Dispatching in Streckenzentralstellwerk Wuppertal-Oberbarmen

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Before you get your approval to run the service on a signal box, you need to find out about the local characteristics. After training as a general trainee signalman, dispatchers were always paired with a person skilled in the signal box. This chapter is the brief introduction to the area. Read it carefully. It contains very important information.

The text is "peer to peer" written as if you are in the signal box, the first day after training.

Have a more detailed look at the Wuppertal-Oberbarmen panel here.

General

Stelltisch der Streckenzentralstellwerk Wuppertal-Oberbarmen

Control areas

There are 4 control areas at Signal Box Wuppertal-Oberbarmen: W-Unterbarmen, W-Oberbarmen, W-Langerfeld and Schwelm. The Group Buttons are assigned to a specific control area. this means, that not all Group Buttons on the panel work with ALL control areas. In case the wrong Group Button has been operated, "nothing" will actually happen when operating an other button on the panel. There will be just a pink circle around the buttons pressed.

The Switch Chain mechanism is also split into four areas. This means, that if you want to activate a subsidiary signal using the ErsGT button, you must deactivate JUST the switch chain within the respective control area. The indicators showing switches are being thrown (WL) only blink when switches within its control area are thrown.

Important: The Number Entry Panel and Group Button window are "independed" from the control areas. From here you can operate any item on the panel

However:

• in case one or more switch chains are deactivate, the indicator LK is lit on both the Number Entry panel as well as on the Group Button panel.
• in case one or more switches are being thrown, the WK-indicator is blinking on both the Number Entry panel as well as on the Group Button panel.

Wuppertal-Oberbarmen

In Wuppertal-Oberbarmen (KWO) we normal enable auto fleeting for all signals on the long distance line, because there are not that many different routes to be set. For the few exceptions, we must not forget to set the route in time before the auto fleeting beats us. If you do not feel comfortable with the auto fleeting, then just switch it off using the SBRT button.

There are 6 upper platform tracks at the station of Wuppertal-Oberbarmen.

The tracks 002 and 003 are for the long-distance and regional trains (RE). Track 001 is used very rarely, for example to overtake a delayed train in Wuppertal-Oberbarmen. The trains of RB4 (104xx), RB7 (107XX) and RE13 (202XX) stop in Wuppertal-Oberbarmen.

Track 004 can be used for long-distance and regional trains (RE) as well as for the S-Bahn, depending on need and timetable situation.

The S-Bahn (S8=308XX and 309XX) and the RB47 (307XX) trains from Wuppertal Hbf hold at platform track 6 (006). The same game into the other direction: Planned stops are at track 5 (005). Some commuter trains stop there and take a short drive to Langerfeld Gbf to turn around and wait there until their next service. Watch the movement orders for the details.

The tracks 010 and 011 are not electrified!

Lines

First of all we have the green line, from the top left all across our panel to the top right. This line actually exists of 3 lines, namely:

• 2525 Neuss Hbf - Abzw Linder Hausen, electrified main line, double track upto Schwelm, then single track.
• 2143 Abzw Linder Hausen - Gevelsberg-West - (Witten); Electrified main line, double track
• 2423 (Düsseldorf-Gerresheim) - Gevelsberg-West - Hagen-Heubing - (Dortmund-Westfalenhalle); electrified main line, double track

We denote the distance simply as 'S-Bahn' here because the line S8 (Mönchengladbach Wuppertal-Hagen) is the only service operating here.

Then we have the 'Fernbahn' (mainline), which is the red ribbon from left to right. This is the double-track mainline2550 Aachen - Kassel. Different than the name suggests, we have both the various long-distance services and regional trains.

In the middle we have the orange line, which is line 2700 W-Oberbarmen - Remscheid-Lennep - (Solingen). This is a non-electrified double track line (don't forget to operate the (FfrT button)

Between Oberbarmen and Rauenthal there is the Rauenthaler Tunnel to which we come back later on.

From Rauenthal there is still the branch line 2703 into the direction of Wilhelmsthal. It is single track and not electrified. Here we could go to Wuppertal-Beyenburg and earlier on even towards Radevormwald. The route is blocked however due to a landslide in Wuppertal Beyenburg a long while ago. However, from time to time special trips to the memorial of the former concentration camp Kemna place on this line. These are carried out as a so-called Sperrfahrt.

