SimSig:Derby

From Bradshaw, the companion guide to On Our Lines

Welcome to Derby signalbox.

We're a nice little power signal box, covering the Derby area of the East Midlands, from Clay Cross in the north, to Tamworth, Alrewas and Long Eaton in the south. We also have control of the signalbox at Moira West, covering the Coalville line towards Bardon Hill.

In our control area are two major rolling stock depots, for both CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway, as well as controlling the exit to the yard at Derby Rail Test Centre, giving us plenty to keep our eyes on outside of standard train movements.

Panels[edit | edit source]

We've got three main panels here at Derby

  • North controls the Midland Mainline between Clay Cross and Derby stations, and also controls the Matlock branch line from Ambergate, which operates using a token. We fringe with Trent signalbox at Clay Cross.
  • Centre is our busiest panel, which covers the area between Derby, Long Eaton and Stenson Jn, including the Sinfin branch line, and sidings in the station area. We also deal with all the shunt movements from Derby Etches Park, and the R.T.C - we also occasionally see trains go into and come out of the Bombardier factory! We fringe with Trent signalbox at the Long Eaton end of the panel.
  • West controls the rest of our area, from Stenson Jn south-westwards, including with the fringes to Saltley at Tamworth, Aston on the single line through Alrewas, Trent on the Castle Donington freight line, and Stafford on the North Staffordshire line towards Stoke-on-Trent. The busy Central Rivers depot is located here, and in the morning and evening it can get very busy with empty stock going into and out of the depot.