RPC Application on RPC Application on HortonHortonandand

Model Railway Model Railway Computer Control Computer Control CentreCentre

Stephen Parascandolo [M1161]Stephen Parascandolo [M1161]Paul DurellPaul Durell

Beckenham and West Wickham MRCBeckenham and West Wickham MRC

ContentsContents

About UsAbout Us HortonHorton Crash Course in UK Railway SignallingCrash Course in UK Railway Signalling RPC Application on HortonRPC Application on Horton MRCCC SoftwareMRCCC Software Automatic Train ProtectionAutomatic Train Protection Computer Assisted Cab ControlComputer Assisted Cab Control Future DevelopmentsFuture Developments Questions / DiscussionQuestions / Discussion

Stephen ParascandoloStephen Parascandolo

Brunel University GraduateBrunel University Graduate– BEng (Hons), First Class, Computer Systems BEng (Hons), First Class, Computer Systems

Engineering, 2003Engineering, 2003

Senior Signalling EngineerSenior Signalling Engineer– GE Transportation SystemsGE Transportation Systems– Design and configuration of modern VDU Design and configuration of modern VDU

based signalling control centres and train based signalling control centres and train describersdescribers

– Database ManagerDatabase Manager

Member of Beckenham and West Wickham Member of Beckenham and West Wickham MRCMRC– Developed Horton since 1993Developed Horton since 1993– Introduced signalling and electronicsIntroduced signalling and electronics

Webmaster of Webmaster of www.tramlink.co.ukwww.tramlink.co.uk

MERG Member since 2000MERG Member since 2000

Paul DurellPaul Durell

Senior Signalling EngineerSenior Signalling Engineer– British Rail/Amec/Balfour Beatty/Network Rail British Rail/Amec/Balfour Beatty/Network Rail

1987 to present1987 to present

– Maintenance and Rapid Response to Maintenance and Rapid Response to signalling systems, including On track points, signalling systems, including On track points, track circuits and signals. Relay Room based track circuits and signals. Relay Room based control systems including Relay and control systems including Relay and electronic remote control via FDM and TDMelectronic remote control via FDM and TDM

– I.R.S.E. Licensed Team Leader, Maintainer I.R.S.E. Licensed Team Leader, Maintainer Fault Finder.Fault Finder.

Member of Beckenham and West Wickham Member of Beckenham and West Wickham MRCMRC– Involved in rebuild of Horton since 2003Involved in rebuild of Horton since 2003– Developed CACC, PSUs and ControllersDeveloped CACC, PSUs and Controllers– Wired Panel, Relay Room and some Wired Panel, Relay Room and some

baseboardsbaseboards

Requires MERG Membership Form!Requires MERG Membership Form!

HortonHorton

32’ x 10’ Modern Image OO32’ x 10’ Modern Image OO All Round ViewingAll Round Viewing 6 Controller Cab Control6 Controller Cab Control 31 Main Signals (12 Shunt Signals)31 Main Signals (12 Shunt Signals) 68 Point Ends68 Point Ends 142 Track Sections (88 Track 142 Track Sections (88 Track

Circuited)Circuited)

Modern UK Signalling Modern UK Signalling Crash Course!Crash Course!

Signals provided to protect Signals provided to protect against collisionsagainst collisions– Protecting JunctionsProtecting Junctions– Protecting the train aheadProtecting the train ahead

Drivers to obey signalsDrivers to obey signals Signallers to ensure safety and Signallers to ensure safety and

correct routing of trainscorrect routing of trains

RoutesRoutes

Exist from an Exist from an EntryEntry Signal to the next signal the Signal to the next signal the train will come to, the train will come to, the ExitExit signal. signal.

Four Types:Four Types:– MainMain– WarnerWarner– Shunt (Permissive)Shunt (Permissive)– Call On (Permissive)Call On (Permissive)

Named after Entry SignalNamed after Entry Signal Letters for each destination, starting from the leftLetters for each destination, starting from the left

H N 1

H N 11

102

101

H N 3S id ing

M ain

B ranch

RouteRoute EntryEntry ExitExit LineLine IndicationIndication

R1A(S)R1A(S) HN1HN1 SdgSdg SidingSiding PLPL

R1B(MR1B(M))

HN1HN1 HN3HN3 MainMain

R1C(MR1C(M))

HN1HN1 HN11HN11 BranchBranch Pos 4Pos 4

RoutesRoutes

Signaller Calls Route by pressing ESignaller Calls Route by pressing ENNtry Signal, followed by Etry Signal, followed by EXXit it signal (NX).signal (NX).