Also in the middle, but the on the top of the panel, we have the blue line (2701). This is the freight line from Oberbarmen to Schwelm. It is primarily the connection to the container terminal at Langerfeld. The route is electrified throughout, but has only double track up to Langerfeld.

In the middle, on the right of Gevelsberg-West, starting from track 993, there used to be the branch line (2423) to Schhwelm-Loh. This it is completely overgrown now.

Diverting Options

In case of failures on the S-Bahn line towards Wuppertal Hbf, the S-Bahn and RB47 trains can be diverted via the "Fernbahn" as in WUppertal Hbf there is the possibility to send these trains back on to the S-Bahn line there. However, diverting such trains over the Fernbahn means that stops at Unterbarmen will be cancelled, as this station does not have platforms along the tracks of the Fernbahn.

The other way around: The trains which normally use the Fernbahn tracks can be diverted over the S-Bahn line between Wuppertal-Oberbarmen and Wuppertal Hbf

For both ways of diverting, it is important to know that it should be applied in case of failure and not in case of delays, etc., as routing the trains back to the original assigned lines can only be done "after" Wuppertal Hbf, and thus that station will overloaded even more. Liasing with the Fdl "Ef" is essential!

If there are problems on the S-Bahn towards Schwelm, you could divert the traffic over the freight line via Langerfeld or even via the mainline (Fernbahn). In this scenario, all scheduled stops between W-Oberbarmen and Schwelm, including Schwelm itself, will have to be cancelled.

Long distance traffic can only be diverted over the Gz-line, though it will generate very dense traffic there then. The same applies to the regional services with the addition that the stops at Schwelm will be cancelled.

You can not use the S-Bahn line for redirecting the traffic that normally uses the mainline, as there is no connection to the Fernbahn tracks at Schwelm.

Neighbouring Dispatching Areas

On the top left tracks 123/124 are the connecting S-Bahn tracks towards Wuppertal Hbf (KW). The tracks 133 and 134 are the connecting Fernbahn tracks towards Wuppertal Hbf (KW). Wuppertal Hbf is controlled by dispatcher "Ef". Bi-directional running (GWB) is not forseen on both lines.

The main station Wuppertal Hbf was named (Wuppertal) Elberfeld up to the year 1992, so that is the reason why that signal box still bears the name "Ef". Moreover, this is also the reason that at the exit tracks to/ from the main station are indicated with the texts Elberfeld. It has never been changed on our panel.

At the bottom center (754/755) we have the signal box of BF Wuppertal-Ronsdorf (KWRO). This signal box is remotely controlled from Remscheid (KR). Our contact person therefor is the dispatcher Remscheid "Rf". There is no overhead line and no GWB (bi-directional running) on this line.

At the bottom right (911/912) the main line leaves our control area into the direction of Hagen Hbf. The next controlled area is Hp Ennepetal (EENP), the next station is Gbf Hagen-Haspe (EHGP). Responsible dispatcher is Hagen Hbf "Hpf". This signal box is operated using one of the first ESTW systems. Bi-drectional running between Schwelm and Hagen Hbf.

Also on the right, but then in the middle (652/943), it goes on to station Hagen-Heubig. The dispatcher Hagen Hbf "Hpf" is also our neighbouring colleague for this station. Bi-directional running is not possible here.

Stations and Sidings

Let's have a more detailed look at our stations and sidings:

Bf Unterbarmen (KWU)

Only the S8 and RB47 stop at Wuppertal-Unterbarmen. The trains from Wuppertal Hbf stop at track 4 (304), the trains towards Wuppertal Hbf stop at track 3 (303). There are no platforms along the Fernbahn tracks as well as along track 5.

Sometimes a train of the RB47 from Wuppertal Hbf is temporarily stabled at track 305, just to create some space at Wuppertal Hbf. This RB47 turns around in Unterbarmen and will then return to Wuppertal Hbf for its next service. So mind the timetable for these trains.

Track 313 is a non-isolated tracks which runs along the S-Bahn tracks all the way towards a yard at Wuppertal-Barmen. This yard is out of order however.

