YORK 1951 LAYOUT

Before the Second World War York had been controlled by eight manual signal boxes - Chaloners Whin, South Points, Locomotive Yard, Platform, Waterworks, Leeman Road, Clifton and Skelton.  A scheme had been started to replace the first seven of these by a new power box but work was halted by the war.  The scheme was completed in 1951 and York O.C.S. (One Control Switch) panel was to last until the advent of IECC many years later.

The O.C.S. system involved the use of individual switches for each signalled route.  Operation of a switch would, however, operate all the points in the route as well as clearing the signal.  Interlocking was all electrical; points were operated electrically but the motors were powered by air pressure from a "Pump house" with air mains runing the whole length of the scheme.  

The simulation is, as far as possible and within the limits of the operating programme, a faithful representation of the signalling as it was commissioned.  (A few extra signals have had to be added to cater for ground frames and hand points where these have had to be included to control necessary train movements.) Point numbering around the MPD exit has had to be amended in order to accommodate the simulation programme requirements.

One main feature that can't be replicated is that all sub signals had three white lights in place of two white and one red.  Preceding sub signals in a main route were not cleared and drivers were allowed to pass sub signals that were on (displaying two horizontal white lights) if they were runing under a full aspect. The sub signals could be cleared (two white lights at 45 degrees) for shunting moves.

As part of the resignalling facilities were provided at Skelton New Sidings for the turning and servicing of freight locomotives.  

PLATFORM AND SIDING CAPACITIES

Platform/Siding lengths have been scaled to allow for the operating requirements of the PCRail simulation software.  Unit lengths (Engines and coaches) are as follows:-

Platforms (reading from left to right where platforms are further split into sections)
1	-	8
2	-	8
3	-	10
4	-	8
5	-	7
6	-	4+3
7	-	5+4
8S	-	11
8N	-	5+6
9S	-	8
9N	-	8+2
10	-	13
11	-	13
12	-	7
13	-	7
14	-	14+7
15	-	16
16	-	17

Train shunt Spur - 9
Engine Shunt Spur - 2
Engine Sidings (1&2) - 2

Sidings (Multiply by 3 for freight wagons)

The following are in the location "Station Sidings"
Middle Road -  11+1
Bay Middle Road	- 4
Station South Sidings - 12
Up Reception - 7
Fruit Dock - 8
Engine Line - 8


"Waterworks" location - includes the Bank Loop.  Also, certain 'Up' trains stopped at 194 signal for a quick crew change and this is catered for within this location.

South Loops are as follows:-
Loco Loop - 8
Carriage Sidings Loop - 7
Back Road - 7

Holgate Up and Down Platforms	12
Holgate Dn Loops 
No. 1	-	17
	2	-	15
	3	-	13
	4	-	11
Shunt Spur	-	9

Clifton Sidings
No. 1	-	15
No. 2  	-	14
No. 3	-	13
No. 4	-	12
No. 5	-	12

Loco Departure Sidings  Nos. 1 & 3  -  3
						No. 2  -  2

York Yard South (Goods Lines #1 to #6) - 28

Up/Dn Carriage Sidings - 15

OPERATING NOTES

Locomotives were usually sheded/maintained at the main MPD at 50A.  Sub sheds were provided at South Shed and in the early 1950's this was used mainly for visiting locos from other Regions, most notably from the London Midland Region.  Occasionaly locos were sent for turning to the original engine shed on the up side at the south end of the station via the 'Engine Shed Lines'.  

As with current signalling practice, selection of a route between main signals will "clear" intermediate sub signals.  Also, the simulation allows for through setting from station approaching main signals to the platform exit signal at the far end of the apropriate platform.

The Scarborough Bridge Shunt facility is only available to timetable moves to/from York Station.  (It is normally used to release loco's/stock from platforms 4 to 7).

STARTUP SCREEN PICTURE

The opening picture is of a V2 on an Up Express passing Holgate Excursion Platforms on a date around the late 1950's.  It was taken by me one sunny day when I'd left my school nearby during the lunch hour (strictly forbidden) to go and see if I could 'cop' a few more engines.  Sadly, I can't remember the exact date.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This simulation was developed by Richard Wade using the PC-Rail Development software supplied and supported by John Dennis, proprietor of PC-Rail.

Testing of the operation was carried out by the PC-Rail testing team, with special thanks to Peter Dean, Geoff Foster, Peter Mould, Rob Roeterdink and Alan Sugden for their invaluable assistance.

19th August 2010
Updated and amended around the 31st August 2016 with invaluable help from Peter Dean

RICHARD WADE


	




   