Len 1000 Exit N2 moving forward ETA at 7 04 Crew 15 00 Figure 22 Train Status Line Stop Start The train status line contains the following information The train identifier The average speed of the train in the block The length of the train The next entrance exit location where the train is to leave the territory or the train identifier of the train this train will become The status of the train i e moving forward The train s next scheduled event o
16. by their Train Identifier Start time is the time of the day the simulation will start Scheduled for is a group of check boxes that indicate for which days of the week the start time is valid A single start time entry can be used for every day of the week No end time Train Dispatcher 3 can run the simulation for multiple days up to 90 If this box is checked Train Dispatcher 3 will not end the simulation until 90 days after the start End time the time the simulation will end after xx days is the number of days or 24 hour periods the simulation will run If this number is O the start time is 00 01 and the end time is 23 59 the simulation will start at 00 01 on the first day and end at 23 59 on the first day If the number of days is 1 the simulation will start at 00 01 on the first day and end at 23 59 on the second day Train is the train identifier of the selected train in the Train location at start time list Start block is the block where the selected train will be located when the simulation starts Crew time is the time the crew has been on duty for the selected train at the start of the simulation Start direction is the direction in which the selected train is traveling at the start of the simulation 9 9 9 o Start at work area is the number of the next work area in which the selected train is scheduled to perform work If the train has not performed work at any of the scheduled areas at t
17. ec eb rete 22 Te VefSe iei eer e pe o ertt ees split WAN eiue eene peius SUAEL coser Er RR EE EU ig X train commands train frequency at junctions See diamondtrain frequency teal ap gees EE train speeds train TYPOS ica epo oci e Ap ER AREE trains at junctions See diamond train frequency view ERI 6 praphic aussen aue dee cs Avie eae Aven 6 WELrENby ss ER 54 wayside detector random performance enrrvnnnnnnvnnnvvnnvrernrrvvenvnrnrevvave 34 territory data husstander what s new work schedule Zoom IZ OU ed trc REN ER e gd
18. in one direction only under Automatic Block Signal rules Single track branches were operated by timetable and train order Areas for local freights are marked with a diamond symbol trains BH8 A BH4 THX and HEN have helpers trains when they enter the territory at Scranton These helpers will automatically split from the train just east of the crossovers at Lehigh and you must return them to Scranton Westward trains HB7 2 HB9 and HBS will stop just west of Analomink to attach merge helpers Helpers must be manually split i e by you at Pocono Summit just east of the crossover and returned to Analomink for their next assignment Most hand crossovers in double track territory are 2 mph to compensate for the time required to hand operate the switches Frank W Bryan who worked at Port Horris Vard in 1956 7 Figure 39 Territory Comments File Page 39 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit eie 9 2 Train Type Descriptions Trains can be designated as one of ten types To view the train types select the Train Type Description item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Train Type Data Window in Figure 4O will appear Edit Save Column Widths Dual Cab Locomotive Left Bitmap Locomotive Right Bitmap Caboose Bitmap Fast Frat Sl mar No ted diesel left bmp red diesel right bmp red caboose bmp Helper Helper Yes Se red diesel left bmp red diesel right bmp red caboos
19. order in which they are moving through the block If any of the train identifiers are displayed in red those trains are at stop If in blue those trains are moving A train may occupy more than one block at a time since a train can be longer than a block If the program is in Graphic display mode a locomotive will partially overlay the block into which a train is moving and a caboose will partially overlay the block the train is leaving Arrows will be displayed to indicate the direction in which trains are moving Locomotive and caboose icons may in some cases be displayed on top of these arrows o Green indicates the track block is part of a cleared route Arrows indicate the direction of the route o Yellow indicates the track is part of a route that is stacked scheduled to be automatically cleared o Light Blue indicates a block permit will become active in the next 30 minutes The time at which the block permit will become active is displayed above the track block o Bark Blue indicates a block permit is active The time the block permit will expire is displayed above the track block If track blocks are blinking they are part of a route that is running time see Paragraph 6 2 3 and therefore cannot be cleared until a specified time period has elapsed If the screen is in the Graphic display mode a yellow box signifies a switch location Switches have two positions which are called normal and reverse The normal pos
20. the diamond TBS territory files only Diamonds can be set up for automatic signaling which allows conflicting routes to be cleared over the diamond at the same time The first train that hits the approach block to the diamond gets the route TB3 territory files only Trains can be scheduled to perform local work in designated blocks TBS territory files only Signals can fail and require a maintainer to fix When switches fail the user can specify that a train crew can manually throw the switch Train OSs are recorded and a train graph can be displayed TB3 territory files only A simulation can be recorded and later played back Train schedules block permits and slow orders can be changed in Train Dispatcher 3 Trains can develop problems such as a broken hose Locomotives can develop problems that degrade the performance of the train Train Dispatcher 3 is an extremely realistic simulation of a dispatcher s job Because of the many enhancements a novice user can find the simulation overwhelming To alleviate this problem Train Dispatcher 3 allows the user to turn off many of the optional functions The following is a list of function that can be turned off Slow Orders Block Permits Crew Calling Helper Requirements Hequiring the user to grant permission before allowing a train to enter the territory Limiting how often a train can enter a yard 3 GETTING FAMILIAR WITH TRAIN DISPATCHER 3 1 Sc
21. the time multiplier to be increased T down arrow button when clicked causes the time multiplier to be decreased Turn Sound Off Turn Sound On when clicked causes the sounds generated for various alerts to be turned off or on if the sound is already off Prev Alert button when clicked causes the previous alert message to be displayed in the status line located below the button Next Alert button when clicked causes the next alert message to be displayed in the status line located below the button Go to Alert button when clicked causes the screen to automatically scroll to and the mouse pointer to be placed on the train or block that generated the alert Zoom In Out button when clicked zooms the track diagram either in or out depending on its current zoom status Back button when clicked scrolls and zooms the screen back to its previous location and zoom status Fwd button when clicked returns the screen to the location and zoom status that was displayed before the Back button was clicked Under the tool button bar there is a Status Display Line that displays depending on the location of the mouse pointer information about trains blocks switches diamonds signals entrance exit locations or alert messages If the mouse pointer is on a block that is occupied by a train train status will be displayed If the mouse pointer is on a switch diamond signal or unoccupied block informa
22. would have to move past a red signal in order to get into the block that is occupied by the train needing the helper Once in the block and stopped behind the other train the helper can be connected to it by use of the Train XXX Merge menu item command This menu item will only appear in the pop up menu when a train is stopped waiting for a signal 6 4 6 Train XXX Reverse Train Command The Train XXX Reverse Train menu item command causes the designated train to stop and start movement in the reverse direction as soon as possible This menu item will always appear in the pop up menu unless the train has been manually stopped or there is another pending reverse request Trains cannot be reversed if there is opposing traffic in the reverse direction between the train and the next control signal or the track behind the train is not signaled in the reverse direction 6 4 7 Train XXX Change Crew Command The Train XXX Change Crew menu item command instructs the train to stop in a designated block and wait for the new crew to arrive It also calls the new crew When this menu item is selected it causes the Call Crew dialog in Figure 18 to appear Call Crew for Helper x Location to change crew block number or platform Block 0000 Block 0001 Block 0002 Block 0003 Block 0004 Block 0005 Block 0006 vi Call time fi 3 46 Cancel Figure 18 Crew Call The block in which the crew exchange is to occur mu
23. 27 30 m Cancel Figure 46 Train Data Passenger Schedule Dialog HEI Each Train Data Passenger Schedule dialog can display up to 10 station platform names If the territory has more that 10 platforms there will be multiple Train Data Passenger Schedule dialogs Each will have a tab such as Passenger Schedule 1 Passenger Schedule 2 etc The following describes the fields in the Train Data Passenger Schedule dialog Platform name names of the platforms defined for the territory The user cannot add or delete platform names in this dialog To perform this function select the Station Platform Data menu item under the Data menu in the menu bar Scheduled Departure contains the time the train is scheduled to depart the passenger station or platform The time is entered in 24 hour military time To enter 1 AM type 100 or 0100 To enter 1 PM type 1300 Dwell Time contains the amount of time in seconds the train will stay at the station to load and unload passengers The first train in Figure 46 will depart for example 60 seconds after it arrived if it is behind schedule If it is running ahead of schedule it will depart at the scheduled departure time Add XXX minutes to departures since adding passenger schedules is a long and tedious process we added this feature to simplify the schedule entry for subsequent or earlier trains that run on schedules similar to trains alr
24. 33 Random Set ele leet 33 Random Train Glen 33 Random Defect Detector Param tens aas 34 Random Switch and Signal Failure Harammetere ENEE 35 Al rt Elie EE 36 FUMCUOM AGUVOLIDEL sciri ront rene enti eco tici te net P tese e Da d n Pt ek de t ttt ia ve et Reuter er etre 38 TERRITORY DATA ee L add 38 Territory Br 38 Train Type elle Le 40 TREAT el EE 41 Frain Data General DialOG rerien aeria eE E EEE E ENE 43 Train Data Multiple Entries Dialog it trn tree bete a pre t e Ra etd 44 Train Data Work Schedule Dialog ttti ctt e etc E Ret Yeti Hie cde 45 Train Data Passenger Schedule Dialog essere tenente ttti nitet ttes oti tet nt ttttnttttesiti 46 Simulation Start Times uu eee Entrance Exit Locations Eelere TEE Slow lee Wayside Detectors FINDING A TRAIN TRACK BLOCK SWITCH DIAMOND OR SIGNAL seen 54 TECHNICAL SUPPORT trei ttetadsxs Seed 54 WARRANTY E 54 Page ii 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 List of Figures Figure 1 Train Dispatcher Screen en eene emeret Figure 2 Train Dispatcher Screen Bottom rrrenarvnnrvvnnvrrvnenvnervrnrvrrevervnrvrernrevvernresneernn Figure 3 Track Symbols d oh tee EH E t etes Figure d Classe View teer eti eg e e Ro See ptt Figure DJe Block E eaten e ene ee Figure 6 Block Lengths 3 2 tenete e I ERE tede Figure 7 Track Block Status Line re
25. 38 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 ceri eie Territory Information E Territory Name RENERE Version fi 2 Free C ForSale Number Country usa Railroad Lackawanna Division Subdivision Scranton M LE partial From Scranton PA To Dover NJ Year 1858 Track File Name cr rack Builder Test TB3 version of dlu5 Author Frank w Bryan Address E mail fwbryan fidnet com Public Domain Copyright Notice C Copyright Protected p Comments File Name C Projects T Lamb version of dlw58 txt Open Cancel Print Print Setup Figure 38 Territory Data Dialog Train Dispatcher 3 does not have the Comments field that was in Train Dispatcher 2 To provide greater flexibility Track Builder 3 users can attach a comments file to the track file When Train Dispatcher 3 loads a track file it generates the comments file This file is a text file txt file extension and can be generated by any word processing application or Window s NotePad or WordPad programs To open the comments file click the Open button and the NotePad program will start and display the comments file A sample of what this display might look like is shown in Figure 39 Si tb3 version of dlw58 txt Notepad DO x File Edit Search Help Lackawanna Railroad circa 1958 DL amp W was not really CTC Interlockings were controlled by wayside towers under the verbal control of the dispatcher Notice that many tracks are signaled for movement
26. 7 SWItCN GOITER el EEN SIQGMAl GONG EE Signal Commands Signal Fleeting Running TMecOn2a Sign ali24 C 19 Entrance Exit Signal e ell EE 19 Stack tee EE lun IT 20 Automatic Signaling of RE E 20 Aa ge 0 EROS EE 21 Train eu Te EN Train XXX Stop Now Commande 21 Train XXX Stop in Block Commande 21 Train XXX Start Movement Commande ee Train XXX Clear Stop in Block OX arcen EENEG EEN 22 Train XXX Pass Red Signal Command summeres eet EENEG ee Train XXX Reverse Train Ee Lull Le eter rte ee e tunt thee teet HARE estere ee Train aX Gliange Grew DOmltriangd e nce petet elucet d teet dere a rep antenna ee Train XXX Merge with Train XXX Commande 23 Train XXX Split Commands sisie terreri cete ie ine p nete e e edere 23 Tr ins atJuneuUonSuua o etna at t Re RE e DR e ee leder a e ent e3 Permission to Enter Territory sete e iei dtd rad een ERTE AAEE RAEE SEES e3 BlockPertnit Hegquest n eite made t tee t tlle bon parete ele een et US 24 Grew elle DE 24 SIMULATION STATUS INFORMATION 85 Train Status Line s Vsus 25 ACUIVE TAI EE 25 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 COMPUTER CONSULTANTS mere Train Territory Arrival aech utet RR Dine dE A ae E RE dation eit Ego 27 Train Plattorm Schedtile ep eee ee 28 Train Gore DEE 28 Performante Delta ct tret te ere eg Active Block Pe e EE 30 Active SIOW lee 31 E GE E 32 Rea Tel TEE
27. Browse Locomotive right bitmap file fred diesel right bmp Browse Caboose bitmap file fred caboose bmp Browse Cancel Help Figure 41 Train Type Dialog The following describes each of the fields in the dialog Description a description of the train type Type a system description of the train type Cabs at each end of train is a check box that indicates the train has cabs on both ends and therefore has equal performance in both directions In Train Dispatcher 3 these trains are never considered to be moving in 8 reverse direction Trains that have dual cabs are usually transit vehicles or passenger trains Page 40 6 December 2000 Tram Dispatcher 3 Ernte ie i Startup time is the time it takes to get a train started if it was stopped waiting for a signal This field is used to assign for the train type the default startup time that appears in the Block Properties Speeds dialog see Figure 9 Reverse speed is the maximum speed of the train when it is moving in reverse Locomotive left bitmap file custom icons can be added to the track execute file in Train Dispatcher 3 These icons are created from bitmap files that have a bitmap representing a left facing locomotive a right facing locomotive or a caboose These bitmaps must be 32 bits wide by 14 bits high and have no more than 16 colors A number of locomotive and bitmaps files are included with Train Dispatcher 3 The user should fe