Hp Barmen (KWBA)

The tracks 1 (138) and 2 (135) are used for long-distance and regional trains (RE). In Barmen only the RE4 (104xx) and RE13 (202XX) services stop here. In Wuppertal-Barmen tracks 3 (148) and 4 (145) are dedicated for the S-Bahn trains (S8) and RB 47 service. Trains from Wuppertal Hbf stop at track 4, the trains towards Wuppertal Hbf stop at track 3.

Bf Oberbarmen (KWO)

There are 6 upper platform tracks at the station of Wuppertal-Oberbarmen.

The tracks 002 and 003 are for the long-distance and regional trains (except RB47). Track 001 is used very rarely, for example to overtake a delayed train in Wuppertal-Oberbarmen. The trains of RB4 (104xx), RB7 (107XX) and RE13 (202XX) stop in Wuppertal-Oberbarmen. Long distance services do not have a scheduled stop here.

Track 004 can be used for long-distance and regional trains (RE) as well as for the S-Bahn services, depending on need and timetable situation.

The S-Bahn (S8=308XX and 309XX) and the RB47 (307XX) trains from Wuppertal Hbf halt at platform track 6 (006). The same game into the other direction: Planned stops are at track 5 (005). Some commuter trains stop there and take a short drive to Langerfeld Gbf to turn around and wait there until their next service. Watch the movement orders for the details.

Track 009 through 011 used to be used for stabling extra trains or measuring trains. But beware, the tracks 010 and 011 are not electrified. Consequently, routing trains with electrical traction into these tracks is not allowed.

In Wuppertal-Oberbarmen we normally enable auto fleeting for all signals on the Fernbahn line, because there are not that many different routes to be set. For the few exceptions, we must not forget to set the route in time before the auto fleeting beats us. If you do not feel comfortable with the auto fleeting, then just switch it off using the SBRT button.

Red Line = Fernverkehr / Long Distance traffic

Line 2550 : (Wuppertal Hbf) - Wuppertal-Barmen - Wuppertal-Oberbarmen - Schwelm - Ennepetal Hp - (Hagen Hbf)

Wuppertal-Barmen

The tracks 1 (138) and 2 (135) are used for long-distance and regional trains (RE). In Barmen only the RE4 (104xx) and RE13 (202XX) services stop here.

Schwelm

In Schwelm the tracks 3 (403) and 2 (4 (404) are used for long-distance and regional trains (RE). In Schwelm only the RE4 (104xx), RE7 (107XX) and RE13 (202XX) services stop here.

Ennepetal Hp

There is only long-distance and regional traffic in Ennepetal. Trains out of direction of Hagen Hbf stop at track 2 (912). The trains towards Hagen Hbf stop at track 1. Only the RE4 (104xx), RE7 (107XX) and RE13 (202XX) services have their stops here.

Green Line = S-Bahn

Line 2525 / 2423 : (Wuppertal Hbf) - Wuppertal-Oberbarmen - W-Langerfeld Hp - Schwelm West - Schwelm - Gevelsberg - (Hagen Hbf)

The service S8 operates on this line (Mönchengladbach - Wuppertal - Hagen). The regional train RB47, operating between Wuppertal Hbf and Remscheid Hbf / Solingen Hbf, also uses the tracks of the S-Bahn line between Wuppertal Hbf and Wuppertal-Oberbarmen.

Wuppertal-Unterbarmen

Only the S8 and RB47 stop at Wuppertal-Unterbarmen. The trains from Wuppertal Hbf stop at track 4 (304), the trains towards Wuppertal Hbf stop at track 3 (303). There are no platforms along the long-distance tracks as well as track 5.

Sometimes we need to take a train into track 5 (305). Track 313 is a non-isolated tracks which runs along the S-Bahn tracks all the way towards a yard at Wuppertal-Barmen. This yard is out of order however.

Wuppertal-Barmen

In Wuppertal-Barmen tracks 3 (148) and 4 (145) are dedicated for the S-Bahn trains (S8) and RB 47 service. Trains from Wuppertal Hbf stop at track 4, the trains towards Wuppertal Hbf stop at track 3.

Wuppertal-Langerfeld

Schwelm West

Schwelm

Abzweig Linderhausen

Gevelsberg West

Yellow line

Linie 2700 : Line between Wuppertal-Oberbarmen and Remscheid Hbf - Solingen.

This line does not have overhead line equipment. Therefor we need to apply the FfGT button to set routes starting at Wuppertal-Oberbarmen towards this line!

