Bletchley PSB Ledburn MCS Workstation August 2003
When the new, faster and more northerly version of Ledburn Junction was commissioned in August 2003, control was retained at Bletchley PSB by means of this MCS (Modular Control System) workstation replacing part of the NX panel.
This was because controls required for the then new axle counter technology that replaced conventional (and infinitely more reliable) track circuits were not compatible with the NX panel.
The MCS equipment was identical to that to be installed at the new Rugby SCC due to open the following year, so this setup also made the control transfer more straightforward.
To enable the MCS workstation to be worked in conjunction with the NX panel, it can be seen that a projector screen was provided in lieu of the previous Ledburn area indications. This screen simply functioned as a larger overview screen duplicating the workstation indications so the location of trains could be monitored in a manner similar to the rest of the NX panel.
Unfortunately the projected image vibrated every time trains passed at speed, almost inducing a mild feeling of motion sickness!
This unusual arrangement continued until the opening of Rugby SCC in May 2004, the "Watford" (now renamed Tring) workstation taking over this existing MCS controlled area from Bletchley PSB and the neighbouring Pitstone to Kings Langley section from Watford PSB.
An interesting result of this was that three signalmen were now required to control the same area that had only needed two since the mid 1960's. As Rugby SCC expanded, similar situations continued throughout its eventual area of control until the closure of Rugby PSB in June 2012!
Bletchley PSB Ledburn MCS Workstation August 2003
When the new, faster and more northerly version of Ledburn Junction was commissioned in August 2003, control was retained at Bletchley PSB by means of this MCS (Modular Control System) workstation replacing part of the NX panel.
This was because controls required for the then new axle counter technology that replaced conventional (and infinitely more reliable) track circuits were not compatible with the NX panel.
The MCS equipment was identical to that to be installed at the new Rugby SCC due to open the following year, so this setup also made the control transfer more straightforward.
To enable the MCS workstation to be worked in conjunction with the NX panel, it can be seen that a projector screen was provided in lieu of the previous Ledburn area indications. This screen simply functioned as a larger overview screen duplicating the workstation indications so the location of trains could be monitored in a manner similar to the rest of the NX panel.
Unfortunately the projected image vibrated every time trains passed at speed, almost inducing a mild feeling of motion sickness!
This unusual arrangement continued until the opening of Rugby SCC in May 2004, the "Watford" (now renamed Tring) workstation taking over this existing MCS controlled area from Bletchley PSB and the neighbouring Pitstone to Kings Langley section from Watford PSB.
An interesting result of this was that three signalmen were now required to control the same area that had only needed two since the mid 1960's. As Rugby SCC expanded, similar situations continued throughout its eventual area of control until the closure of Rugby PSB in June 2012!