28. D NNI NIE 37 Status EE 32 system description 32 automatic signaling at diamonds See signal automatic control at diamonds block Cleat TOUTE r en eee eig 5 displaying lengths eee e eet et eee s 7 NAMES M 7 Signal direction te es 7 KEE y PUD nef hp EP ee 54 lengtlyz ined re eere t ep 9 OCCUPIE 4 eder er ee ettet 5 permit AT 5 permit pending etd dte 5 properties general daag 9 SU teu 21 See SLACK aiias abeo o ede ee 3 status line iius pee tei tam 8 synibol enubneien nee n a eee 5 track names eto eee eie e ens 9 block permit Deele 38 ek 5 30 pending x erp re eie rs 5 request authorization dialog esses 24 territory dat iiie onere pese changing the territory EEN COCK time eee eee eta comments about territory crew expiration activation GTG Goritrolfriode d cn eod ee diamond PIT eat 54 Status litte iii pecia e e 13 Symbol 2i esteem e pte ree 5 tram frequen y EE 23 entrance exit DEIER pe der ae 48 Symbols entree n skisse 5 terntory data uie tenent 48 entrance exit commands See signal entrance exit commands external control mode EEN 16 finding train block switch diamond or signal 54 fleeting signals ss See signal fleeting function activation 38 helper acCtvetion nnns 38 at DE 1 merge train 5ee train commands modes of o
29. If an alarm is generated the crew will stop the train walk to the car that is the subject of the alarm and determine if the alarm was real or false This process will cause the train to be stopped for a period of time based on the distance from the front of the train to the car that caused the alarm False Alarms Not all alarms are real A number of them are false This parameter sets the percentage of alarms that are false If the alarm is false the train will restart immediately after the car is checked If the alarm is real the train will be stopped for an additional period of time while the crew corrects the problem 8 1 3 Random Switch and Signal Failure Parameters To enter the switch and signal failure parameters for the random performance generator select the Handom Switch and Signal Failure Parameters item under the Random menu Figure 35 will appear Page 35 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit eie Random Switch and Signal Failure Parameters x Switch failures per 1 000 throws m Signal failures per 1 000 clears o Time for maintainer to arrive fi 20 minutes Random maintainer arrival time percentage deviation 50 Cancel Help Figure 35 Random Switch and Signal Failure Parameters Dialog The user can define a range of randomness for switch and signal failures The following describes each of the fields in the Random Switch and Signal Failure Parameters dialog Switch failures
30. N DISGPDATCHER eren 2 Screen Components tte ettet etin t reet erdt e e ee eet ed voee tree ea 2 Track Diagram Symbols 4 Moving Around the Screen P Display Views A 6 Classic and Graphic Vie WS eein rt e inc YT ETUR EP d REA RU Ege HER Re rete ren 6 Displaying Block Information ccce rte re tr etj trt eene i a d ee M ate vence req 7 Displaying Detailed Track and Train Information 8B TRACK Eed Informationen iea i RESI daa ENN EREINA EAERI aaa ENA EEEE EEEE AR 8 SWITCH INFORMA ON EE 11 Diamond Infoprmablbris uet e rt re deer HT CIRCE THEE eR Sr CHER dura 13 STARTING A SIMULATION 13 Restarting Rep LI Le EE 14 Territory ge 14 Ghariging Ken NR EIFE 15 Saving a SIMULATION aco teen Re EH e PH ern ERRAT DE RR ERR to UE rd d 15 Opening Previously Saved Simulaatio Misaada aranaren ianao aetan EEIE aeaa eu Fit nt ide coe rebote 15 Loading Previous SirmulatiQri use tenet rst taa nd ce erter 15 Saving the Startup Switch Positions and Signal Conditions ENEE 15 MODES OF OPEBATION 5 ert etre eee EE EE 15 Simulation ho playback leie eerte iare ettet suman HE EH Sed cte 15 Simulation with playback Mode sssessseeessseressseensssrersssrersseressserssssersssesersserensssresssresssrsersseerssenssssessssrersseresseesssseessseesssseresssesessesenssssenns 16 Playback Mode niiin 16 GIO Control Mode rape AER 16 External IO Mode Luka ee S 16 DISPATCHING OPERATIONS ve 1
31. Printer Setup Sort Track Sort Time Number Track Block Switch Name Days of the Week Block 0072 01 53 04 30 Th Block 0194 SuMoTuweThFrSa Track D D SDG SuMoTuweThFrSa Track K L 1b 00 01 23 59 SuMoTu Track KL 1b 00 02 1230 We Track Q R 1b 08 30 1530 MoTuweTh Figure 52 Slow Orders Window This window displays information about all of the slow orders To re size any of the columns in this window place the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button This window can be sorted by the slow orders track block switch names or the slow order start times by clicking the Sort Track or Sort Time buttons To add a new slow order click the New button To delete or edit a slow order first place the mouse pointer on its data and single click the left mouse button to select highlight the slow order Then click the Delete or Edit button The Edit button will cause the Slow Order Data dialog to appear see Figure 53 You can also place the mouse on data in a slow order s row and click the right mouse button which will cause a pop up menu having New Edit and Delete menu items to appear Double clicking the left mouse button on data in a slow order s row will automat
32. TRAIN DISPATCHER 3 User Manual 6 December 2000 mik rain Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel 412 655 1884 Web www signalcc com File Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View Web Pages Ordering Help Zoom ce Qut koke 07 00FrOdays Stop PED FARE A B C D ALERT 0001 07 00 Slow Order Active Location Track H 3 permanent lt SCRANTON ELMHURST MOSCOW LEHIGH GOULDSBORO TOBYHANNA PO e Helper H Ready Den GRAVEL PLACE STROUDSBURG eval Delaware Water Gap ANALOMINK L PORT MORRIS 4 Copyright 2000 Signal Computer Consultants All rights reserved Train Dispatcher 3 SIGNAL COMPUTER CONSULTANTS Signal Computer Consultants DO Box 18445 Pittsburgh PA 15236 Tel 888 872 4612 toll free US and Canada only Tel 412 655 1884 Fax 412 655 1893 E mail signal Q signalcc com Web Page www signalcc com Train Dispatcher 3 and Track Builder 3 are dedicated to Frank Bryan and Fred Frailey who tested both programs over a four month period and provided many suggestions on improvements It is doubtful that these programs could have been successfully completed without their help and support Page ii 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 COMPUTER CONSULTANTS EECH Table of Contents INSTALLATION c ente 1 Loading the Program 1 Starting the Progra EE 1 WHAT S Te 1 GETTING FAMILIAR WITH TRAI
33. a Window eseri a E ESAU tnen nennen rennen nnetnnet nennen estne enne enne 53 Figure 55 OS Data Window iere t eR Hp ee tee v ege a A Re es 53 Figur 56 Bind ax Train Dialog er tee en i leti ite ete Gangen 54 Page iv 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 critici ite 1 INSTALLATION 1 1 Loading the Program Train Dispatcher 3 is a 32 bit Windows program that will run on systems running Windows 95 98 2000 NT 3 51 or NT 4 0 or later It will not run under Windows 3 1 Train Dispatcher comes on a CD HOM To install the program insert the CD ROM into the CD ROM drive and click the Start and then the Run buttons In the Open box type d autorun exe if your CD ROM is the D drive on your computer If it is not the D drive type the appropriate drive letter followed by a colon and then autorun exe ex e autorun exe fautorun exe etc Follow the instructions in the installation program to complete the installation The Setup program Will ask you for a serial number The serial number for Train Dispatcher 3 is the same serial number you received for Train Dispatcher and or Train Dispatcher 2 When Train Dispatcher 3 is installed the Setup program will load the program into the Traing folder default and create a desktop icon 1 2 Starting the Program There are four ways to start the program To start the program Click the Start button point to Program then to the Train2 folder and click on the Train Dispatcher
34. age and are included on the Train Dispatcher 3 CD Rom To load these territories from the CD insert the CD into the drive and a program should automatically load If this program does not automatically load click the Start button select the Run menu item and then type D autorun exe where D is the drive identifier for your CD If D is not your CD drive substitute the appropriate letter that identifies your CD drive Finally click the Ok button to start the installation program When the installation program starts it will display buttons for loading the track territory libraries Click on the button for either the For Sale or Customer Contributed Library which will open a WinZip Self Extracting program If you click the Unzip button all the tracks in the library chosen will be loaded into the designated folder If you have WinZip Page 14 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 critici it installed on your computer you can click the Hun WinZip button to load just the territories you want If you do not have WinZip on your computer you can download a free evaluation copy from their web page at www winzip com 4 3 Changing the Territory There are over 300 territories that can be simulated with Train Dispatcher 3 To change the territory to be simulated click the Change Territory Track File menu item under the File menu The program will display a list of territory files that can be opened Each of these files has a file e
35. ard Reverse none Forward Reverse inone zl Forward Reverse no zl mn Forward Reverse finon KH Forward Reverse nnd O wo p X E II Q none none Y Q none none Y E none none Y none none none none Y E none none Y E none Y none Y none none E dd none Y none Y Cancel Apply Help Figure 44 Train Data Multiple Entries Dialog The following describes the fields in the Train Data Multiple Entries dialog Entrance contains the location where the train will return to the territory Exit contains the location where the train should leave the territory after it re entered the territory at the location specified in the Entrance field Page 44 6 December 2000 Tram Dispatcher 3 GE Delay contains the time in minutes from the time the train leaves the territory until it returns to the territory at the location specified in the Entrance field New ID contains the new train identifier for the train when it re enters the territory at the location specified in the Entrance field If this field is blank the last train identifier will be used New Entrance Direction indicates whether the train re enters the territory moving forward or in reverse New Type contains the new train type if applicable For example if a train left the territory empty and re
36. at the top of the screen to display a pop up menu and then click the Restart Simulation menu item 4 2 Territory Libraries Signal Computer Consultants maintains two distinct libraries of territory track files which we have named the Customer Contributed and For Sale libraries As of December 2000 there were over 300 track files available Most of the files were created by our Track Builder customers All track files developed with Track Builder 2 and Track Builder 3 can be simulated in Train Dispatcher 3 The track files over 150 in the Customer Contributed Library are completely free and can be simulated in Train Dispatcher 3 The track files over 150 in the For Sale Library can be viewed via Train Dispatcher 3 prior to purchase but are password protected for operational purposes When a territory from the For Sale Library is purchased from Signal Computer Consultants a password is assigned that unlocks that territory for use The first time the user clicks the Start button with a For Sale territory loaded that has not been previously used the system will ask for the password for that territory Once a valid password is entered for the particular territory the program will not ask for it again Track files in both the Customer Contributed and For Sale libraries can be downloaded from our web page at www signalcc com select the Territory Libraries menu item under the Web Menu to go the territory library web p
37. ation running the system will ask the user if he wants to restart the simulation The user must select Yes to enter into this mode After the user clicks the Start button and selects a start time the system will then ask the user for the name of the playback file The file name must have an extension of ply to indicate it is a playback simulation Please note that the system will generate about 200 to 400 K of data for each hour of the simulation For 24 simulated hours as much as 12 MB of data will be stored in this file The playback file allows the user to review previous simulations Signal Computer Consultants also plans to develop a screen saver program from a user generated playback file 5 3 Playback Mode In playback mode the system will ask the user for the name of the playback file After entering a playback name the system will display the Simulation Playback Time dialog in Figure 14 Simluation Playback Time Iof x Playback File C Projects Traina test5 playback ply Playback start time 07 00 day of week Fr Jump to start time 07 00 day of week ou week fo o Tu We Th Sa Cancel Help Figure 14 Simulation Playback Time Dialog The playback of a simulation can be fast forwarded to a particular time in the simulation by entering a time and day in the Jump to start time and day of week fields different from the simulation s original start time and day Once the system reaches t
38. be changed by the user that the system has assigned to the block permit From time contains the requested start time of the block permit The time is entered in 24 hour military time For example 1 AM would be entered as 0100 and 1 PM as 1300 To time contains the requested end time of the block permit The time is entered in 24 hour military time For example 1 AM would be entered as 0100 and 1 PM as 1300 Scheduled for is a group of check boxes that indicate the days of the week the block permit will be active Page 50 6 December 2000 Tram Dispatcher 3 COMPUTER CONSULTANTS Track name is the name of the track a group of blocks protected by the block permit To display a list of allowable track names click the down arrow at the right side of the selection box Requestor name is a text entry field that holds the name of the person requesting the block permit Reason is a text entry field that holds the reason for the block permit request 9 7 Slow Orders The user can create or modify temporary or permanent slow orders designate when they become active and specify their speed restrictions for the different train types The user can enter information about slow orders by selecting the Slow Order item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Slow Order window shown in Figure 52 will appear Slow Orders lel zi New Delete Edit Save Column Widths Print
39. ber assigned to this switch Switch name the name of the switch Control monitor name An advanced version of Train Dispatcher 3 called Train Dispatcher 3 Pro is capable of monitoring and controlling external devices such as real railroad ground equipment or a model railroad display The remote monitor name is used to associate external devices to the devices in the Train Dispatcher 3 display Page 12 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 ceri eie OS point contains the OS point assigned to the switch OS points are used by Train Dispatcher 3 to create a train graph OS points can be assigned to multiple blocks or switches If an OS point is not assigned to the switch none will be displayed in this field Reverse Left Block the block switch or diamond to the left of the switch when the switch is in the reverse position The switch can either have a value in the Reverse Left Block or Reverse Right Block field but not both If the switch does not have a reverse left position this field will not appear Reverse Right Block the block switch or diamond to the right of the switch when the switch is in the reverse position The switch can either have a value in the Reverse Left Block or Reverse Right Block field but not both If the switch does not have a reverse right position this field will not appear Normal Left Block the block switch or diamond to the left of the switch when the switch is in the normal po
