QUOTE (Grifter_Guru @ 15 Sep 2014, 20:29)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Despite studying innumerable photo's and books, my problem and confusions lays within, for the main part, signalling the junction between the down, up and bay platform lines,
This should be a double junction - but it isn't so we'll deal with it as it is...
There isn't in fact any significant difference in the signals.
The Down Line Signal for the Facing Junction needs a splitting signal - with the higher/left hand route for the main and the lower /right hand route into the bays...
It is possible that both bays would be signalled from here - depending on the length between the junction and the points to either bay. If this is short then there would be two bay signals. If it is long there would be one bay signal at the junction and another splitting signal at the points into the bays - assuming that both are used both inward and outward.
I will assume tha latter arrangement = one signal off the Down line and a splitter short of the Bays.
The Up Line only needs a signal to protect the Trailing Junction.
The bays each need a signal at the end of each platform to protect the points/trailing connection. If the distance to the junction is short there need not be a further signal - but if, as I'm assuming, the distance is longer there would be another signal protecting the trailing junction.
All these would be 4ft Stop Arms.
How the line into the bays is worked is a different matter... If it is all on one Box the opposing signals would simply be interlocked so that opposing directions could not be signalled at the same time. It is possible that there would also be an acceptance lever controlling which direction could be worked. (Red lever).
QUOTE the junction between the down, up and siding lines,
QUOTE how to signal the north and south loco yard exits to allow loco movements to and between both lines and sidings.
I would signal these moves with dummies or 2ft arms - stacked vertically - an arm for each route to the Up and Down... tasking it that the sidings are the long loops - I'll deal with that later.
QUOTE Made worse, to me at least, by the requirement for sections of bi-directional running either for loco movements or, in the case of the Bay platform lines,
I've dealt with this above. The only difference between double and single track is that all the signals are located on the one track - the signals for each direction are the same as for double track. (The need to stop and/or direct is not different).
QUOTE the requirement for the "suburban" trains to traverse to or from the main lines or refuge siding in either direction.
Confusing myself is an understatement.
This isn't clear to me.
I suggest...
Make a very large copy of the diagram between the ends of the loops at both ends - make several copies to play with. (That way you'll probably only need one).
Then put yourself in the loco cab and think yourself through each route. This should show you where you are approaching something that needs protecting and sometimes a place where direction is needed. This will give you the basic signals.
When you have the Running Signals sorted out you do the same for shunt signals.
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Signals for the sidings/loops...
If you try to signal all the routes into these I fear that it will end up looking ludicrous...
Ummm... I've just checked the diagram... As far as I can see there is no Down end exit from all the sidings to the Down Line... This must limit your use of these sidings to Up Direction running?
Looking at it it also appears that the Up and Down Lines run all the way round the outside...
I would therefore suggest that you signal this on the basis that they are through lines of the rest of the world and that the inner loops are all some variety of large marshalling yard.
This will mean that there will need to be routes signalled through the Facing Junction from the Down line and from the loco exit at this end. Running Line Signal a 4ft arm. Marshalling Yard signal - possibly a 4ft arm - much more likely a 3ft arm with a route describer.
You can get away with a signal on the Up Line protecting the Trailing Junction - this will also be the splitting signal into the loco reception - probably a 2ft arm for the loco.
The exits from the marshalling yard - I would use three posts with 2ft arms and route describers. This will make less of a forest. The track nearest the Up Line could have a 3ft arm.
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At the other end - the Down Line has no involvement with the inner loops - so that is simple. (If you have a Distant for this line it would not be a splitting Distant but just a plain Distant.
Okay - entry to the loops - treat them the same as at the other end - a spltiing signal. 4ft Stop arm for the Up line and a 3ft with describer into the loops.
--- At the moment I have no suggestions for the odd bit between the bays single line and the loops... I'd forgotten that...
It will need the signal coming out of the single line to be a splitting signal - arm to the left for the odd bit of line and an arm for the Up Line... If you want to shunt out wrong Line onto the Down to get across to the Down Platforms you will also need a 2ft arm or a dummy there for the shunt.
The exit end of this odd line will want some sort of signal as well...
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See if that lot answers some of your questions...