The Dovedale Central Signal Box is the signal box controlling Dovedale Central. The signal box currently controls only one station, however that wasn't always the case. Prior to version 2.0 it also controlled Pallion Harbour (platform 1), Gleethrop End and Perthtyne. The Lighthouse (Station) was once controlled by the signal box as well, but after the Dovedale Central Update it was cut off from the network and made uncontrollable.
The box will usually see lots of traffic from incoming Class 43 HSTs and Class 365s from Masonfield which are travelling towards Fanory Mill or Ashburn. This can sometimes create traffic in the section from Marigot Crossing. There is also usually some, but less trains down towards Gleethrop End, Cosdale Harbour, Dovedale Central Terminating Platforms and Masonfield.
Charts for the Signal Box can be found on the Charts page.
Operation
The Dovedale Central Signal box controls the area from the Dovedale East fringe at the No.1 Dovedale Central tunnel near Wington Mount, the Cosdale Harbour Fringe at the 1/2 mile mark from this station, the Gleethrop End Fringe and the Marigot Crossing Fringe.
Platforming
Platforms 1 and 2 are for through trains to and from Masonfield or Glassbury Junction, while platforms 3 and 4 are for through trains towards Masonfield, Glassbury Junction or Mazewood. Platforms 5-8 are terminating platforms. Siding No.1 and No.2 have train spawners for the Network Southeast Class 465 and Class 466 respectively.
SPAD Countermeasures
Trains that have spawned at DC can be stopped easily by the design of the sidings, which require the train driver to change direction before being able to enter the station or depart from it.
Block Indicators/Bells
The line to Cosdale Harbour uses a tokenless block system. the other lines going into Dovedale Central use regular block instruments with the bell and block indicator combined, except the instrument used for the line to Marigot Crossing in which the bell and block indicator are housed separately.
Dispatching
The station has OFF indicators at every platform as well as multiple points for dispatchers to communicate to the signaller when a train is TRTS. The points can also be used to turn on and off the CD/RA indicators at every platform. It is one of the few stations in-game with a modern dispatching system.
Trivia
- This is the only box in the game that had a 'King Lever', a lever that locked all levers and therefore all points and signals to their current status.
- The levers were renumbered as part of version 1.2, which also introduced 5 fixed distants.
- During the first few days of the dovedale central update, a few platforms (5&6) were not accessible due to track point bugs. This has since been fixed.
- During the first few days since release of the dovedale central update, a few signals could not be changed - B1,C1,D1 etc.
- Prior to Version 1.0, all DCA0 signals were not operational. They have all since been removed.
- This is the only box in game that did not get majorly revamped in the Version 1.0 update.
- Prior to version 2.0 at Pallion Harbour, only the exit signal from platform 1 and the entry signal to platform 2 were controlled by this signal box. Both other signals at Pallion Harbour were controlled by Marigot Crossing Signal Box.
- Gleethrop Crossing used to be in the box's area, but it operated automatically.
- This signal box has the highest amount of fixed distants in the game, clocking in at 5 (as of version 1.2).
- In older versions, the Releovka System was in use (instead of levers). The box was also open-air.
Gallery
Old versions of the box
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The box during the Winter 2023 Update.
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The box during the Winter 2023 Update at night.
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An older version of the signal box.
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An old version of the board.
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A fly by overview of the station.
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The old, inaccurate board. This was released with many issues.
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A corrected board that was removed in Version 1.0.
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A Class 91 passing near the box.
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Overview of the old box.
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Levers in the old Signal Box.
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Bells and indicators in the old Signal Box.
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The old box fireplace.