40. box to appear around it and click the left mouse button which will cause the signal to go to the opposite state unless an existing condition prevents the change There are many safety reasons why a signal might not clear If the Help Messages menu item located in a pop up menu which will appear when the Help menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen is clicked is checked a message will appear explaining why the signal did not clear and blink the switch or block that caused the problem The following is a list of reasons why a signal might not clear A route cannot be established to the next signal because a switch is open A block in the route is cleared in the opposite direction A block in the route is not signaled in the same direction as the requested route see Paragraph 3 5 1 A train occupies the first block in the route A block in the route has an active block permit Track and Time see Paragraph 7 7 6 2 2 Signal Fleeting Each time a train advances beyond a signal the signal will go to stop If another train is following the dispatcher has to re clear the signal A signal fleeting function is provided to help the dispatcher This function automatically re clears the signal as soon as the train that initially passed the signal no longer occupies the first block beyond the signal Only signals with long masts can be fleeted see Figure 16 To fleet a signal place the mouse pointer on the signal and click
41. cation requires trains to obtain permission before entering the territory place the mouse pointer on the entrance exit location name The status display line will display information about the entrance exit location including whether trains must obtain permission to enter the territory at that location Page 23 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit tect When a train requests permission to enter the territory the dialog in Figure 20 will appear Train Entry Request Dis Ei Train work Extra requests permission to enter territory at location Request i Help Figure 20 Train Entry Request Dialog The request can either be granted for a specified time or can be delayed until later If delayed the train will make another request in 30 minutes The train entry request function can be de activated See Paragraph 8 3 about turning off this function 6 7 Block Permit Request Tracks often require maintenance Before maintenance can be performed the track must be taken out of service To take a track out of service the dispatcher issues a block permit track amp time The block permit authorizes a maintenance gang to work on the track for a specified amount of time When a foreman wants to obtain a block permit he will issue a request to the dispatcher When a request is made in Train Dispatcher 3 the dialog in Figure 21 will appear Permit Track amp Time Request 217 X Requestor Track Inspector Reason ins
42. ce to the exit signal it will try to clear a route If it cannot clear the route an appropriate message will appear In Figure 17 for the indicated entrance signal you can select any signal on the second or third track from the top of the figure as the exit signal Even signals that are for the opposite direction can be selected When an opposite direction signal is selected as an exit the route will be cleared to the next signal that is in the same direction as the route To cancel and entrance exit request after selecting the entrance signal place the mouse pointer on any place on the screen that is not a signal and click the left mouse button Entrance exit requests will set up routes that go beyond just the next signal in the same direction The system will search for the exit signal up to 50 devices from the entrance signal A device is considered to be any track block Page 19 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit eie Switch diamond or connecting line In Figure 17 the number of devices from the entrance signal to the first signal to the right of the entrance signal on the second track from the top of the figure is 9 Entrance Signal m Figure 17 Entrance Exit Signal Commands 6 2 5 Stack Route Commands There are many occasions when a dispatcher wants to clear a route as soon as a conflicting situation is resolved For example a dispatcher wants to clear a train out of siding as soon as a train moving i
43. cleared the train must travel at a lower speed than its maximum in anticipation of stopping at the end of the next block Other fields pertaining to train speeds are Oo Oo TYPE lists the train type descriptions NONE Left Right Cleared Ahead Blocks contains the train speed in the current block if the next block is not cleared for the train train will stop at the end of the current block ONE Left Right Cleared Ahead Blocks contains the train speed in the current block if one block beyond the current block is cleared for the train TWO Left Right Cleared Ahead Blocks contains the train speed in the current block if two blocks beyond the current block are cleared for the train HELPER if checked indicates that the train type requires a helper for it to travel through the block The user will have to merge a helper with the train before the train will pass into any block for which a helper is required even if the signal allowing the train to enter the block has been cleared STARTUP is the time in seconds before the train will start moving into the block if the train is at stop waiting for the signal to be cleared 3 5 2 Switch Information When the user places the mouse pointer on a grid square that contains a switch the status display line at the top of the screen will display some information about the switch see Figure 10 Page 11 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 2 m Train Dispatcher Version 3
44. could be designated as the ending signal These are the first signals to the right of the entrance signal on the second and third tracks from the top of the figure You can designate up to five stacked routes per signal The first stacked route you enter will be the next route cleared when the current conflict is resolved To see a list of stacked routes place the mouse pointer on the signal and click the right mouse button A pop up menu will appear which will have a Delete Stack Command XXX entrance signal name exit signal name menu item for each stacked route To close the pop up menu place the mouse pointer at any location outside the pop up menu and click the left mouse button To delete a stack command select the appropriate Delete Stack Command menu item 6 2 6 Automatic Signaling of Diamonds Diamonds can be automatically signaled This means that routes can be cleared across a diamond in both directions at the same time If conflicting routes are cleared across a diamond the first train that hits the approach track to the diamond will be cleared to proceed across the diamond The signals governing the diamond for the other routes will automatically go to stop until the diamond is no longer occupied by the first train at which time the next train to arrive at the approach track to the diamond will be cleared to proceed If the diamond is not set to be automatically signaled only one route across the diamond can be cleared at any
45. ctive in 30 minutes When a block permit becomes active When a slow order becomes active When a train is late arriving at a passenger station When a train has locomotive problems which affect the train s performance When a train is having problems that require it to stop 9 9 9 9 99 99 9 9 When a train s crew will expire in two hours When a train s crew expires The user can decide which alert messages will be generated and whether they will have an associated audio alarm see Paragraph 8 2 Alert messages will appear in the status line near the top of the screen see Figure 31 if the mouse pointer is not placed on a train track block switch diamond or signal If the mouse pointer is on any one of these items instead of the alert message information on that item will be displayed in the status line TOS Tram Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel 412 655 1884 Web www signalcc cd File Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View Web Pages Drdering Help 07 03 Fr O days Stop zech 15 TATY nel sex Net oen ALERT 0004 07 02 Train ork Extra has just arrived on territory at H1 Figure 31 Alert Messages The alert displayed in the status line is either the last alert that occurred or the last alert the user looked at To set this option to be the last alert that occurred select the Display Last Alert menu item under the View menu There are three buttons located above
46. e bmp Passenger Passenger Yes 30 20 red diesel left bmp red diesel right bmp red caboose bmp Regular Fre Freight No 120 20 red diesel left bmp red diesel right bmp red caboose bmp Slow Freight Freight red diesel left bmp red diesel right bmp red caboose bmp Bl Figure 40 Train Type Data Window This window displays information about all of the train types The user can re size any column in this window by placing the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button To edit a train type first place the mouse pointer on the train type row and click the left button to select highlight the train type Then click the Edit buttons The Edit button will cause the Train Type dialog to appear see Figure 41 You can also place the mouse on the train type row and click the right mouse button which will also cause the Train Type dialog to appear The only fields that can be changed in this dialog are the Locomotive left bitmap file the Locomotive right bitmap file and the Caboose bitmap file fields Train Type iof xj Description Fast Freit Type Cabs at each end of train direction reversible Startup time o seconds Reverse speed be Locomotive left bitmap file eddeselletbmp
47. ead of using the mouse to clear Page 16 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 certi tec signals and throw switches Train Dispatcher 3 in this mode would get these commands from an external machine It will also provide signal switch and track circuit conditions back to the external machine as if these conditions were generated by the wayside equipment In anticipation of this enhancement Train Dispatcher 3 and Track Builder 3 have already been modified to include many of the necessary functions For example the remote control and monitor fields in the block switch and signal properties are used to identify field hardware to the system 6 DISPATCHING OPERATIONS The primary job of a dispatcher is to move trains over the territory from their origin to their destination as quickly as possible Because the amount of track is limited a number of trains traveling in the same and opposite directions must often share tracks Part of the dispatcher s job is determining routes that cause the most time efficient sharing of the limited trackage This can be a very complex task The primary tools dispatchers have in routing trains are switches and signals 6 1 Switch Control Switches allow the dispatcher to change the routes of trains Switches have two positions which are called normal and reverse The normal position is for a straight move through the switch see Figure 15 The reverse position is for movement at an angle to the original cour
48. eady entered To add or subtract time from a train schedule enter the time in minutes negative minutes to subtract time and click the Add button All departure times in the Train Data Passenger Schedule dialog will be immediately updated 9 4 Simulation Start Times When a simulation is started the user can specify a number of start times The user can view information about start times Page 46 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 Je To view the start time data select the Start Time menu item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Start Times window in Figure 47 will appear mm Start Times B x View Save Column Widths StatDay End EndTme After days Train Block Directior TuweThFr 1003 32 0252 Left Hampton Job 43 01 Mo 1009 32 0252 Left Hampton Job 43 01 Sa Hampton Job 43 01 1053 60 0158 Right Su Cementer 79 0368 Figure 47 Start Times Window This window displays information about all of the start times To re size any column in this window place the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button To view data on a start time first place the mouse pointer on the data in the start time s row and single click the left mouse
49. ear the base of the signal see Paragraph 8 2 5 A station platform is represented by a gray rectangle located near the track block that contains the platform Usually a passenger station name appears near the platform symbol Entrance exit location names are assigned to any track block that is not connected to another block or switch These names are two characters long and are displayed in blue white in the Classic view at the end of the Page 5 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 irch block that does not have a connecting switch or block Entrance exit locations are places where trains enter and exit the territory 3 3 Moving Around the Screen Most territories will not completely fit on the screen when the territory is zoomed in old Closeup View However if you are using a screen with a resolution of 800 by 600 pixels most territories designed should entirely fit on the screen when the territory is zoomed out old Overview The Northeast Corridor territory from Washington DC to Philadelphia because of its size will not entirely fit on a screen with a resolution of 800 by 600 but will fit on a screen with a resolution of 1024 by 768 There are a number of ways to move around the territory The following lists these Scroll using the horizontal and vertical scroll bars located at the bottom and right side of the screen Press the Home End Pg Up Pg Dn or arrow keys to scroll the screen Press a key that r
50. el free to modify these The data entered into this field is the name and location of the bitmap file To easily locate and enter this data click the Browse button Locomotive right bitmap file see Locomotive left bitmap file Caboose bitmap file see Locomotive left bitmap file If the user changes the bitmap files for the locomotive or caboose icons these new bitmaps will be displayed only after the track file is saved using the Save Track Territory File menu item under the File menu and then reloaded using the Change Territory Track File menu item 9 3 Train Information Each territory has a considerable amount of data on each train Train Dispatcher 3 users can not only view this information but also change it and save the modified territory Please note that changes made to the train information should be made prior to starting a simulation If changes are made after the simulation has started they will not affect any train that already appeared in the Active Train List window see Paragraph 7 2 The Active Train List window shows all of the trains that are on the territory and all of the trains that are scheduled to arrive on the territory in the next 8 hours Train Dispatcher 3 breaks this data out into four data areas The following describes these areas General Information contains general identification information about a particular train such as its type length the time and location of entry onto the
51. epresents a station call up character Each station name on the screen has a station call up character assigned These call up characters are displayed above the station names n Figure 3 the Analomink station is assigned a call up character of G If for example you press the G key the screen will scroll to position the Analomink station as close to the center of the screen as possible Position the mouse pointer close to the edge of the screen If the pointer is not located on a block switch or signal it will turn to a solid arrow pointing in the direction the screen will scroll if you click the left mouse button Position the mouse pointer on any grid square that does not contain a train switch signal diamond or track block If you click the right mouse button the screen will zoom in or out depending on its current zoom mode and the mouse pointer will be positioned at its location on the screen prior to the operation Position the mouse pointer on a track at the far left or far right of the screen If you click the left mouse button the screen will scroll to and the mouse pointer will be placed on the track that is linked to the first track 3 4 Display Views 3 4 1 Classic and Graphic Views There are two display views VVe have named these views Graphic and Classic The Graphic view has a white background and displays locomotive and caboose icons There are yellow boxes around each of the switches and graphics
