Driving Guide

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Introduction

Driving is an essential operation of every railway network. In Dovedale, a variety of trains and routes are provided to players, with no experience required. This guide provides you with everything you need to know about driving in Dovedale. It is highly recommended that you read the Signals, Signs and Headcodes pages before reading this guide to best understand driving procedures and regulations.

Getting Started

1.1 - Spawning Trains
Trains can be spawned by clicking on spawners located on the tracks in certain locations across the map. Spawners can only be used if the spawning zone is clear of trains. The locations of train spawners can be found on the List of Trains page, and in the spawn menu. Spawners are labelled with their train class and livery. Some spawners are group locked to Companies.

1.2 - Driving UI

The driving UI can be found at the bottom left of the screen when seated in a train. It provides important information to the driver about the status of the train and acts as a control panel for operating many features of the train. Below is a labelled image of the HUD with each section explained.

#	Function	Description
1	AWS	Warns the driver of an upcoming signal at danger, or of a significant speed reduction. (See 1.5)
2	Current speed	Displays the current speed of your train.
3	Speed limit	Displays the current speed limit, and will flash if a lower limit is upcoming.
4	Left doors	Opens/closes the left side doors of the train.
5	Right doors	Opens/closes the right side doors of the train.
6	Switch direction	Moves your character to the other side cab and reverses the direction of the train.
7	Low horn	Sounds the low horn.
8	High horn	Sounds the high horn.
9	Hide GUI	Hides the driving GUI.
10	Remove train	Hold to remove the train.
11	Emergency brake	Applies emergency brake.
12	Exit train	Hold to exit from the train.
13	Guard Buzzer	Used to send buzz codes to guards.
14	Lights	Toggles night-time exterior lights.
15	Throttle	Shows selected throttle level and applied throttle level.
16	Brake	Shows selected brake level and applied brake level.
17	Train information	Displays train class, headcode, and UTC time.

1.3 - Route selection UI

The route selection UI can be found above the main driving UI when in a train. With this UI you can select your destination and train type (1 - Express, 2 - Passenger, 5 - Empty Coaching Stock) which will be combined into your Headcode. Your headcode is unique to your train and will be displayed next to your name in chat, and to signallers. Below is the image of the route selection HUD.

#	Function	Description
1	Destination	Select your destination.
2	Train classification	Select your train's classification (type) here.
3	Hide UI	Hides the route selection UI.

1.4 - Controls
Primary driving controls (throttle, braking, and AWS) operate differently across platforms, but due to their importance they are easily accessible to all users. All other controls can be controlled via the HUD as described above. PC For PC users, a list of all keybinds including primary and secondary driving controls can be found here. Mobile Upon entering a train, mobile users will see large arrows appear on the sides of the screen, which can be used to control throttle and braking power. AWS is acknowledged by pressing the AWS sunflower on the driving HUD. Console Controls are linked to the Xbox controller as shown in the diagram below:

1.5 - Automatic Warning System (AWS)
The Automatic Warning System (AWS) is a system used to inform the driver of whether the next signal they are approaching is at proceed or at caution/danger, or of a significant speed reduction. Depending on the upcoming signal state, the AWS will either produce a 'beep' sound (as a warning indication), or a 'bell' sound (as a clear indication). If the train driver fails to acknowledge a warning indication, an emergency brake application is initiated by the AWS, and it can't be reduced until the driver acknowledges the warning.

Driving Regulations

2.1 - Performing Movements
Section WIP, see: Signals, Signs

2.2 - Spawning & Commencing Service
WIP

2.3 - Stopping at Stations

Stations are the most important locations for passenger trains, where drivers must stop and allow for the safe boarding of passengers. Below are procedures which should be followed when arriving or departing at stations.

Arriving at a Station

Start to slow down early. You can easily overshoot stopping markers or the entire platform if you are not careful.
When entering the platform, start looking for your stopping marker. This will tell you where you should stop the front of your train. There are different types of markers based on your train's length and class, so make sure you know your train class and how many cars long it is before arriving. To know which stopping marker to stop at, follow the list below from top to bottom.

Stopping Maker Priority (Highest First)
Class specific (e.g. Class 465)
Marker matching your number of cars
Next highest number of cars
"S" Car Marker

If there are "Reverse" or "T" stop markers, you should stop at them only if you are terminating.