Interlocking checksInterlocking checks– Route exists between Entrance and ExitRoute exists between Entrance and Exit– No Conflicting RoutesNo Conflicting Routes– Any Points Required to move are FreeAny Points Required to move are Free– Route is Clear – using Track Circuits (unless permissive)Route is Clear – using Track Circuits (unless permissive)

Route then Calls PointsRoute then Calls Points Route Locks (White Lights displayed on line of route)Route Locks (White Lights displayed on line of route)

Signal may clear – but that is up to the signal!Signal may clear – but that is up to the signal!

Signaller Can Cancel (Pull the Entrance Button)Signaller Can Cancel (Pull the Entrance Button)oror TORR (Train Operated Route Release) – Route Releases TORR (Train Operated Route Release) – Route Releases

automatically as train traverses Route.automatically as train traverses Route. Operation of an Auto Button, prevents TORR from taking placeOperation of an Auto Button, prevents TORR from taking place

Signal TypesSignal Types

ControlledControlled– Route must be set by signaller Route must be set by signaller

before clearing and track circuits before clearing and track circuits clearclear

AutomaticAutomatic– Will clear if track circuits are clearWill clear if track circuits are clear– Main signals onlyMain signals only

MainMain– If showing proceed aspect (not Red), If showing proceed aspect (not Red),

line is clear to the next main signal.line is clear to the next main signal. Subsidiary/ShuntSubsidiary/Shunt

– Line may be occupied – driver to be Line may be occupied – driver to be able to stop within distance that can able to stop within distance that can be seenbe seen

PointsPoints

Point KeyPoint Key NormalNormal

– Point Locked NormalPoint Locked Normal CentreCentre

– Point free for Route SettingPoint free for Route Setting ReverseReverse

– Point Locked ReversePoint Locked Reverse

LieLie NormalNormal

– Usually the main route, or the safest Usually the main route, or the safest position.position.

– Points always drawn in the Normal Points always drawn in the Normal Position on plans and panels.Position on plans and panels.

ReverseReverse– The opposite of NormalThe opposite of Normal

Track Circuits and Track Circuits and SignalsSignals

Track Circuits are used for train Track Circuits are used for train detectiondetection

Track Circuits prove a section of Track Circuits prove a section of track is clear.track is clear.

For Model Railways, we have the For Model Railways, we have the FTCFTC

Track Circuits used to control Track Circuits used to control signal aspectssignal aspects

Signal spacing designed to Signal spacing designed to ensure a driver can run at line ensure a driver can run at line speed under green signals.speed under green signals.

Distance from sighting the first Distance from sighting the first cautionary signal to the Red cautionary signal to the Red signal must be signal must be at least at least Braking Braking Distance.Distance.

RPC Application on HortonRPC Application on Horton

• See Technical Bulletin G16/81

Design > Install > TestDesign > Install > TestA fully signalled model railway is complex. Don’t build it before designing it!A fully signalled model railway is complex. Don’t build it before designing it!

1. Track Layout – Consider Operations2. Signalling Plan3. Cab Switching Requirements4. System Design

RPC Stack RPC Addresses Cable Schematics (finalise what is on each baseboard

first) Tag Strips

5. Control Panel Design6. Documentation7. Control Centre Data8. Build / Install9. Test10. Rework

Extract of Horton Extract of Horton Signalling PlanSignalling Plan

Extract of Horton Extract of Horton Relay Room TagstripsRelay Room Tagstrips

Extract of HortonExtract of HortonRPC Stack DesignRPC Stack Design

Model Railway Model Railway Computer Control Computer Control CentreCentre

HistoryHistory Started as a Brunel University Project in Started as a Brunel University Project in

2002-32002-3 Received a Final Year Project mark of Received a Final Year Project mark of

