simvid
Simulations and videos. Another great way of following your interests and improving knowledge and competence! Or are they?
Let's start with simulations. Don't confuse a proper simulation with a computer game about trains! Personally, I don't like these. They're for gamers, not training aids for railway people. Fine if you like trains and computer games, but don't think you're learning anything about steam engines. In fact, you might be learning bad things. I've just tried a new one, there was a SPAD and the game ignored it! Aaargh! And, trust me, a computer game is nothing remotely like being on the footplate of a steam engine or in the cab of a diesel. They give entirely the wrong idea (sigh!)
Obviously people enjoy playing them and if it's a way of doing railway talk with mates, they serve a purpose. And nobody's denying that they're clever and getting cleverer! If they teach you a route, they are perhaps some use. Drivers need route knowledge and have to sign for routes.
If you want to see what a proper driving simulation that teaches route knowledge and other important stuff looks like, and learn from somebody who knows what they're talking about, you neeed Dadrail!
Signalling sims are different. There are several good ones and real signallers sometimes use themfor learning and practice. So much of signalling is knowing rules and following logic and you can learn and practice a lot of this without actually going into a box.
You need to understand that there are two types:
Block Post entry level sim
To put it simply, Absolute Block is traditional signalling with signal boxes and levers. It's what you'll find on a heritage line - though there are still "heritage" bits in Network Rail! TCB is the main system now with colour light signals partly controlled by the trains themselves and worked from panel boxes or big Rail Operations Centres (ROCS) full of computer work stations. Check this out. Even modern colour light signals are becoming heritage as the latest systems transmit the signals directly to the cab.
But we will never forget our semaphore signals! And the principle of absolute block still holds good. You still have to understand it to work a modern sysatem. These videos explains the basic principle:
Absolute Block Signalling Animation
1930's LMS Absolute Block Semaphore Signalling Part 1
Now, did you watch the LMS video? Actually filmed in the days of the LMS - it's not heritage, it's history. As we said before, there's an important difference. It's not entirely true that the camera doesn't lie - but it lies less than heritage!
If you want to try your hand at block signalling, a good way to start is to download the free version of Yapton Crossing. You can use my "idiot's guide" to help you. I'm not calling you an idiot, by the way. I still make myself an idiot's guide when working much bigger and more complicated boxes, such as Exeter West.
Which brings me to the subject of video, or Youtube. Trust me you have no idea, just no idea how lucky you are to live in the age of Youtube. When I was a teenager, steam was disappearing and, aside from Railway Roundabout, which we had to watch at 5:30 after school because we couldn't record it, we were incredibly lucky just to get an 8mm film at a railway club show. It was painful, painful, that steam was going and we faced a life of not seeing it in action any more.
Random Railways 03: LMS London to Manchester Express
This is an all-time classic, because it's an actual record without the propaganda commentary and stilted dialogue. Love the ragtime!
History Channel
History Channel
Competency and Learning Channel
Competency and Learning
Network and Routes Channel
Network Channel
Model Engineering Channel
