Exeter West Signalbox Simulation

Screenshot of the opening few minutes of the blockpostsoftware simulation of Exeter West Signalbox. Hopefully, this will help the less experienced get to grips with some of the undoubted complexities!
A free Demo version of the program can be downloaded at www.blockpostso...

[@Shipwright1918]

I have a question about running this simulator. Is it really necessary to have the points and the facing point locks set to admit a train that's going no further than the platform?
I ask because I get into a situation frequently where I have two conflicting movements wanting the road at the same time, say a train already accepted into the block from Central, and then I get a bell asking for clearance to admit a train into the down main platform. I can't pull the points and set the locks because there's a conflicting move already set up, but if I wait for the Central train to clear the points, the down main platform train will be late, and if I hold off on accepting the Central train to let the down main platform train in, the Central train will be late.
I guess there's no choice but to take a late train on the chin and let the higher priority train have the road, as the "Line clear to clearing point only" bell code is not allowed.

[@blockpostsoftware]

Hi Shipwright.
There is a legal requirement that all points and locks must be set for the full clearing point (440yards beyond the Home signal). Because of tight distances, this is modified at Exeter West (see the Help file). When you are offered conflicting movements you must refuse one of them - by not acknowledging the Is Line Clear when it is asked. This means you must look ahead in the timetable to decide which one to accept and which one to refuse.
Hope that helps

[@Snapdragon4472]

Hi Shipwright,
I think your example refers to departing trains rather than arriving trains? You can accept a train into the Down Main Platform if you have got 107 reverse as the reduced clearance point uses the route to the Siding, so that means you do not need to pull points 103 causing a conflict.
One major conflict is when you have a train in the Down Main Platform due to depart, one arriving in the Down Middle Platform, and one coming off the Down Central. Refuse the arriving trains to allow the departing train to depart on time, then after resetting 103 & 107, set 114, 115 & 91 and you can then accept both arriving trains together without conflict.
Once you have used the simulation a few times, you will learn where the conflicts may occur and can plan ahead to reduce delays. Having spent many happy hours using the simulation and building up experience, it is a very enjoyable simulation indeed! :)

[@TheGodsrighthandman]

As interesting as it looks I don't see how what you've represented equals Value-for-Money at the prices you're asking. I mean, the best part of £30 just for the 11-Lever Frame at Yapton?
I baulk at some of Simsig's pricing but at least you get some visual representation, via the PB Panels, that what you're doing has an effect on the 'world' you're operating in.

[@BollocksUtwat]

Its certainly true that the Yapton is overpriced for being a beginner one. Its basically the same price as advanced ones nearly. Then you gotta pay money to acquire a separate timetable editor, which seems extreme since in order to make timetables they had to make one in the first place.
Seems like they're just relying on the old man retireee with a pension crowd and eschewing the young people who are used to discounts on Steam crowd. The fact is Simsig offers plenty of free content too and never charges you to create your own timetable or edit the one that's packaged. As a result it has an actual community behind it.

[@Wardy-vq8dh]

What software is this

[@blockpostsoftware]

www.blockpostsoftware.co.uk/downloads.php

[@sol3cito33]

Overpriced AF.