76% for MRCCC76% for MRCCC Enhanced the application since, following Enhanced the application since, following

the expansion of the Horton RPC the expansion of the Horton RPC applicationapplication

Written in MS Visual Basic .NET 2003Written in MS Visual Basic .NET 2003 Open SourceOpen Source

Three ModesThree Modes1.1. Design ModeDesign Mode2.2. Test ModeTest Mode3.3. Operate ModeOperate Mode

BasicsBasicsGrey Track = NormalGrey Track = NormalWhite Track = Route LockedWhite Track = Route LockedRed Track = Track OccupiedRed Track = Track Occupied

- Indication and Control almost compliant Indication and Control almost compliant with Network Rail Standards GK/RT/0025 with Network Rail Standards GK/RT/0025 and RT/E/S/17504 for VDU based control and RT/E/S/17504 for VDU based control systemssystems

MRCCC Websitehttp://www.bwwmrc.co.uk/mrccc

Model Railway Model Railway Computer Control Computer Control CentreCentre

Current FeaturesCurrent Features VDU control of Model Railway signalling on a PC.VDU control of Model Railway signalling on a PC. User Configurable screen layout and interlocking conditions. Configuration is via User Configurable screen layout and interlocking conditions. Configuration is via

Windows dialog boxes, which should be understood with a little signalling knowledge, Windows dialog boxes, which should be understood with a little signalling knowledge, and not with any kind of scripting language requiring computing knowledge.and not with any kind of scripting language requiring computing knowledge.

Full and comprehensive validation of all user-configured data with feedback at each Full and comprehensive validation of all user-configured data with feedback at each stage on exactly why a layout is invalid or what is wrong with an entry just made.stage on exactly why a layout is invalid or what is wrong with an entry just made.

Test Mode provided for offline testing (without connecting the layout) of the full Test Mode provided for offline testing (without connecting the layout) of the full interlocking including the ability to simulate user and layout inputs and monitor all interlocking including the ability to simulate user and layout inputs and monitor all states within the system.states within the system.

Entry-Exit (NX) Route setting by mouse, calling all points as required.Entry-Exit (NX) Route setting by mouse, calling all points as required. Auto Working buttons.Auto Working buttons. Full automatic aspect sequencing for 2-, 3- and 4-aspect colour light signalling (only Full automatic aspect sequencing for 2-, 3- and 4-aspect colour light signalling (only

basic sequencing provided, e.g. no flashing aspects).basic sequencing provided, e.g. no flashing aspects). Point Keys.Point Keys. Call On/Shunt Exits buttons and position light aspects.Call On/Shunt Exits buttons and position light aspects. Shunt Signals and permissive working.Shunt Signals and permissive working. Facilities for Slots or Emergency Replacement controls.Facilities for Slots or Emergency Replacement controls. Real time display of track occupation, aspect and point position (detection not Real time display of track occupation, aspect and point position (detection not

provided).provided). Train Operated Route Release (simplified).Train Operated Route Release (simplified). Route Release (simplified).Route Release (simplified). Full interlocking of conflicting Routes or occupied track circuits with comprehensive Full interlocking of conflicting Routes or occupied track circuits with comprehensive

feedback to the signaller of why the interlocking has rejected a command.feedback to the signaller of why the interlocking has rejected a command. Multi-User support for large layouts.Multi-User support for large layouts.

Model Railway Model Railway Computer Control Computer Control CentreCentre

DocumentationDocumentation – Technical Bulletins – Technical Bulletins G16/85 – MRCCC OverviewG16/85 – MRCCC Overview G16/86 – MRCCC User GuideG16/86 – MRCCC User Guide

Obtaining MRCCCObtaining MRCCC Download from Download from www.bwwmrc.co.uk/mrcccwww.bwwmrc.co.uk/mrccc

– .NET Framework required – 20Mb from Microsoft.NET Framework required – 20Mb from Microsoft Provide me with a CD-R and SAEProvide me with a CD-R and SAE

System RequirementsSystem Requirements Dependent on .NET frameworkDependent on .NET framework Works fine with Windows 2000 or XPWorks fine with Windows 2000 or XP Some problems reported with 98.Some problems reported with 98. Faster PC improves performance, especially for large layoutsFaster PC improves performance, especially for large layouts