3. Once stopped, open your doors for the correct side. You should keep your doors open until your platform signal has been cleared. However, if your train is terminating and going out of service, you should close the doors shortly after arriving.

Departing from a Station (Without Dispatcher)

When your platform signal is cleared, check that your doors are clear and the platform is safe, then close your doors.
Once you have confirmed that your doors are closed, you may depart. If there is a whistle board at the end of the platform, sound your horn before departing.

Departing from a Station (With Dispatcher)
If a dispatcher is operating at a station, they will give you a series of different instructions before you can depart. You can usually identify them standing next to your train on the platform, and might be holding a whistle or baton.

When your signal is cleared you must not close doors or depart, but instead await instructions from the dispatcher.
The first instruction will be the "Close Doors" (CD) signal. This will be indicated by the dispatcher sounding a whistle, followed by either the dispatcher showing a white baton or white light, or a light on the platform displaying "CD". You must then close your doors.
The second instruction will be the "Right Away" (RA) signal. This will be indicated by the dispatcher sounding a whistle, followed by either the dispatcher showing a white baton or green hand signal, or a light on the platform displaying "RA". You can then depart the platform.

Running as Empty Coaching Stock
If you are running a train as Empty Coaching Stock (i.e. not in service), you are not required to stop at stations. If you are held at a platform due to traffic, you should not open doors.

2.4 - Appointing a Guard
Coming in 2.1..

2.5 - Shunting
Shunting is the process of making short, low speed movements to move a train between different lines, platforms etc. Shunting is usually done outside of normal service, often required before commencing service or after finishing a route to move a train to the correct platform before departing. Shunting Procedure Reach a clear understanding with the signaller as to what movement is to be made. The signaller may tell you how far ahead to proceed, and any further instructions. You must then wait for the signaller to clear your signal. If there is no signal provided or the signal is to be passed at danger, the signaller must give you verbal authority to proceed, or display a yellow hand signal. Once the signal is cleared, you should proceed ahead to the location specified by the signaller. If the signaller has not given a specific location, you must proceed until your train has cleared all points, or until the next danger signal or limit of shunt has been reached. Once the first movement is complete, notify the signaller. They should then set the points and clear the next signal as above. Repeat this for as many movements are required to get to your intended location. Notes for shunting Proceed at a slow speed, no more than 15mph, and be prepared to stop ahead of any obstruction. Follow any specific instructions given by the signaller.

2.6 - Coupling
Coupling allows multiple units to be connected and operated together. A guide to coupling trains can be found here.

2.7 - Electric Token Block Sections
Some sections of the network are signalled under the Electric Token Block regulations. These sections are marked by signs at the start and end of token working. Under these regulations, drivers must be in possession of an occupation token to proceed on a single line. Entering a token working section When entering a token working section, you must obtain a token from the signaller before you may proceed, even if your signal is already cleared. You should stop at a token exchange platform if provided (next to the signal box at BL and AB) to receive a token from the signaller, otherwise you should wait at the platform. Token exchange must be done whilst stationary. When the signaller is ready to give you the token, a UI will pop up asking you to accept the token. Once accepted, the token will show up in the bottom right of your screen. You should confirm that you have been given the correct token for the section ahead. Once you have received the correct token for the section ahead and your signal is clear, you may depart. If you have arrived from a different token section, you must give the token for the previous section to the signaller. Exiting a token working section When exiting a token working section, you must give your token to the signaller before you may proceed, even if your signal is already cleared. You should stop at a token exchange platform if provided to surrender the token to the signaller, otherwise you should wait at the platform. Token exchange must be done whilst stationary. When the signaller is ready to receive the token, you should click on the token in the bottom right of your screen, which will open a UI with a list of nearby players. You should check the signaller's username and send the token to them. Once you have given the token to the signaller, you may depart. If there is no sign marking the end of token working, you must obtain the token for the section ahead before departing.