52. erformance Data The performance of individual trains can be monitored To view train performance select the Display Performance item under the View menu and the window shown in Figure 28 will appear mm Performance Data lof xj Save Column Widths Lan Miel StopTime LostTime LateDeparture Time LateDepartures MissedEutsf TOTAL 1213 1505 363 656 14 8 1003 20 1 3 0 0 0 1011 78 24 37 0 0 0 1014 5 10 1 D 0 0 1015 0 0 0 D 0 0 1016 11 31 5 5 1 0 1017 0 0 0 0 0 0 1021 0 0 0 D 0 0 1022 0 0 0 0 0 1023 0 0 0 D 0 0 1024 1 D 0 D 0 1 1028 22 89 1 82 1 1 1031 0 0 0 0 0 0 Figure 28 Performance Window Page 29 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit cie This window displays the total performance of the system first row and the individual performance of each train The train performance is sorted by the train identifier The following describes the columns in this window Train ID the train identifier Miles the total number of miles the train has traveled Stop Time the amount of time the train has been stopped either waiting for a signal to clear or due to crew expiration Lost Time the amount of time that was lost because the train was not moving at its maximum speed Late Departure Time the amount of time the train was late in departing station platforms Late Departure the number of times the train was late departing station platforms Missed Exits the number of time
53. g e 3 starting a simulation 13 starting the program EEN 1 status display line ENEE 3 alerts EE 32 lod SEE EE 8 12 status line diamond 3 tede ta eet R 13 SWATCH eebe ee redde stop train switch eer 17 Taufe stet oor SS 5 35 find uiro endete eim tree Er 54 OUGUIUIE ME 17 properties dialog eee 12 reverse speeds une eeu 13 status Ime aide te Greier 11 Symbol a rete DEE 5 techriealSuppOFt eee Eee 54 territory arrival Permission rariss es 23 arrival schedule sese 27 data reete eee tee yp eee 38 libtaties o ente utet 14 tire mulupligr nn c RO IRR 3 track file loading etes See changing the territory track names ENEE See block track names find sunn ERA Real 54 train active train list window rerrrnrrrrronvvnrrnnrvrrrnnrvrrrnnrvrrnnr 25 le 26 OX niet Ee sie 26 1CODS nen SENE REN e ERE RD ERE 41 lengtli eerte pede 26 43 multiple entries dialog esses 44 OS WIBdOW erected pr E T E Ree 27 passenger schedule sss 46 platform schedule see 28 properties general dialog sess 43 random performance ennrvnnrnnnvnrnvvnnvvnrnarvvervrnrvavvvasen 33 Status Tine cio REEF Pit 25 territory arrival schedule ee eeeeeseeeeseeeeneeeeeeeeees 27 territory E E 41 work schedule 5 tt a 45 train command change CLOW a eee te tn tees 22 ierse With EE 23 pass fed signal
54. given time To determine if a diamond is automatically signaled place the mouse pointer on the diamond and look at the diamond s parameters in the Status Display line Page 20 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 critici ite 6 3 Train Speeds The safety system determines the speeds trains shall travel Because locomotive engineers usually can not see far enough ahead to know if they must soon stop they must rely on the signaling system to tell them how fast they should be going The wayside signals will tell the engineer how many blocks ahead are cleared for his train Most systems have three aspects which indicate the condition of the next two blocks The three aspects are stop clear to proceed through the next block preparing to stop at its end and clear to proceed through the next two blocks Train Dispatcher 3 is designed to handle up to four aspects which gives the engineer information about the next three blocks The speed a train travels through a block depends on the type of train and the number of blocks that are cleared ahead of the train To display the train speeds for a particular block follow the instructions in Paragraph 3 5 1 6 4 Train Commands Train Dispatcher 3 allows the user to issue commands directly to a train crew The following is the list of commands Stop the train now Stop the train in block XXX Start the train Clear stop train request Pass next red signal Heverse the train Change the crew in bloc
55. hat indicate the days of the week the slow order is in affect SLOW ORDER SPEEDS the maximum speed a train will be allowed to move over the track section block or switch during the slow order Maximum speeds are set for each train type in each direction If there is no speed in this field for a type of train in a specified direction the speed of the train over the track section block or switch during the slow order will not vary from its normal speed over the track section block or switch 9 8 Wayside Detectors Up to ten types of wayside detectors can be specified for a territory Wayside detectors are used to monitor passing trains for various types of problems Two of the most common types of wayside detectors are hot box journal and dragging equipment To view information about wayside detectors select the Wayside Detectors item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Wayside Detector Data window shown in Figure 54 will appear Page 52 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 certi ctr aW Wayside Detector Data B xi Save Column Widths Description Generates awaming Warning Delay Problem Bee dragging equipment Yes hot box Yes 1 gt slide detector Yes 10 30 train inspection Yes 30 20 Figure 54 Wayside Detector Data Window This window displays information about all wayside detectors To re size any of the columns in this window place the mouse on a vertical separato
56. he start of the simulation this number will be 1 If it has already completed work at the first work area this number will be 2 Start at multiple entry is the number of multiple entries the train has completed prior to the start of the simulation If the train has never left the territory this number will be O If the train has left the territory once and returned this number will be 1 9 5 Entrance Exit Locations Each entrance exit location has information regarding its entrance priority whether or not it is a yard entrance whether or not the yard has a capacity limitation and whether or not the train has to ask the dispatcher for permission to enter the territory at the location The user can view information about each entrance exit location by selecting the Entrance Exit Location menu item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Entrance Exit Location Window in Figure 49 will appear Page 48 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 certi ctr w Entrance E xit Locations PB x Save Column Widths Name Block Direction Priority Yard Entrance 24 Hour Capacity PermissionToEnter 4 BP BV D D G1 H1 H2 L1 L2 L3 L4 LH LS N1 Figure 49 Entrance Exit Location Window This window displays information about all entrance exit locations To re size any of the columns in this window place the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down
57. he time and day specified in the Jump to start time and day of week fields it will continue the playback of the simulation at the speed specified in the Time Multiplier field in the tool bar on the main screen During playback the user can stop and start the time clock change the time multiplier zoom in or out scroll around the display and display various status windows The user cannot throw switches or clear signals during playback He can however at any time in the playback stop the operation and place the system into the simulation without playback mode This allows the user to continue on with a new simulation at any point in the playback of a previous simulation 5 4 CTC Control Mode Signal Computer Consultant s plans to develop an enhanced version of Train Dispatcher 3 called Train Dispatcher 3 Pro This enhanced version will have the ability to control and monitor wayside railroad equipment or a model railroad In anticipation of this enhancement Train Dispatcher 3 and Track Builder 3 have already been modified to include many of the necessary functions For example the remote control and monitor fields in the block switch and signal properties are used to identify field hardware to the system 5 5 External I O Mode Signal Computer Consultant s plans to develop an enhanced version of Train Dispatcher 3 called Train Dispatcher 3 Pro This enhanced system will have the ability to drive an external CTC machine Inst
58. ically cause the Slow Order Data dialog to appear in the edit mode Page 51 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit cie Slow Order Data Number 5 Track block switch name EGNE Permanent From time 00 01 To time 23 59 SLOW ORDER SPEEDS MPH Scheduled for TRAIN TYPE LEFT RIGHT TRAIN TYPE LEFT RIGHT Passenger 30 30 mn 4 ed Fast Freight af 3 58 IV Tuesday Slow Freight f 3 mn Bison Regular Freight 30 30 I Fie D I B 8 Saturday Cancel Help Figure 53 Slow Order Data Dialog The following describes each of the fields in the dialog Number is an internal number which cannot be changed by the user given to the slow order by the system Track block switch name is the name of the track a group of blocks block or switch that is affected by the slow order To display a list of allowable track block and switch names click the down arrow at the right side of the selection box Permanent is a check box that if checked indicates that the slow order is always in affect From time contains the start time of the slow order The time is entered in 24 hour military time For example 1 AM would be entered as 0100 and 1 PM as 1300 To time contains the end time of the slow order The time is entered in 24 hour military time For example 1 AM would be entered as 0100 and 1 PM as 1300 Scheduled for is a group of check boxes t
59. ifthetrain is moving the time it will arrive at the end the block o if the train is at stop waiting for a signal the time it stopped o Tor all other train stops platform work area etc the estimated time of departure The time when the crew will expire because they have worked 12 hours If a new crew has been called the place and time the crew change will occur 7 2 Active Train List Trains that are on the territory and are due to arrive on the territory in 8 hours appear in the Active Train List window To call up the Active Train List window select Trains in the menu bar and the display in Figure 23 will appear Page 25 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit iie my Active Train List Sorted by ID B x Find Train Properties os Sort ID Sort Status Sort ETA iv All Arriving I Stopped Moving Complete Save Column widths Uert Status kengt Type Loemen Direction Seil ET Ones Jose Jr Hew Staton Stop Tine Pat of Trae n 1008 stopped waiting signal Passenger P P Sdg Left Newton 07 36 1011 scheduled to arrive Passenger Lake Hopatcong 11 34 1014 stopped waiting signal Passenger L M 2a Right 1016 moving forward Passenger 0 P Md Right 1022 became another train Passenger 1024 stopped at Netcong s Passenger PPM Right 2 scheduled to arrive Passenger 2 HB9 scheduled to arrive Slow Freight 25 scheduled to arrive Passenger 3 scheduled to arrive Passenger 47 scheduled to arrive
60. ilure Parameters dialog see Paragraph 8 1 3 6 2 Signal Control Signals operate like highway traffic lights Trains will not advance beyond a signal unless it is cleared green All signals on the track diagram have two states called stop red and cleared to proceed green Hailroad signaling systems are designed to maintain safe train operations Because it can take over a mile to stop a 100 car train moving at 60 miles per hour the locomotive engineers must rely on the signaling system The system is designed to allow only one train to occupy a given track block at a given time Each block has wayside signals that allow trains to enter the block Some blocks have automatic signals which allow a train to enter the block as long as the block is not occupied or does not have a route cleared in the opposite direction Other blocks have controlled signals which are controlled by the dispatcher and appear on the track diagram Controlled signals can be located anywhere on the track diagram but are usually used to control moves over switches at interlockings When a signal is cleared it clears a route to the next controlled signal that is in the same direction The route may be cleared over a number of blocks and switches The switches and blocks in a cleared route are displayed in green with arrows showing the direction of the route 6 2 1 Signal Commands To change a signal s state place the mouse pointer on the signal which will cause a
61. in block because of crew change the amount of time in minutes for the crews to change once the new crew has arrived Time to send crew to block the amount of time in minutes it will take the new crew to get to the block after being is called Platform name contains the passenger platform name assigned to the block Passenger trains that are scheduled to stop at a particular platform will stop in blocks that are assigned to the platform name Several blocks can be assigned to the same platform name If a platform is not assigned to the block none will be displayed in this field Area name contains the name of the area to which the block is assigned Blocks can be grouped in areas Areas are used to define locations where trains will perform local work or where trains will either become new trains or be split into multiple trains If the block is not assigned to an area none will be displayed in this field Wayside detectors up to three wayside detectors can be located in a block Wayside detectors check the train for problems such as hot boxes and dragging equipment If a wayside detector is not located in the block none will be displayed in these fields OS point contains the OS point assigned to the block OS points are used to create a train graph OS points can be assigned to multiple blocks or switches If an OS point is not assigned to the block none will be displayed in this field Remote monit
62. in will enter the territory This field should be blank if the train is already on the territory at the start of the simulation The time is entered in 24 hour military time To enter 1 AM type 100 or 0100 To enter 1 PM type 1300 Scheduled for check boxes that indicate the days of the week the train will be scheduled to arrive on the territory Train is created from train trains can be created from other trains To select a train identifier for this field click the down arrow to see a list of trains that could create this train Please note that you must have previously entered these trains into the system Page 43 6 December 2000 Tram Dispatcher 3 COMPUTER CONSULTANTS Train exits at location contains the entrance exit location where the train should exit the territory This field should be blank if this train becomes creates a new train Train becomes a new train trains can become new trains at a specified location This procedure is used often on a passenger system where the same physical equipment is assigned a new train identifier and runs on the schedule assigned to that identifier To select a train identifier for this field click the down arrow to see a list of trains this train could become Please note that you must have previously entered these trains into the system at location the platform or area location P for platform A for area where this train will become a new train and or spl
63. ing to the left and below the track for train moving to the right The speeds displayed apply when two or more signals are cleared ahead of the block The first number is the highest train type speed and the second the lowest train type speed for that block H G GRAVEL PLAG e ei ANALOMINK Z i e p P MEL IM l JP M e e ky gt Figure 5 Block Speeds Figure 6 shows the block lengths in feet and miles displayed on the track diagram Lengths are displayed in feet or meters above the track and in miles or kilometers below the track Page 7 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit tect Helper H G Ready ac GRAVEL PLAC ANALOMINK Figure 6 Block Lengths The track diagram can be printed out at any time by selecting the Print Track Layout Diagram menu item under the File menu The block information displayed on the screen when the track diagram is printed will also appear on the printed copy which can be used for reference Block speeds lengths signal directions or names will not appear on either the track diagram or a printout of the track diagram when the screen is zoomed out 3 5 Displaying Detailed Track and Train Information 3 5 1 Track Block Information When the user places the mouse pointer on a grid square that contains a track symbol and is not occupied by a train the status display line located under the tool button bar at the top of the screen wi