Older PCs, providing .NET framework runs, can run Client ApplicationOlder PCs, providing .NET framework runs, can run Client Application See the User Guide for more detailsSee the User Guide for more details

DemonstrationDemonstration Time to Play with MRCCCTime to Play with MRCCC

Computer AssistedComputer AssistedCab ControlCab Control Horton has Conventional Cab Control (6 Horton has Conventional Cab Control (6

controllers) with Rotary Switches feeding controllers) with Rotary Switches feeding section switches within each Cab Control section switches within each Cab Control AreaArea

Complex Layouts have problems with bi-Complex Layouts have problems with bi-directional lines and complex pointwork directional lines and complex pointwork – you have to select a lot of cabs to – you have to select a lot of cabs to traverse junctions, and remember to put traverse junctions, and remember to put them back for straight running.them back for straight running.

CACC is the solutionCACC is the solution

Computer AssistedComputer AssistedCab ControlCab Control Conventional Cab Control with Cab Rotary's on plain line Conventional Cab Control with Cab Rotary's on plain line

outside the station.outside the station. Left/Right switches in the platforms to choose which end of Left/Right switches in the platforms to choose which end of

station to get power from.station to get power from. Computer picks relays for each point to route power through Computer picks relays for each point to route power through

junction.junction. Controller allocated automatically as the route is setController allocated automatically as the route is set

B

D

110A

1

C

2

110 PPR

X

‘C’

YZ

‘D’

‘B’

‘A’

‘C’ CCCS

1A

2A

HN29

HN31

HN33

HN35

3A

4A

100 DA

101B

101A

UA

RA

103A

102A 103B

102B

1B-2

2B-2

3B-2

4B-2

1B-1

2B-1

3B-1

4B-1

1C

2C

3C

4C 105A

105B

104

RB

HN78

HN28

HN26

106

FA

RC

UB

DB

HN271D

BB-1 BA

BCBD

HN9

HN4

HN3

HN1HN2

HN6HN7

DPDN

UN

HN8

UM

115A118

117A

117B

116

114B113A

114A113BLOS

BB-2

P113B R

DM-1

P113A R

P114A R

DPSS

DP

P114B R

UM-1

UNSS

UN

UMSS

UM

DNSS

DN

P115AR

P118R

P117A R

P117BR

1D

To Reception and

Yard Wiring

To Branch Wiring

2C2B-1

2B-2

2A

1C

1B-1

1B-2

1A

3C

3B-1

3B-2

3A

4C4B-1

4B-2

4A

Plat 1 CCSS

Plat 2 CCSS

Plat 3 CCSS

Plat 4 CCSS

Computer AssistedComputer AssistedCab ControlCab Control A big improvement, but we forgot to set the left/right switches A big improvement, but we forgot to set the left/right switches

correctly each time.correctly each time. They have been replaced with left/right relays, operated by the They have been replaced with left/right relays, operated by the

MRCCC software on the PC, based on the route setting.MRCCC software on the PC, based on the route setting. The following logic was implemented in MRCCC data, and has ATP The following logic was implemented in MRCCC data, and has ATP

and ATP+ logic for the platforms built in.and ATP+ logic for the platforms built in.

Entry-Exit Route setting now allocates all the power automatically. Entry-Exit Route setting now allocates all the power automatically. Demonstration!Demonstration!

Main RoutesIN >

Main Routes< OUT

‘A’ TC Clear

C B-1 B-2 ALEFT RIGHT

[L] Relay Coil

‘C’ TC Occ

‘B-1’ TC Occ

‘B-2’ TC Occ

[R] Relay Off

Call On RoutesIN >

‘C’ Section Override Switch

For [R] Relay: -

- [L] becomes [R]- [R] becomes [L]- ‘A’ becomes ‘C’- ‘C’ becomes ‘A’- > becomes <- < becomes >

Automatic Train Automatic Train Protection (ATP)Protection (ATP) To prevent a train from passing a To prevent a train from passing a

critical signal at danger, sections critical signal at danger, sections approaching signals have an ATP relay approaching signals have an ATP relay in their feed.in their feed.

