EXETER CENTRAL 

The picture on the start-up screen was taken by Mr. Peter Dean and is of the Exeter Central banking engine assisting a train up the steep gradient from Exeter St. Davids.

This simulation is largely based upon the 1950's layout at Exeter Central, Exmouth Junction and Exmouth.  The area was controlled by mechanical signalboxes with mechanical signalling throughout.  The simulation differs from the original in that 3 aspect colour light signalling has been provided in order to make it compatable with the current PC Rail programmes.  However the signalling at Exeter, Exmouth Junction, Exmouth, Littleham and Budleigh Salterton has been largely based upon actual layouts, signals and numbering with the following numbering sequence modifications and additions:- 
Exeter East - Actual numbering sequence.
Exeter West - Actual numbering sequence with 100 added.
Exmouth Junction - Actual numbering sequence with 200 added.
Exmouth - Actual numbering sequence with 300 added.
Littleham - Actual numbering sequence with 150 added.
Budleigh Salterton - Actual numbering sequence with 450 added.
(Note, Additional signals and routes have been provided at Littleham and Budleigh Salterton to facilitate moves which were handsignalled for shunting and run-round moves.)

Other areas are based upon available layout information with possible signal provision. They are not based upon any actual signalling diagrams.

It should be noted that, as with the prototype, signal 101 will not clear unless 104 is off.  This was to ensure that trains were not brought to a stand on the steep gradient between St. David's and Central stations.

The interest  of this simulation lies in the, sometimes hectic, operation of the area, especially on Summer Saturdays, with all the train and light engine movements this required.  
Through trains were numerous between London (Waterloo) and the popular holiday resorts of Devon and Cornwall.  There were local services to all of those resorts and a comprehensive freight service.  (On a summer saturday the freight service was much reduced in order to accommodate all the paths for the passenger trains) Many of the long distance trains changed locomotives at Exeter and the nearby motive power depot (72A) at Exmouth Junction was the second largest in the Southern Region with a locomotive allocation of over 120.   

Light engines for up trains which are required to wait to the east of the station can arrive at and be held between the following signals:-
32 and 6
75 and 8 

Timing points are also provided for non passenger trains within the station on the up and down through lines.

The positin of the scisors in the middle of the up platform has been amended to allow for arriving trains which required the addition of extra coaches to be accommodated within the signals on platform 3W.  It is assumed that trains which did not change locos are accommodated at the far end of the platforms where watering facilities would be available.

Platform/Siding/Stabling Capacities (in chains) are as follows:-
(1coach = 1 loco = 1 chain and 3 goods wagons = 1 chain.)
Platform and siding lengths have been adjusted to allow for train composition in use up to 1961 to be accommodated within this simulation.

Exeter Central
Platform 1 - 10
Platform 2 - 16
Platform 3W - 10
Platform 3E - 8
Platform 4 - 10+2
Exeter Central Carriage Sidings - 15
Exeter Central Down Siding Nos. 1 to 3 - 10
Exeter Central Down Siding Nos. 4 & 5 - 11
Loco. standage at east end (see above) - 3

Exmouth Jcn. Coal Siding - 13

Exmouth 
Platform 1 - 9+3
Platform 2 - 12
Platform 3 - 12
Platform 4 - 9+3
Loading Dock - 10
Spur - 10
Coal Road - 6

Polsloe Bridge Neck, Woodbury Road Yard and Lympstone Yard are all 6 chains. 			
Intermediate Station platforms are 10 chains in length.
Littleham and Budleigh Salterton Docks are 5 chains. Littleham Siding is 6 Chains.

It should be noted that the spurs associated with run round in platforms can accommodate only 1 loco.

Through setting of the following routes is available:-
Signals/Buffer stops -
10 to 6, 32 to 4, 32 to 117, 48 to 8, 85 to 1, 85 to 134, 75 to 117, 85 to 135, 90 to 4, 90 to 15, 104 to 2, 104 to 3, 104 to 5, 104 to 7, 311 to 301, 311 to 304, 313 to 301, 313 to 304.

Thanks to John Dennis, Peter Dean, Alan Sugden, Peter Mould together with many other PCRail users for help, suggestions and comments and for their time spent testing this simulation.