64. ion wL or Train becomes new train Irene at location NN zl after minutes and splits into 2nd train Scheduled for Sunday IV Monday Tuesday IV Wednesday IV Thursday IV Friday IV Saturday none h Cancel Figure 43 Train Data General Dialog HEIR 9 3 1 Train Data General Dialog The following describes each of the fields in the dialog Train ID contains the train identifier The user can enter up to fifteen alpha numeric characters into this field Several trains can have the same identifier Number contains the unique train internal number The user cannot change this field Train Description contains a description of the train The user can enter up to twenty alpha numeric characters into this field Multiple trains can have the same description Train Direction indicates the train s initial direction of movement on the screen Train Length contains the train length in feet meters The length must be greater than or equal to 50 feet or 16 meters Train Type indicates the type of train See Paragraph 9 2 for more information on train types Crew Time the amount of time the crew has been on duty when it arrived on the territory Train enters at location contains the entrance exit location where the train will come onto the territory This field should be blank if the train was created from another train At time contains the time the tra
65. it into another train after XX minutes the amount of time this train must be at the location before it becomes and or splits into another train and splits into 2 train the train this train will split into To select a train identifier for this field click the down arrow to see a list of trains this train could split into Please note that you must have previously entered these trains into the system The split train will be located behind the original train in the block The length of the original train will be reduced by the length of the split train 9 3 2 Train Data Multiple Entries Dialog A train will often leave the territory and later return The best example of this is when a train leaves the territory to load coal at a mine and then returns to the territory to deliver that coal to its destination Train Dispatcher 3 allows trains to reenter the territory up to ten times To enter information on multiple entries the user clicks the Multiple Entries tab in one of the Train Data dialogs see Figure 43 which causes Figure 44 to appear Edit Train CATOV 56 Coal to Cora IL 7 x General Train Data Multiple Entries Local Work Schedule Passenger Schedule Entrance Exit Delay New Train ID New Entrance Direction New Type New Crew Time 66 Forward Reverse none 60 Forward Reverse none Forward C Reverse none v Forward Reverse none Jf Forward Reverse none Jf Forw
66. ition causes the train to proceed through the switch along the straight track as it would if there were no switch present see Paragraph 6 1 The reverse position causes the train to change course and move off at an angle to the straight track The yellow box around the switch will turn light blue if the switch fails A blinking switch indicates the user tried to clear a route that could not be cleared Switches will also blink if they are part of a route that is running time see Paragraph 6 2 3 A diamond at grade crossing is represented by two lines that cross each other Diamonds will be displayed in the same color combinations as track blocks Any one of four different symbols can represent a signal These symbols consist of a mast and a signal ball If the signal ball is to the right of the mast the signal controls train movement to the right and conversely signals with the ball to the left of the mast control movements to the left Signals that have long signal masts can be fleeted see Paragraph 6 2 2 and signals with short masts cannot be fleeted A red signal ball indicates the signal is at stop a green ball indicates the signal is cleared for traffic to proceed and a blue ball indicates the signal has failed If a gray signal ball also appears the signal is fleeted Signals that are blinking are running time A signal that is the entrance signal to one or more a stacked routes will have the number of stack routes displayed n
67. k XXX Split train 9 9 9 9 99 9 9 9 Merge train with train XXX To issue commands to a particular train place the mouse pointer on the block that contains the train and click the right mouse button A pop up menu will appear with a list of menu item representing the commands that currently can be issued to the train If there is more than one train in the block the commands available for each train in the block will be listed Only currently valid commands for each train will be listed For example if the user has not manually stopped a train the Train XXX Start Movement menu item will not appear If the train has been manually stopped the Train XXX Stop Now will not appear The following is a description of the train commands 6 4 1 Train XXX Stop Now Command The Train XXX Stop Now menu item command causes the designated train to stop as soon as possible This menu item will always appear in the pop up menu unless this command or the Train XXX Stop in Block command has already stopped the train Once the train is manually stopped the only way to start the train is to issue the Train XXX Start Movement menu item command 6 4 2 Train XXX Stop in Block Command The Train XXX Stop in Block menu item command causes the designated train to stop in the designated block The train will always stop at the far end of the block When this menu item is selected a dialog will appear with a list of blocks in which you can command
68. l bell fails to sound Please also make sure that the sound in Train Dispatcher 3 is turned on by clicking the Turn on Sound button in the toolbar near the top of the screen Sound File If a sound card is installed in the computer unique sounds for each alert condition can be generated by entering a wave file name files with an extension of wav in the Sound File field If the computer has a sound card a number of wave files are usually provided by one of the vendors and are located in the windows or windows media folder To find these files use the Browse button next to the Sound File field If you cannot find any wav files click the Window s Start button select the Find menu item select the Files or Folders menu item enter wav in the Named field and click the Find Now button A list of wav files should appear and indicate in which folders they reside on the disk With a sound card users can also generate their own sound files that contain verbal messages check the documentation which accompanied the sound card for more information Page 37 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit eie Late station departure the user can also specify in this dialog how many minutes beyond a scheduled departure time a train can fail to depart a platform before an alert is generated 8 3 Function Activation Train Dispatcher 3 tries to accurately simulate a dispatcher s operation This can sometimes be
69. l not always arrive on the territory at the scheduled time This parameter sets the percentage of trains that will be late arriving on the territory If this parameter is set to zero all trains will arrive on the territory on time The amount of time a train can be late deviates from 1 minute to 9 hours and 59 minutes The algorithm used to calculate the lateness of a train causes lower time delays to be assigned more often than higher ones For example 50 of all time delays will be less than one hour 75 less than 2 hours 87 5 less than 3 hours etc Locomotive Problems Trains can have problems with one or more of their locomotives that will affect the performance of the train The number entered into this parameter indicates the percentage of trains on the territory that will have locomotive problems For example if this parameter set to O none will if it is set to 50 then 50 percent of the trains will develop locomotive problems Train Problems Trains can have problems such as broken air hoses When a problem of this type occurs the train must stop and the crew will have to fix the problem before it can move again As above the number entered into this field indicates the percentage of trains on the territory that will have this type of problem Dropped Signal Derailment One of the most dangerous things a train dispatcher can do is drop a signal abruptly change the signal from cleared to stop in front of a moving train This
70. last territory used will automatically be loaded To load another territory select the Change Territory Track File menu item under the File menu To start the simulation click the Start button in the tool bar near the top of the screen The first time this button is clicked after the program is executed or a new territory is loaded the Start Time and Day Selection dialog will appear see Figure 13 Page 13 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit eie Start Time and Day Selection xi Select simulation start time and day 3600 ni 07 00 Monday 07 00 Tuesday 07 00 Wednesday 07 00 Thursday 07 00 Friday 07 00 Saturday Cancel Figure 13 Start Time and Day Selection Most territories will have multiple start time selections Select the start time and day to pre load the trains that are already on the territory at that start time To see the list of trains already on the territory for each start time select the Start Time menu item under the Data menu To start the simulation clock click the Start button again The clock will start and trains will begin to move If after you click the Start button a dialog appears asking for a password you are trying to simulate a track territory from the For Sale library which you have not previously used See Paragraph 4 2 for more information 4 1 Restarting a Simulation To restart a simulation click the File menu in the menu bar
71. ll display some information about the track block see Figure 7 my Train Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel 412 655 1884 Web www s File Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View Web Pages Ordering not started Stop za 20 mm er d ES 0 Name A B 1 Spd 30 18 30 20 Len 10560 Sig Both OS Scranton Figure 7 Track Block Status Line The information fields in the status line from left to right are the following The track block number The track name or an indication that the selected block is a connecting line Connecting lines are not real blocks and therefore have no length Connecting lines link switches and diamonds to real blocks The train speeds in the block The first two speeds are for trains moving to the left and the second two for trains moving to the right These speeds apply when two or more signals are cleared ahead of the block The first number is the highest train type speed and the second is the lowest train type speed for that block If a slow order is active the highest and lowest slow order speeds will be displayed instead of the normal train speeds for the block The length of the block in feet meters The direction s in which the block is signaled Left Right or Both directions The name of the passenger platform located in the block If no platform is located in the block nothing will be displayed The name of the OS point
72. ly HEIE Figure 45 Train Data Work Schedule Dialog The following describes the fields in the Train Data Work Schedule dialog Work Area contains the name of the track area where the local work will be performed Time in Area is the time in minutes that the train will be stopped in the work area Direction Leaving Area after the work is completed a train can leave the area and travel in either direction If it leaves the area in a direction that is opposite the direction from which it entered the area the system assumes the train turned around in the area and will move forward not reverse in the new direction Page 45 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit tect 9 3 4 Train Data Passenger Schedule Dialog This function allows a user to define a train s departure time for each platform defined in the territory To enter this information the user clicks the Passenger Schedule tab in one of the Train Data dialogs and the Train Data Passenger Schedule dialog will appear see Figure 46 Edit Train 1009 32 Psgr amp Milk Empties x General Train Data Multiple Entries Local Work Schedule Passenger Schedule Add minutes to departure times Add Scheduled Dwell Time Departure in seconds Platform Name Pocono Summit P o Cresco oo Stroudsburg foo Blairstown 0 Washington oo Branchville 08 30 15 Newton 07 36 30 Netcong 06 53 120 Lake Hopatcong 06
73. me Block Swith Block Switch Block Switch Block Switch Block Scranton Lehigh Cresco Stroudsburg Washington Branchville Netcong Port Morris B 285 B 286 Dover Figure 55 OS Data Window Page 53 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit cie This window displays information about all OS points The user can re size any of the columns in this window by placing the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The window lists the blocks and switches that are assigned to each OS point An unlimited number of blocks or switches can be assigned to each OS point but only 10 will be displayed 10 FINDING A TRAIN TRACK BLOCK SWITCH DIAMOND OR SIGNAL Train Dispatcher 3 has a tool to help users find a particular train track block switch diamond or signal To find one of these items select the appropriate menu item under the Find menu If the Find a Train menu item is selected the dialog illustrated by Figure 56 will appear Find Train x Train ID Description Equipment 1016 Psgr 1022 Psgr 2 Pocono Express 2 HB3 via Old Line 25 Merchants Exp 3 Phoebe Snow 47 Psgr amp Milk Empties B amp P Drill BH8 Freight Boonton Roustabout Ce
74. menter Cement Train Hampton Job Roustabout HB Drag Freight v Cancel Help Figure 56 Find a Train Dialog To locate a particular train place the mouse pointer on its ID and click to left mouse button This will cause this dialog to disappear and the mouse pointer to be placed on the selected item in the Track Display Other track elements can be found in the same way by choosing the appropriate item under the Find menu 11 TECHNICAL SUPPORT Signal Computer Consultants provides free technical support to registered Train Dispatcher 3 customers To obtain technical support contact Signal Computer Consultants via the following means Telephone 412 655 1884 Facsimile 412 655 1893 E mail signal signalcc com 12 WARRANTY If Train Dispatcher 3 does not operate correctly on your computer and after you contact us about the problem we are not able to solve it within a 2 week period our policy is to give you a 10096 refund on the purchase price of the program To obtain this refund we must have the program with its manual returned to us Page 54 6 December 2000 Index active block permits window sss 30 active slow order windOw sseaesservserseersersserssersersserssersersserssen 31 active train RI EE 25 alert Gro to button erint eere e epo ee 3 32 Next button iiis tete REENEN tego 3 32 Prev button iine rette eri 3 32 ODLOTS x ente rer ete e e OE res 36 SOUNDS een N
75. n the Active Slow Order Permit List window To call up the Active Slow Order List window select the Slow Order menu item in the menu bar and the window in Figure 29 will appear my Active Slow Order List m x Sort Track Sort Time Save Column Widths iv All I Pending I Active Number Status Track Block Switch Name Fast Frg Active Track H 3 07 00 Permanent Figure 30 Active Slow Order List Window This window is dynamically updated As the status of slow orders change the window will be continually modified to reflect the changes The list can be sorted by track name or the slow order s requested or actual start time To sort by the track name or the slow order s requested or actual start time click the Sort Track or Sort Time buttons respectively To display only the slow orders that are pending or those that are active check the Pending or Active boxes respectively The user can re size any of the columns in the window by placing the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the new column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The following describes each of the columns in this window Number contains the internal system number of the slow order Status contains the status of the slow order