2.8 - Permissive Working
Permissive Working allows trains to be signalled into signal blocks already occupied by another vehicle. A signal block is a section of track between two stop signals, or between a stop signal and a dead-end/buffer. Permissive working is primarily used to allow coupling or platform sharing. If permissive working is required, you should follow the procedures below: If a subsidiary signal is provided: You will be brought to a stop or near stop before the signal is cleared. Once the signal is cleared, you may proceed slowly as far as the line is clear. If you are coupling with another vehicle, you may proceed up to the other vehicle and complete coupling. Otherwise, you should leave some space between your train and any vehicles ahead. If no subsidiary signal is provided: You will be brought to a stop at the main signal. You must come to a clear understanding with the signaller as to what movement is to be made. The main signal will be cleared or you will be given a yellow hand signal. Once the signal is cleared, you may proceed slowly as far as the line is clear. If you are coupling with another vehicle, you may proceed up to the other vehicle and complete coupling. Otherwise, you should leave some space between your train and any vehicles ahead. Platform Sharing If permissive working is being used for platform sharing, you should follow the instructions below: If the platform starter signal is cleared, only the first train may depart. Any following trains may not depart until the signal has been replaced to danger and then cleared again. If a dispatcher is present, only the first train should follow the dispatch instructions given.

Contingency Procedures

3.1 - Incorrect Train Routing
If for any reason your train has been routed incorrectly such that you cannot reach your set destination, you must stop and contact the signaller of the controlling area. They must then set the correct route. If for example you have been routed to the wrong platform, you may be required to shunt to return to the correct line.

3.2 - Passing Signals at Danger
In some situations it may be necessary to pass a signal at danger to make a non-standard movement. If this is to be done, you must reach a clear understanding with the signaller as to what move will occur. The signaller will tell you: Which signal needs to be passed at danger. The reason why the signal needs to be passed at danger. If you are required to proceed at caution. You must obey all further signs and signals. You must then await verbal authority to proceed from the signaller, or a yellow hand signal.

3.3 - Passing Unsafe Level Crossings
If you approach a level crossing and determine that it is unsafe (barriers raised, obstruction on crossing, red crossing repeater etc.) then you must stop your train before the crossing and follow the procedure below: If a level crossing repeater is provided: Inform the signaller of the controlling section that the crossing is unsafe. If there is no obstruction on the crossing and it is safe to proceed, sound the horn and proceed at 10 mph through the crossing. If a level crossing repeater is not provided: Inform the signaller of the controlling section that the crossing is unsafe. If the crossing can be made safe by the signaller, you may proceed as normal. If the crossing cannot be made safe, you must await a green hand signal, sound the horn and proceed at 10 mph through the crossing.

3.4 - Pilot Working
WIP

Emergency Procedures

4.1 - Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD)
Signal Passed at Danger (Abbreviated to SPAD) means that a driver has passed a signal displaying a danger indication without authority. Doing so could lead to a severe incident, possibly involving a derailment or collision. As such, the occurence of a SPAD should be treated seriously and acted upon immediately. If you pass a signal at danger without authority, you must: Stop your train immediately Check for derailment Inform the signaller of the SPAD Communicate and determine following actions with the signaller Keep the train stationary until instructed, unless your train poses a risk of colliding with or derailing a train on a conflicting path SPAD is considered an in-game offence and players may be moderated if they SPAD deliberately or consistently.

4.2 - Derailment or Collision
In the event of a derailment, you must stop your train immediately. You should despawn your train manually if you can. Derailments can be caused by speeding, SPADing resulting in running into unset points, signallers changing points beneath trains, or occasionally due to bugs. If you believe you have been derailed due to the actions of a signaller, you should try and resolve the situation in a civil manner. If for whatever reason a collision between two vehicles is about to occur, you must stop your train immediately. If a collision does occur, you should try to reverse the trains apart if they are not derailed, otherwise they must be despawned. You should consult with the other driver and the signaller to determine who is at fault for the collision. If the collision was caused intentionally or a driver refuses to remove a derailed train, you should call an admin for assistance.

4.3 - Adverse Change Of Aspect (ACOA)
If a signaller replaces a signal to danger without prior warning to the driver before a train has fully passed it, this is known as an Adverse Change Of Aspect (ACOA). This may occur if the signaller needs to stop a train in an emergency, or by accident such as believing a train has fully cleared a signal when it hasn't, or accidentally moving a lever. In this situation, you should stop your train immediately and contact the signaller to determine whether you should proceed.

Additional Network Information

Below is a list of special information for different areas of the network, which may assist you whilst driving.

WIP