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Staging Block

ContentObjectsStaging Block


WIP - Work in progress !!! - 28.08.2025


What is a Staging Block?

  • A staging block is a special kind of block divided in multiple detection sections.
  • Trains with a length of zero are not allowed to enter a staging block.
  • Regarding the train length one or more trains can be serially staged.
  • One or more sections can be reserved for one train depending of its length.
  • The staging block will move the containing trains forwards if the first train has left.
  • It had been one way only. The arrow side is exit.
  • * With Rocrail version 2.1.6018 a reverse exit was introduced.
  • A staging block is Not usable with track driver systems.


Basics

SVG symbol

The SVG symbol of a staging block has been changed with introducing the "reverse exit" functionality.
It is available in dynthemes only!

Symbol SVG Comment
svg/themes staging block
svg/dynthemes normal staging block
svg/dynthemes reverse exit staging block

Optical states

The number of occupied sections and a closed entry and a closed exit is shown inside the staging block symbol.

Symbol Comment
number of [ occupied / total ] sections
closed entry
closed exit
closed entry
closed exit

Staging block signals

A staging block may be aquipped with an entry signal, an exit signal and a stage signal.
The entry signal and the exit signal will normally be manually operated signals, to control the entry and the exit of the staging block.
Closing/opening the staging block will also change the state of the corresponding signal; the signal has to be manually operated!
Changing the state of the signal will also close/open the corresponding staging block; the signal has to be manually operated!

Symbol Comment
entry signal
exit signal
state signal
all together


Staging block operation commands

A staging block can be operated with the following commands:

Menue Command Comment
Compress The trains that are present are moved in the direction of the “exit” section, in order to free up the “entry” section and to fill gaps in the sections.
If the exit is open, the train in the “exit” section will be placed in “Auto” mode.
Run last train reverse The last train in the staging block will be placed in “Auto” mode in reverse direction.
Close exit
Open exit
Controls the “exit” flow of the staging block
Close entry
Open entry
Controls the “enter” flow the staging block
Reset Removes all locomotives from the staging block
Put out of operation
Put into operation
Controls the “enter” flow the staging block


Tooltip

In the tooltip of the staging block a list of occupied sections is shown:

Format
Section: LocoID


Demo_1


This is a demo plan for a normal staging block; no reverse exit.
The staging block shows the loco ID only on reserve and enter, in all other cases the number of occupied sections is shown in brackets.
A '<' sign shows that the exit side of the staging block is closed.
A gray background shows that the enter side of the staging block is closed.


Demo_2


This is a demo plan for a staging block with normal and reverse exit operation.


Staging Automation

  • As soon as a train arrives in a staging block it will be placed in manual mode.
  • The train will be moved to free sections under control of the staging block until it arrives in the last section in which the auto mode is reactivated again.
    • A train can only be stopped traveling to another block if the staging block has been closed or if the train is put to the hold status before it is in the last section. Alternatively, a manually operated exit signal can be used.
    • The function stop all locs does not prevent, that trains leave the staging block.
  • A section can only be used if it is electrically and logically free.
  • Every sensor and unlock event will trigger the compress command to move trains to open sections.
  • A manual start loco command will be rejected if the train is not in the last section.
  • A pending leaving train is not allowed to reserve the same Staging Block.
  • To disable departure the following options are available:
    • Close exit.
    • Disable automode.
    • Manual exit signal.

Commands

The context menu of the "staging block" has the following commands:

Properties

Only available when automatic mode is switched off
Opens the properties dialogue Staging Block: General.

Compress

  • The trains that are present are moved in the direction of the "exit" section, in order to free up the "entry" section and to fill gaps in the sections.
  • If the exit is open, the train in the "exit" section will be placed in "Auto" mode.

Run last train reverse

The last train in the staging block will be placed in “Auto” mode in reverse direction.

Close Exit / Open Exit

Controls the "exit" flow of the staging block.

Close Entry / Open Entry

Controls the "entry" flow of the staging block.

Reset

Removes all locomotives from the staging block.

Put into Operation / Out of Operation

Controls the "enter" flow the staging block.

Background

Sets the symbol background colour with the standard "Colour dialogue" of the operating system.
For a transparent background, "Black" must be set.

Enable alternative SVG

Enables a second graphic container (if any) of the symbol. Usually used for flashing symbols.
See Alternative <g>.

Help

Points to the "Help" pages in the wiki.

Add note ...

@Box

Opens the @Box dialogue.


stage-en.1756394845.txt.gz · Last modified: 2025/08/28 17:27 by hermannk