76. n the opposite position clears the mainline block in front of the siding Without stacking the dispatcher has to constantly monitor the situation until there is no longer a conflict and then clear the new route Stacking allows the dispatcher to enter the next route to be cleared into the system As soon as the system sees that there is no longer a conflict it will automatically clear the route by positioning the switches and clearing the signal To set up a stacked route place the mouse pointer on the signal you want to clear next and click the right mouse button A pop up menu will appear Select the Add Stack Command and the signal will begin to blink in the same fashion as the entrance exit command Next find the signal where you want the stacked route to end place the mouse pointer on the signal and then click the left or right mouse button If Train Dispatcher 3 can find a path from the beginning to the ending signal it will give you a message that the stack command was added The stacked route will also be displayed in yellow Only those portions of the route that are currently unoccupied will be shown in yellow A number will also appear at the base of signal indicating the number of routes that have been stacked for that signal Unlike entrance exit commands stack commands can only go to the next signal In Figure 17 if the signal shown as the entrance signal is specified as the beginning of a stacked route there are only two signals that
77. ng station platforms 3 2 Track Diagram Symbols The track diagram has a number of symbols to represent tracks switches diamonds signals trains etc Many of these symbols are shown in Figure 3 Helper H l G Ready c GRAVEL PLACE STROUDSBURG LSI ANDOVER JCT SA Platform LH LHR t Maybrook gt Figure 3 Track Symbols Page 4 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 critici ite The following lists the different symbols and the meaning of the colors used to indicate their status Straight lines drawn on the track diagram represent railroad track The vertical or horizontal bars drawn perpendicular to the track line indicate the beginning or termination of a track block The track is broken down into a number of blocks Block lengths may vary and several trains can occupy a block at a given time The following describes the meaning of the different track block colors o Red indicates a train occupies the track block A train identifier will appear above the block that contains the train If the screen is in Graphic display mode an icon representing a locomotive is displayed on the track If the train is moving in reverse an icon representing a caboose is displayed If more than one train occupy a block the train identifiers of the other trains in the block will be displayed below the track The lead train will be above the track and the following trains will be displayed below the track in the
78. nnen enne Figure 8 Block Properties General Figure 9 Block Properties Speed Figure 10 Switch Status Lane eier dente ee aee t et tp tepore Figure 11 Switch Information eese ren emen Figure 12 Diamond Status Line sese een enema Figure 13 Start Time and Day Selecpon ene Figure 14 Simulation Playback Time Dialog eere Figure 15 Switch Normal and Reverse eese Eigure 16 Signal Fleeting elati tiere NEEN REESEN Figure 17 Entrance Exit Signal Commands eee Figure 18 Crew UE Figure 19 Diamond Train Frequency Example see Figure 20 Train Entry Request Dialog eese Figure 21 Block Permit Request Dialog Figure 22 Tram Status Line eet eet ettet tinte ie e Ge eer e E eden Figure 23 Active Train List Wind Figure 24 Tram OS Window ettet e t reete eet teen Figure 25 Train Territory Arrival Wmndow sese Figure 26 Train Platform Schedule Window eee Ligure 27 Tram Graph uerit et eee pte evens dute te i ets Figure 28 Performance Window nennen enne rennen nne Figure 29 Active Block Permit List Window eee Figure 30 Active Slow Order List Window eese Figur 31 Alert Messages o ee eee er e Re etta Figure 32 Alert Message Window rrnrrvnrnvvnnvrnenrnennrvvnenvnrnareverevesnresnesevarsvesvrernavsvassresne Figure 33 Random Train Parameters Dialog
79. of the data contained in a train s row click the left or right mouse button to select the train and then click the Find button Train Dispatcher 3 will then scroll on the territory screen to the location of the train and place the mouse pointer on the train The train s data dialog can be called up by placing the mouse pointer on any data contained in a train s row clicking the left or right mouse button to select the train and then clicking the Properties button Train Dispatcher 3 keeps a record of train movements by recording the time a train passes an OS point OS is sometimes referred to as on station or out of station OS point names are usually assigned to the switches at each end of a siding or to blocks in the middle of a siding The number and location of the OS points are determined by the railroad A list of the OS points can be called up by selecting the OS Points item under the Data menu The train s OS window can be called up by placing the mouse pointer on any data contained in a train s row clicking the left or right mouse button to select the train and then clicking the OS button Figure 84 shows the Train OS window mj Train Hampton Job OS Report JO x Properties Save Column Widths OSName Time Time Time Time Time T T T T T Scranton 11 08 Fr 0 Lehigh 10 40 Fr 0 Cresco 10 14 Fr 0 Stroudsburg 08 42 Fr 0 Washington 07 04 Fr 0 Branchville Netcong Port Morris Dover
80. on of the train and place the mouse pointer on the train The train s data dialog can be called up by placing the mouse pointer on any data contained in a train s row clicking the left or right mouse button to select the train and then clicking the Properties button 7 5 Train Graph A historical record of train movements can be displayed in the form of a train graph The train graph is a graphical representation of train movements obtained by plotting the time each train hits an OS point To display the train graph select the Display Train Graph item under the View menu see Figure 27 Page 28 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 tete Ae Train Graph e x OS Spacing Hour Spacing Resize 07 00 Fr 0 08 00 Fr 0 09 00 Fr 0 10 00 Fr 0 11 00 Fr 0 12 00 Fr 0 13 00 Fr 0 14 00 Scranton Lehigh EE WEE Lesser abeng Cresco Stroudsburg Washington Branchville Hetcong Port Morris Dover Figure 27 Train Graph The train graph plots each train The OS points are indicated on the left side of the display and time across the top Dots indicate when an actual OS time was recorded for the train Each train is assigned a color and the train s identifier is displayed above alternating OS hits To change the size of the train graph modify the pixel widths in the OS Spacing height and Hour Spacing width fields at the top of the screen and then click the Resize button 7 6 P
81. on will cause the Train Data dialog to appear see Figure 43 You can also place the mouse on data in a train s row and click the right mouse button which will cause a pop up menu to appear that has New Edit and Delete menu items Double clicking the left mouse button on a train type row will automatically cause the Train Data dialog to appear in the edit mode The train identifiers displayed in all four Train Data windows consist of the train identifier entered in the Train Data dialog in Figure 43 plus a dash LI and then a unique train internal number Because several trains can have the same user entered identifier it was necessary to add a unique number to the identifier to discriminate trains that have the same ID Train Dispatcher 3 will not display the unique train internal numbers in the Active Train List or on the Track Display Information about the data displayed in each of the Train Data windows can be found in the following descriptions of each data area s input dialog Page 42 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 ceti eie Edit Train CATWL 31 West Labadie Coal General Train Data Multiple Entries Local Work Schedule Passenger Schedule Train ID CATWL Number 51 Train Description west Labadie Coal Direction C Left Right Train Type Slow Freight Length 7002 feet Crew time 1120 minutes Train enters at location nv at time 22 00 or Train is created from train Irene Train exits at locat
82. or name An advanced version of Train Dispatcher 3 called Train Dispatcher 3 Pro is capable of monitoring and controlling external devices such as real railroad ground equipment or a model railroad display The remote monitor name is used to associate external devices to the devices in the Train Dispatcher 3 display Speeds must be assigned to the block for each different type of train for each of the three signal aspects To display the Block Speed dialog click the Block Speeds tab at the top of the Block Properties dialog see Figure 8 and Figure 9 will appear Page 10 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 ceri eie Block Properties x General Block Data Block Speeds BLOCK TRAIN SPEEDS MPH TYPE LEFT CLEARED AHEAD BLOCKS RIGHT CLEARED AHEAD BLOCKS NONE ONE TWO HELPER STARTUP ONE TWO HELPER START 30 Yes 120 oa 3 Yes 20 Yes 120 20 20 20 Yes 18 Yes 120 2 2 20 Yes of 2 0 Passenger Fast Frgt Slow Psgr abel dla all tall Slow Freight Regular Freight 20 es 20 Yes Helper 20 I Yes 120 20 T Yes 120 Help Figure 9 Block Properties Speed BLOCK TRAIN SPEEDS specifies the speeds of trains based on train type and the number of blocks than are cleared ahead The system is designed to handle up to four speed aspects If the next block is not clear the train will stop when it reaches the end of the current block If the block beyond the next is not
83. overwhelming to a novice To make it simpler to simulate a territory Train Dispatcher 3 allows the user to turn off various functions To activate or de activate these optional functions click the Function Activation menu item under the Options menu Figure 37 will appear Function Activation x v Slow Orders Active v Block Permits Active v Permission To Enter Territory Active v Yard Entry Capacity Limit Active v Crew Expiration Active Figure 37 Function Activation Dialog 9 TERRITORY DATA The user can view data in a loaded track territory file by selecting one of the menu items under the Data menu A Train Dispatcher 3 user can also modify some data in the track file The Train Dispatcher 3 user can modify train block permit and slow order data Data about the track structure or speed restrictions cannot be changed If the user changes track file data a new track file can be created that contains the user changes To save a modified track file select the Save Territory Track File menu item under the File menu This action will not overwrite the original track file The following describes the various track file data areas 9 1 Territory Data Data about the territory that can be viewed by the users is included in Train Dispatcher 3 To view this information select the About Territory item under the Data menu in the menu bar Figure 38 shows the dialog this menu selection produces Page
84. oxes respectively The user can re size any column in this window by placing the mouse on the vertical separator in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The following describes each of the columns in this window Number contains the internal system number of the permit Status contains the status of the permit Track Name contains the name of the track that will be protected by the permit From Time contains the requested or actual time the permit will start To Time contains the requested or actual time the permit will end Page 30 6 December 2000 Tram Dispatcher 3 COMPUTER CONSULTANTS Time Still needed the amount of time the requestor still needs after the currently authorized or active permit ends Requestor the name of the person requesting the block permit Reason the reason for the request To authorize a pending block permit request place the mouse pointer on any of the data contained in a block permit s row click the left or right mouse button to select the block permit and click the Authorize button The Block Permit Request dialog in Figure 21 will then appear 7 8 Active Slow Orders Slow orders that are active or will occur within 8 hours pending can be viewed i
85. parameter determines the percentage of trains moving at speeds greater than 35 miles per hour that will be de railed if the dispatcher drops a signal in front of them For trains traveling less than 35 miles per hour the percentage that will de rail will be half of this parameter Trains already stopped when a signal is dropped will obviously not be de railed Derailed trains will be stopped for a period of between 2 and 10 hours 8 1 2 Random Defect Detector Parameters To enter the defect detector parameters for the random performance generator select the Random Defect Detect Parameters item under the Handom menu Figure 34 will appear Page 34 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 certi ctr Random Defect Detector Parameters X Defect Detector Alarms False Alarms per 1000 checks percentage hot box E dragging equipment Io train inspection foo slide detector o HI Figure 34 Random Defect Detector Parameters Dialog For each type of wayside defect detector the user can define a range of randomness for alarms and false alarms The following describes each of the fields in the Random Defect Detector Parameters dialog Alarms A number of track blocks may contain wayside defect detectors Trains passing through these blocks will be scanned for problems and an alarm will be generated if a problem is detected This parameter determines the number of times a problem be detected for every 1000 trains scanned
86. pect track Track name kc 1 From time 07 14 To time Je A4 Time Granted From time m iE To time 08 44 Request i Help Figure 21 Block Permit Request Dialog The dispatcher can either ask the foreman to request the permit again or authorize it for a specific time period If the foreman is not granted time he will make another request in 30 minutes If time is granted but not for the total amount requested the foreman will make another request after the first permit that was granted has expired 6 8 Crew Calling Train crews are only allowed to be on duty for 12 hours If a train crew s on duty time exceeds 12 hours crew s time expires the train will stop and will not move again until a new crew arrives and replaces the current train crew It is the job of the dispatcher to call replacement crews and to prevent train crews from expiring on the mainline Page 24 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 ceri ete The time a train s crew will expire can be found in the Active Train List window see Paragraph 7 2 or in the train s status line display at the top of the screen which is seen when the mouse pointer is positioned on the block containing the train A new crew for a train can be called at anytime and be scheduled to replace a train s crew at a platform or in a specified block The time it takes for a crew to arrive at a platform or block is determined by the time the crew was called plus the travel time to the
87. peration seen 15 moving around the screen 6 multiple entries 4A opening a saved SIMULATION sse 15 options alert os mre EE t e RS its 36 random defect detector performance 34 random switch and signal failures 35 random train performance sese 33 CS le pass red signal commands passenger schedule see performance data WIndOW 5 idt ruere EEN 29 SEINEN ICE 4 permission to enter Lerritor e3 platform SyIlbol ce eir nee eie 5 platform train schedule sss 28 playback mode iter 16 properties DIOCK EE 9 Switch inue e dai e ee RES 12 TERTIO oH Ihe Pee NOR EE AS 43 restarting a simulation EEN 14 reverse train running time saving a simulation scrolling the screen signal automatic control at diamonds ss 20 Un E 18 entrance exit Commande 19 Tall teuz iiie et S EORR Pe EY INQUE YT 35 TUNG M 54 ileetmg uiro 5 18 running time nto e E 5 19 stack route commands eene 20 slow orders aGEIVatlOD 4 sea ies rere YE eee e X CER oreet ns 38 t did 31 territory data saved ees 51 sound on off Split train stacking a route See signal stack route commands start times territory data iiie ete tnr teg 46 le GIE See train commands EIER e Hl De