The computer picks this relay if:The computer picks this relay if:1.1. The signal is not Red, orThe signal is not Red, or

2.2. A route is set through the section in the reverse direction, A route is set through the section in the reverse direction, oror

3.3. The signal is red, a route is set from the signal, and the The signal is red, a route is set from the signal, and the berth and replacement track circuits are occupied (i.e. berth and replacement track circuits are occupied (i.e. train passing signal), ortrain passing signal), or

4.4. The Override Push Switch is depressed.The Override Push Switch is depressed.

Automatic Train Automatic Train Protection + (ATP+)Protection + (ATP+) With multiple powered bogies, or motors in the middle or rear of a With multiple powered bogies, or motors in the middle or rear of a

train, ATP can be ineffective.train, ATP can be ineffective. The train can be pushed past the isolated section.The train can be pushed past the isolated section. The ATP+ relay isolates several sections (UA in the example) The ATP+ relay isolates several sections (UA in the example)

approaching a signal, once the berth track circuit (UB in the approaching a signal, once the berth track circuit (UB in the example) becomes occupied.example) becomes occupied.

This allows a train to approach a signal at red, but then isolate This allows a train to approach a signal at red, but then isolate the whole train until it clears. the whole train until it clears.

UB ATP

UB ATP+

UB

UA

CACC cab feed

Main cab feed

Traction Power WiringTraction Power Wiring Bringing all these features togetherBringing all these features together

Extract of complete Traction Power Wiring diagram for Extract of complete Traction Power Wiring diagram for HortonHorton

PDPR D7

P113B R

DMSS

PDPRA1

DNATP+

PDPR A2

DNATP

DM-1

DM

PFTCB7

PG08

P113A R

PDPRD8

PDPR D6

P114A R

DPSS

DP

PFTCB5

PF07

P114B R

PDPRD5

UM-1

UNSS

UN

PFTCC4

PF05

UMSS

UM

PFTCC5

PF06

DNSS

DN

PFTCB6

PF08

PDPRD4

P115AR

PDPRE7

P118R

P117A R

PDPRD1

PDPRE8

P117BR

1D

PFTCC3

PA07

PDPRX8

CC Plat1 [L]

PDPRX7

CC Plat1 [R]

1C

PFTCD4

PA06

1CSS

1B-1SS

1B-2SS

1ASS

PDPR X4

CCPlat3 [L]

PDPR X3

CCPlat3 [R]

3C

PFTCD2

PA09

XXSS

3B-1SS

3B-2SS

3ASS

PDPR X2

CCPlat4 [L]

PDPR X1

CCPlat4 [R]

4C

PFTCD1

PA10

XXSS

4B-1SS

4B-2SS

4ASS

P100 R

PDPRC4

PDPRX6

CCPlat2 [L]

PDPR X5

CCPlat2 [R]

2C

PFTCD3

PA08

2CSs

2B-1SS

2B-2SS

2ASS

PDPRC3

P101AR

P101BR

PDPRC2

1B-1

1B-2

1A

To Reception and

Yard Wiring Sheet

To Branch Wiring Sheet

2B-1

2B-2

2A

1A/2A (R)

1A/2A (L)

3B-1

3B-2

3A

3A/4A (L)

3A/4A (R)

4A/RLF (L)

4A/RLF (R)

Future Development Future Development IdeasIdeas Train DescriberTrain Describer MRCCC Client ported to wireless Pocket PCMRCCC Client ported to wireless Pocket PC Transmission of signal aspects to drivers via Transmission of signal aspects to drivers via

Pocket PC.Pocket PC. DCC for Traction Power. DCC brake command DCC for Traction Power. DCC brake command

issued if ATP relay not energised – smoother issued if ATP relay not energised – smoother stopping.stopping.

Speed Profile generation for each train in MRCCCSpeed Profile generation for each train in MRCCC Automatic operation of selected trains – MRCCC Automatic operation of selected trains – MRCCC

talks to DCC Command Stationtalks to DCC Command Station Supervision of manually driven trains to keep Supervision of manually driven trains to keep

within safe speed profilewithin safe speed profile Hours of fun aheadHours of fun ahead

Questions and Questions and DiscussionDiscussion Fire Away!Fire Away!