AdvancedLayoutTopics

Multiple Routes

Signal Naming

Track component labeling suffixs: /NW = when the switch is set for normal, example: WA/NW or RG/NW /RW = when the switch is set for reverse, example: LG/RW or WG/RW

These suffixs can be added to signals as well as track approach sections. It is normal to add them to signal indentifiers at the end of the switch that has two tracks. In installations where older signal systems were retro-fitted, I have seen situations where a single turnout MCP has only 2 approach indications, one East, and one west. The double track approach indication is determined by which direction the switch is thrown. In this case, a suffix must be added to the double track Approach track segments. In this case, a train parked on the siding, would likely disappear when the turnouts are thrown for the mainline.

In situations where an MCP has a single mainline track on one end, and has three or more tracks at the other end, the switch mnemonics must be numbered sequencially from the single mainline toward the multiple track end.

Switch Lock Bits - One bit for multiple switches

As you may know, the mnemonic xLZK indicates a switch lock, e.g. 1LZK for switch 1NW. In some places, like NS in Harrisburg, one switch lock indication may control switch locks on a double crossover (e.g. two switch pairs). For example, lock indication 1LZK corresponds to switch locks for both 1NW and 3NW. For switch 3NW, in Track Builder's Remote Monitor field you would enter n:3NW,n:1LZ where n is the Station letter used in TB.

Scripting

Active Text

ATCSmon provides a way of displaying text messages based on mnemonics sent by either the dispatcher or the MCP, in the dispatcher display. These are called Active Text. To do this, start in the MCP mnemonic maintence indications are, choosing either Control or Indications, depending on where the message is sent from, and enter a mnemonic value ending in K or Z into the bit that the message is related to. Then go into Track Builder and set the text value to StationCallupLetter:UserDefinedMnemonic=DisplayText, remembering that TB mnemonics do not carry the trailing "K" or "Z".

It is possible to carry two mnemonics seperated by "|" (logical OR) or "&" (logical AND) in Mnemonic Maintenance in order to facilitate logic-driven text messages. For example, to create a mnemonic to control a Plant-In-Time message for a location that uses opposing cleared signals, specify "1LGK&1RGK" as the mnemonic value in the appropriate bit location, and a TB text value of "StationCallupLetter:1LG&1RG=Plant in Time" to display "Plant in Time" on the dispatcher display whenever both 1LGK and 1RGK are active at the MCP.

This can also be combined with graphical/icon-based fonts (like Wing Dings) to show icons in Track Builder. A popular use for this is for Snow Melters (SMK) indications, which will display a snowflake.

See the Mnemonic Quick Reference Topic for a list of industry standard mnemonics and their meaning. See also additional discussion on Active Text and some of the Wingding and Webding symbols.

Using VBScript in layouts

Simple VBScripts can also be included in layouts to drive the layout displays. See the ATCSMon release notes for details. (Someone care to expand on this section?)

Example VBScripts:

• Bonded Sidings - "Pseudo" bonded sidings for territories that don't have them.

Compact layout of ICS Crossovers

See the separate Compact ICSCrossovers page.