88. r in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The following describes each of the columns in this window Description is the name or description of the wayside detector Generate a Warning indicates if the alarm will create a warning that will stop the train Hot boxes for example create false alarms If this field contains a Yes the train will stop for the crew to check the train Warning Delay If the crew finds a problem there will be an additional delay Problem Delay field for the time it will take the crew to correct the problem In the case of a real hot box the crew would remove the car from the train Warning Delay is the time in minutes for the crew to check the train for a problem Problem Delay is the time in minutes for the crew to correct the problem 9 9 OS Names Train Dispatcher 3 can create a train graph showing the movement of trains during a simulation The train graph shows when a train arrives at each of the OS points OS is sometimes referred to as on station or out of station To view information about OS point select the OS Points item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen Figure 55 will then appear OS Data Iof x Save Column Widths Na
89. reen Components Figure 1 shows the main Train Dispatcher screen Page 2 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit cie fig rain Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel 412 655 1884 Web www signalcc com File Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View Web Pages Ordering Help 07 00FrOdays Stop ister 20 real ALERT 0001 07 00 Sow Order Active Ysocation Track H JNpermanent C D 4 GH GOULDSBORO TOBYHANNA PO e lt SCRANTON Status Display Line Figure 1 Train Dispatcher Screen Under the menu bar there is a tool button bar containing a number of items The following describes these items in order from left to right Clock time displays the game s simulation time in 24 hour military time the day of the week and the number of days since the start of the simulation Clock status displays the status of the simulation s clock Run indicates time is running and Stop means the clock is stopped Stop button when clicked causes the simulation s clock to stop Start button when clicked causes the simulation s clock to start Time multiplier displays how many times faster than real time the simulation s clock is running If for example the time multiplier is 30 the clock will run 30 times faster than normal and will therefore be incremented one minute for every 2 seconds of real time T up arrow button when clicked causes
90. representing objects such as bridges rivers buildings etc are displayed Most real Centralized Traffic Control systems do not use icons to display trains They mainly use train identifiers and different colored track lines displayed on a black or dark background Train Dispatcher 3 can simulate this type of classic or traditional display see Figure 4 To display the territory in the Classic view click the Classic View item under the View menu Page 8 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit eie File Mode s Slow Orders Data Random Find Options View Web Pages Ordering Help not started Stop se 20 TTY me i Zgom Back rus lelxl B C D ELMHURST MOSCOW LEHIGH GOULDSBORO TOBYHANNA G escher GRAVEL PLACE STROUDSBURG ANALOMINK par Mord SA NS LAFAYEITE BRANCHVILLEZ BV M t ANDOVER JCT 4 DE 4 NEAL LHR to Maybrook gt K GREENDELL CAP Atb3 version of dlwb58 trk Trains 0 Miles 0 Hr 0 Stop 0 Lost 0 Late 0 Late Dep 0 Figure 4 Classic View 3 4 2 Displaying Block Information Blocks lengths speeds signal directions and names can be displayed on the track diagram when in zoom in mode Only one of these items can be displayed at a given time For blocks that are occupied by a train have a cleared route or have an active block permit no block information will be displayed Figure 5 shows the block speeds displayed on the track diagram The speeds above the track line are for trains mov
91. rom entering the next block Emergency braking is very dangerous and can cause the train to de rail The safety system assumes the train may not come to a complete stop until it has entered the block beyond the signal at stop The system will therefore not allow the dispatcher to change the switch positions in the route that was cleared until five minutes after the signal was dropped The signal and route will blink on the track diagram when time is running on a signal The program will only run time on a signal if the block in front of the signal is occupied by a train 6 2 4 Entrance Exit Signal Commands To help the dispatcher set a route faster some dispatching offices use a system where a dispatcher specifies a route s entrance and exit signals and the system automatically aligns the route positions all the switches and clears the signals This eliminates the need for the dispatcher to manually position each switch before clearing the signals Train Dispatcher 3 also has this capability To specify an entrance exit route place the mouse pointer on the signal which is the first signal in the route and click the right mouse button A popup menu will appear that has an Entrance menu item Select the Entrance menu item and the signal will begin blinking Next find the signal where you want the route to end place the mouse pointer on the signal and click the left or right mouse button If Train Dispatcher 3 can find a path from the entran
92. rs Dialog For each train type the user can define a range of randomness for performance delays and failures The following describes each of the fields in the Random Train Parameters dialog Page 33 6 December 2000 Tram Dispatcher 3 COMPUTER CONSULTANTS Run Time Performance Even though the signaling system and operating rules dictate how fast a train should travel locomotive engineers operate differently This parameter sets by how much train speed will deviate from expected speed If this field is set to 10 for example the trains speeds will deviate 10 from the expected speed A train therefore with an expected speed of 60 miles per hour will be assigned a random speed between 54 and 68 miles per hour If this parameter is set to zero the trains will always travel at the expected speeds The random speed deviation for a particular train type applies from the time it enters the territory until it exists the territory Therefore a train will travel through all blocks at the same percentage deviation from the expected speed Startup Delays Stopped trains do not always immediately start to move when a signal is cleared The train startup time can be affected by the weight of the train the slope of the track and the locomotive engineer s response time When this parameter is checked a random startup time for the train will be generated based on the normal start up time for that train type Late train arrival Trains wil
93. s the train departed the territory at the wrong entrance exit location 7 7 Active Block Permits Block permits that are active authorized by the dispatcher and not active or to be requested within 8 hours pending can be viewed in the Active Block Permit List window To call up the Active Block Permit List window select the Permit item in the menu bar and the window in Figure 29 will appear ZH Active Block Permit T amp T List JO x Authorize Sort Track Sort Time Save Column Widths iv All Pending J Authorized Active Nuad Stas Track ame From Tine To Tine Time Stil Needed Active Track Inspector inspect track Pending 2 i Track Inspector inspect track Pending E Section Foreman surface track Pending d Surfacing Gang replace ties Pending 4 d Surfacing Gang replace ties Pending y d Section Foreman replace ties Pending 1 i Roadmaster inspect track Figure 29 Active Block Permit List Window This window is dynamically updated As the status of block permits change the window will continually be modified to reflect these changes The list can be sorted by track name or the permit s requested or actual start time To sort by the track name or the permit s requested or actual start time click the Sort Track or Sort Time buttons respectively To display just the block permits that are pending authorized or active check the Pending Authorized or Active b
94. s window Train ID contains the train identifier Status contains a text description of the train s current status Length contains the train length in feet meters Type indicates the type of train Location contains the name of the track where the train is currently located Direction indicates the train s current direction Speed the average speed in which the train is moving in the current block 9 9 9 9 99 9 o ETA the following describes the contents of this field o if the train is moving the time it will arrive at the end the block o if the train is scheduled to arrive the time it will arrive on the territory o if the train is at stop waiting for a signal the time it stopped o for all other train stops platform work area etc the estimated time of departure Crew Expiration the time the crew will expire because it was on duty for 12 hours Entrance contains the entrance exit location where the train came onto the territory the last time Exit contains the entrance exit location where the train should exit the territory 9 o Next Station Stop Time contains the name of the next station platform and the time the train is scheduled to stop at the platform Part of Train if the train is merged with another train the train identifier of the merged train Page 26 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 certi ctr To locate a train on the territory place the mouse pointer on any
95. se Crossover switches corresponding Figure 15 Switch Normal and Reverse To throw a switch change its position place the mouse pointer on the switch which will cause a box to appear around the switch and click the left mouse button If the switch s position was normal prior to the operation it will change to reverse and vice versa There are cases where switches will not throw If the Help Messages menu item is checked located in a pop up menu which will appear when the Help menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen is clicked a message will appear to explain why the switch did not throw The following is a list of reasons why a switch might not throw The switch has a train on it occupied The switch has a cleared route over it The corresponding switch cannot throw Two switches can be tied together when they are configured as a crossover see Figure 15 If you throw one switch the corresponding switch will autornatically throw to the same position If the corresponding switch cannot throw because it is occupied by a train or has a cleared route over it the switch that was requested to throw also will not throw Page 17 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 riche The switch failed Train Dispatcher 3 simulates random failures of switches which often occur on real territories You can determine how often random failures will occur by setting parameters in the Handom Switch and Signal Fa
96. sition Normal Right Block the block switch or diamond to the right of the switch when the switch is in the normal position SWITCH REVERSE TRAIN SPEEDS the speeds to which trains will be limited when moving over a switch that is in the reverse position Each type of train will travel at the indicated speed for the length of time it takes the entire train to move over the switch If there is no speed in this field for a type of train the train s speed over a switch in the reverse position will not vary from its normal speed in the block 3 5 3 Diamond Information When the user places the mouse pointer on a grid square that contains a diamond the status display line at the top of the screen will display some information about the diamond see Figure 12 TOS Tram Dispatcher Version 3 0 Signal Computer Consultants Tel Fie Mode Trains Permits Slow Orders Data Random Find Options notstated Stop se 20 0 Diamond Automatic Yes Top bottom train frequency 2 Figure 12 Diamond Status Line The information fields in the status line from left to right are the following The diamond number The diamond name If the diamond is automatically signaled see Paragraph 6 2 6 The number of trains per day that automatically move left to right and right to left top to bottom and bottom to top across the diamond see Paragraph 6 5 4 STARTING A SIMULATION When Train Dispatcher 3 is executed the
97. st be selected The time the new crew will arrive will be determined by the crew s call time entered in this dialog and the time it takes the new crew to travel to the block The time it takes for a crew to get to a block can be found in the Block Properties General dialog see Paragraph 3 5 1 Page 22 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 ceri eie When information in the Call Crew dialog is successfully entered the time the new crew will arrive in the block will be displayed See Paragraph 8 8 for more information about the crew calling and crew time expirations 6 4 8 Train XXX Merge with Train XXX Command The Train XXX Merge with Train XXX menu item command causes the designated train to merge with another train This menu item will appear in the popup menu when the designated train is behind another train in the same block and both trains are stopped Once two or more trains are merged together they can be split apart by the Train XXX Split command 6 4 9 Train XXX Split Command The Train XXX Split menu item command causes the designated train to be split into two trains This menu item will appear in the popup menu when the designated train has been previously merged with another train When this menu item is selected a dialog will appear which asks which train is to be split from the designated train 6 5 Trains at Junctions Diamonds are often used at junctions with a foreign railroad Trains moving across the junction
98. territory if it was created from another train if it is to become another train the days of the week it is scheduled to run and where it is to exit the territory Multiple Entries contains specific information about a train that is to leave the territory and later return Work Schedule contains specific information about a train that performs local work in a track area Passenger Schedule contains specific information about when a train is scheduled to depart station platforms Train Dispatcher 3 has separate windows for each of these categories and separate dialog displays for entering data To enter train data select the Train Schedule menu item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Train Data General window shown in Figure 42 will appear Page 41 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit cie Train Data General Gi Xx General Passenger Sch Work Schedule Multiple Entries Save Widths Add Edit Delete Sort by ID Sort by Time ep Liege Type Jee Length Fos Entance tine Days of week Gesedton Ent Become 301 1 Amtrak Passen SuMoTuwe 303 3 Amtrak Passen SuMoTuwe 304 0 Amtrak Passen i SuMoTuwe 306 2 Amtrak Passen i SuMoTuwe AASFX 10 GM Auto Fast Fr SuMoTuwe AFXAS 11 KC A amp S A Fast Fr i MoTuweTh CAENA 35 Empties to Regula SuMoTuWe CATNT 51 CoaltolC Slow Fr i TuThSa CATOV 56 Coal
99. the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button The following describes each of the columns in this window Name name of the entrance exit location Block the block number that is associated with this entrance exit location Direction the side of the block the entrance exit location is on Priority 0 9 O is highest 9 is lowest the same entrance exit name can be assigned to several block locations Train Dispatcher 3 will check each of the blocks to see if the train can enter at that block If the block is occupied or cleared in the opposite direction Train Dispatcher 3 will check the other blocks assigned as entrance exit locations Priorities are assigned from O to 9 O is the highest priority and 9 indicates the train will never try to enter the territory at that location Yard Entrance indicates if this entrance exit location is associated with a yard 24 Hour Capacity if it is a yard entrance this field indicates the number of trains per day the yard can handle If Train Dispatcher 3 sees this capacity being exceeded it will prevent trains from exiting into the yard until the number of trains handled over a given period of time is reduced below the yard s capacity Permission To Enter indicates if trains entering the territory at this en
100. the right mouse button A pop up menu will appear which will have a Fleet menu item Select the Fleet menu item and a gray signal ball will appear next to the green signal ball to indicate the signal is now fleeted Page 18 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 certi ctr Helper c Ready us GRAVEL PLACE STROUD Figure 16 Signal Fleeting Signals do not have to be cleared prior to being fleeted If the signal is at stop Train Dispatcher 3 will automatically try to clear it To cancel signal fleeting place the mouse pointer on the fleeted signal and click the right mouse button A pop up menu will appear which will have a Hemove Fleet menu item Select the Hemove Fleet menu item and the gray signal ball will disappear 6 2 3 Running Time on a Signal Train dispatchers controlling a territory operating under Centralized Traffic Control are prevented from causing dangerous conditions because of safety procedures built into the system The most dangerous thing a dispatcher can do is drop a signal turn it red in front of train when from information provided by previous signals the locomotive engineer is not expecting to have to stop The signaling system is designed to tell the locomotive engineer how many blocks are cleared ahead If a locomotive engineer suddenly sees a stop signal when he is expecting to see a cleared one he will probably place his train into emergency braking to attempt to stop the train f
101. the status line that are associated with the alert system These are the Prev Alert Next Alert and Go to Alert The program saves a list of the 50 most recent alert messages Each alert message is assigned a sequential number If there is an alert message after the one that is currently being displayed in the status line the Next Alert button will be active not gray To display the next alert message click the Next Alert button If there is an alert message previous to the one being displayed the Prev Alert button will also be active Clicking on the Go to Alert button will cause the mouse pointer to be positioned on the territory screen at the location train or track block that caused the alert condition displayed in the status line Page 32 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 ceri eie The alert system can also display a window that shows all 50 of the alert messages currently saved in the system To display the Alert Message window see Figure 32 click on the Display Alert Window item in the View menu The alert that is displayed in the status line will be highlighted in the window that appears To go from this window to the device that caused the alert message double click using the left mouse button on the message Alert Message Window B x ALERT 0001 07 00 Slow Order Active Location Track H I 3 permanent ALERT 0002 07 00 Train 1014 is stopped waiting for signal ALERT 0003 07 00 Train
102. the train to stop Once the train is manually stopped the only way to start the train is to issue the Train XXX Start Movement menu item command Page 21 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit eie 6 4 3 Train XXX Start Movement Command The Train XXX Start Movement Now menu item command causes the designated train to start moving as soon as possible This menu item will only appear in the pop up menu if the train is stopped because the Train XXX Stop Now or the Train XXX Stop in Block commands have previously been issued for the train 6 4 4 Train XXX Clear Stop in Block XXX The Train XXX Clear Stop in Block XXX menu item command causes a previous instruction to stop the train in a designated block to be cancelled This menu item will only appear in the pop up menu when a train has been issued a Train XXX Stop in Block command 6 4 5 Train XXX Pass Red Signal Command The Train XXX Pass Hed Signal menu item command causes the designated train to move past the next red signal There are several reasons why a dispatcher may want to instruct the crew to go through a red signal The two most common are to allow the train to pass a signal stuck on red due to signal failure and to allow a train to proceed into a block already occupied by another train traveling in the same direction This second reason is important if two trains are going into a merge For example if a train requires a helper to move up a hill the helper
103. tion about that device will be displayed If the mouse pointer is not on a block switch diamond or signal an alert message will be displayed Page 3 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit eie Track File Performance Name Status Line REENDELL LH LHR to Maybrod CAP tb3 version of diw58trk Trains 0 Miles 0 Hr 0 Stop 0 Lost 0 Late 0 Late Dep 0 Figure 2 Train Dispatcher Screen Bottom At the bottom of the screen there is a message line see Figure 2 This message line contains the file name of the track territory currently being displayed and the Performance Status Line The Performance Status Line contains the following items in left to right order The number of trains currently on the territory The total number of miles trains have traveled since the beginning of the simulation The total number of miles all trains have traveled divided by the number of hours the simulation has been running The total amount of time trains have been stopped waiting for signals to clear and the total amount of time trains have been stopped due to crew expirations The total amount of time lost since the beginning of the simulation because trains were not moving at their maximum speed The total amount of time since the beginning of the simulation that trains were late in departing station platforms The number of times since the beginning of the simulation that trains were late departi
104. tions and signal conditions To save these parameters before clicking the Start button the second time to start the simulation s clock set the switch positions and signal conditions and use the Save Simulation As menu item under the File menu as described above This action will preserve these initial settings to be returned to on future simulations of the territory On future uses of the territory choose the Open Previously Saved Simulation menu item under the File menu instead of Change Territory Track File 5 MODES OF OPERATION Train Dispatcher 3 has five modes of operation These are Simulation with no playback Simulation with playback Playback CTC Control External I O The mode of operation can be selected by clicking the Mode menu item in the menu bar This will cause a pop up menu to appear with the five modes of operation listed as separate menu items Select the appropriate menu item to go into that mode of operation The following describes these modes of operation 5 1 Simulation no playback Mode This is the normal simulation mode Train Dispatcher 3 will simulate the territory but will not create a playback file Page 15 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit tect 5 2 Simulation with playback Mode This mode allows the user to run the simulation and create a playback file When this mode is selected the system will first check to see if a simulation is running If there is a simul
105. to select highlight the start time Then click the View button The View button will cause the Start Time Data dialog to appear see Figure 48 Double clicking the left mouse button on data in a start time s row will automatically cause the Start Time Data dialog to appear Start Time Data x Start time 07 00 Scheduled for I Sunday Monday V Tuesday IV Wednesday IV Thursday M Friday I Saturday 1022 83 i J Noendtime Endtime 06 59 after 1 days Cementer 79 Train fi 016 53 Hampton Job 43 Start block 0246 Train location at start time Crew time 240 Start direction C Left Right Start at work area fi Start at multiple entry point fo EH 9 ii Figure 48 Start Time Data Dialog The following describes each of the fields in the dialog Train location at start time this is a list of trains that are on the territory at the start time Included in this list form left to right is the following data about each train Page 47 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 colit ipi iie Train Identifier Block in which the train is located at the start of the simulation Direction the train is moving at the start of the simulation Time in minutes the crew has been on duty at the start of the simulation The first work area the train will see after the start of the simulation 0 O O O O O The number of multiple entries the train has made at the start of the simulation Trains in this list are sorted
106. toCo Slow Fr i SuTuweThF CATOV 60 CoaltoCora Slow Fr i MoTuThFrSa CATWL 31 West Lab Slow Fr i MoweThFrSa CBTIIM RA Canalina Sa Slow Fr i d Fr Figure 42 Train Data Window There is a different Train Data window for each of the four train data areas Figure 42 shows the data for the General data area To display data from another data area click the Passenger Sch the Work Schedule or the Multiple Entries button The first column of all displays contains the Train ID When the Train Data General window is first called up data is sorted by Train ID To sort the list by direction and the time the train is scheduled to enter the territory click the Sort by Time button This and the Sort by ID button will operate on windows for all four train data areas The user can re size columns in each of these windows by placing the mouse on the vertical separators in the columns header and while holding down the left mouse button drag the mouse to the left or right Once the columns are re sized the user can save the column widths for the next time the window is displayed by clicking the Save Column Widths button To add a new train click the New button To delete or edit a train first place the mouse pointer on any data in the train s row in the window and single click the left button to select highlight the train Then click the Delete or Edit button The Edit butt
107. trance exit location are required to ask permission before entering the territory 9 6 Block Permits The user can create and modify block permits Track and Time and specify when they become active The user can enter information about block permits by selecting the Block Permits item under the Data menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen The Block Permits window in Figure 50 will appear Page 49 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 cerit cie Block Permits Track amp Time lof xj New Delete Edit Save Column Widths Print Printer Setup Sort Track Sort Time Number Track Name FromTime ToTime Days of the Week Requestor Reason l 7 B C Ma 09 15 03 45 MoTuw eThFr Track Foreman inspect track 3 D E Mb 14 10 15 50 MoTuweThFr Track Foreman surface track 2 E F Mc 12 15 14 15 WeThFr Section Gang Brush Cutter 1 F G Ma 07 25 08 45 MoTuweTh Welding Gang weld joints 5 G H Mb 12 55 14 25 MoWeFr Welding Gang repair track welds 16 G H Mb 13 01 14 01 Sa Track Inspector inspect track 15 HI Mb 12 01 13 15 TuSa Track Inspector inspect track 14 l J Mb 11 01 12 15 TuSa Track Inspector inspect track 5 KL 1a 08 40 12 30 we Track Foreman tamp low spot 10 N D 2a 03 15 05 45 Th Track Foreman repair broken rail vi Figure 50 Block Permits Window This window displays information about all block permits To re size any of the columns in this window place the mouse on a vertical separator in the columns header
108. ttempt to clear after the signal failure 25 on the second attempted throw 12 596 on the third throw etc The user will be asked if a maintainer should be called to correct the problem While waiting for a maintainer to fix a signal stuck on red the user can allow trains to pass the failed signal For more about this see Paragraph 8 4 5 Time for maintainer to arrive It takes a certain amount of time for a maintainer to arrive and fix the problem In this field the user specifies in minutes this amount of time Random maintainer arrival time The amount of time it takes for a maintainer to arrive and fix a problem is not always constant This field allows the user to specify limits on the randomness of the arrival time If 5096 is entered into this field and the maintainer s arrival time is 2 hours then the random arrival time will be between 1 and 3 hours 8 2 Alert Options There are a number of alert messages that can be activated or de activated by the user The user can select which alert messages are active and if they will produce an audio alarm The audio alarm can either use the computer s internal bell or a sound card To select the alert options click the Alert Parameters item under the Options menu Figure 38 will appear Page 36 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 certi ctr Alerts Parameters x Alerts Bells Sound File Browse Train arrived on territory default Train stopped waiting signal IV
109. turned full the user may want the train to become a different type to reflect its change in weight If this field is blank the last train type is used New Crew Time the train may have had a crew change when it was off the territory If there is an entry in this field there was a crew change and the time in minutes the new crew had been on duty when it arrived on the territory is entered into this field If this field is blank there was not a crew change and the time the crew has been on duty is accumulated from the train s last crew change 9 3 3 Train Data Work Schedule Dialog A train will sometimes perform local work on the territory This local work often consists of local trains picking up and delivering cars to industrial customers along the mainline Train Dispatcher 3 allows a train to be scheduled for local work in up to ten locations on the territory To enter information about local work the user clicks the Local Work Schedule tab in one of the Train Data dialogs which causes Figure 45 to appear Edit Train CNAWL 39 West Labadie Coal General Train Data Multiple Entries Local Work Schedule Passenger Schedule Timein Area Direction Leaving Area 15 Left C Right 15 Left C Right Let C Right Let C Right Let C Right Let C Right amp Let C Right Let C Right Let C Right Let C Right Cancel App
110. where on the territory Trains can be reversed at any location in a block and in blocks that are used to enter or exit the territory Helpers may be required in order for some train types to move through some blocks TBS territory files only Trains scheduled to arrive on the territory can be easily displayed by clicking on an entrance exit location 9 9 9 9 9 9 Trains scheduled to stop at a platform can be easily displayed by clicking on a block that contains the platform Page 1 6 December 2000 Train Dispatcher 3 riche 9 9 9 o 9 9 9 gt 9 9 9 The user may be required to give permission before trains can enter the territory at designated locations TB3 territory files only Crews can expire because their time on duty has exceeded the 12 hour limit The user can call crews and specify where the crew exchange will occur for a given train Block permits and slow orders can be scheduled for different days of the week The user must grant permission before a block permit can go into effect Some entrance exit locations can be designated as yard entry locations and the user can specify how often trains can enter the yard leave the territory TB3 territory files only Slow orders can be made permanent Diamonds at grade crossings are supported TB3 territory files only Diamonds used as part of a junction with a foreign railroad can specify how often a train on the foreign railroad with be cleared over
111. xtension of trk Select the file to be simulated and click the OK button 4 4 Saving a Simulation Train Dispatcher 3 allows you to save the current simulation and restart it at a later time at the point where you left off To save the current simulation click the Save Simulation As menu item under the File menu The program will ask the user to assign a file name The file name must have an extension of ssm to indicate it is a saved simulation 4 5 Opening a Previously Saved Simulation To run a previously saved simulation click the Open Previously Saved Simulation menu item under the File menu A selection box will appear Select the file to be simulated and click the OK button After you have entered the appropriate day of the week the simulation will resume where you left off and display the track diagram 4 6 Loading Previous Simulation A list of the 10 most recently used track trk or previous simulation ssm files will appear as menu items under the File menu Simply click on one of these menu items to load the appropriate track or previous simulation file 4 7 Saving the Startup Switch Positions and Signal Conditions After you have simulated a given territory several times you will notice that the initial switch positions and signal conditions you set will not vary from time to time You will most likely always begin the simulation in the same way It is convenient therefore to save these initial switch posi

Train Dispatcher 3 M.. - Train Dispatcher Simulation

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