Wuppertal-Rauenthal

Wuppertal-Rauenthal does not have platforms and no timetabled stops are forseen there. This location used to be a junction where the traffic towards Wuppertal-Oberbarmen (via the Rauenthaler Tunnel) was split from the traffic towards Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf (via the Langerfelder Tunnel). The Langerfeld Tunnel has been closed years and years ago and is not even shown on the panel.

Traffic out of the direction of Remscheid has the ability to change direction at track 703 Von Remscheid kommend besteht auf Gleis 703 eine Wendemöglichkeit, for multiple units. Track 702/752 (and therefor also track 772 upto entrance signal of W-Oberbarmen) are closed due to superstructure defects. This means that all trains to and from Remscheid have to go via track 701.

Tracks 771 and 772 (closed) are located in the so-called "Rauenthaler Tunnel".

Via track 756 we can go towards Wuppertal-Beyenburg , and in the earlier days even further towards Radevormwald. This tracks has not seen any traffic in the past years and tracks have been partly removed.

Wuppertal-Ronsdorf

This is a station along the line towards Solingen Hbf via Remscheid. It is not part of our dispatching area.

Blue = Freight line

Line 2701: Wuppertal-Oberbarmen - Langerfeld Gbf - Abzw Linderhausen

The boundary of operation between the dispatcher Eastside and Westside is at tracks 661/662. Setting a route from Wuppertal-Oberbarmen towards Wuppertal-Langerfeld is possible. However, the other dispatcher (Eastside) must accept the route. In case of train routes from Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf towards Wuppertal-Oberbarmen, the exit signals on tracks 501-504 as well as 560-562 will only go to Proceed, when the other dispatcher (Westside) has set a route from track 661/662 towards track 253/254. The routes will always be set individually (partial routes).

Langerfeld Gbf

The container terminal of Langerfeld is located on tracks 501-504. Only the first 50 meters of track are electrified at both sides. Normally, a container train reaches the freight station on the track 560, where the electric locomotive will be uncoupled. This then moves to Langerfeld Abstellung (515-528), and (pay attention to the movement orders) waits for its next service. The arrived container cars will be moved on to the tracks of the container terminal by a diesel locomotive. That diesel locomotive is normally stabled at Langerfeld Abstellung.

As tracks 501-504 are not equipped with catenary because of the portal cranes overthere, you must set shunt route into those track using the FfrT. Train routes into tracks 501-504 from a main entrance signal can not be set! This is a safety precaution because of the possible hazards with respect to the portal cranes overthere.

Langerfeld Abstellung

The tracks 515-528 are used to temporarily stable trains or letting them turn around. Many trains are stabled here also during the night. In addition, there are always two locomotives for the various shunt maneuvers at the container terminal. The incoming electric locomotive coming of an incoming container train is stabled here temporarily.

Langerfeld Laderampe

Track 563 on the right side of Langerfeld is the connection to the non-electrified loading dock tracks of Langerfeld. There are only a handful of train movements throughout the day.

Peculiarities in Wuppertal-Oberbarmen

Station buttons

Station button

The Station buttons on the panel look different then the ones you might have seen on other Stelltisch (panels) For each area on the panel there is a dedicated station button next to the group buttons.

Middle Switches

These are switches, which are positioned in front of exit signals or intermediate signals, that must be part of a train route. These kind of switches are located directly IN FRONT OF the main signal. The middle switch's position indicator light is always on.

Mittelweichen in Wuppertal-Oberbarmen

In Wuppertal-Oberbarmen switch 44 at track 4 is a middle switch.

If you set a route, whereby the position of the middle switch is in normal position, you will not have to do any special operations.

However, when you want to set a route whilst the middle switch is not in its normal position (so diverging), you must press the MGT button prior to setting the route. The middle switch will then be locked in its diverging position, and only then the main signal will change to Proceed.

For this train route operation of the MGT button is not required:

MGT not required

For thos train route you must first press the MGT button, and then press the buttons for the required train route:

MGT operation required

Boundary of operating area

Dispatcher Westside operates the panel between Wuppertal Hbf (tracks 123,124,133,134) upto Wuppertal-Oberbarmen, including the yellow branch line. Dispatcher Eastside operates the panel between Wuppertal-Oberbarmen all to the right side of the panel. A special point on the panel is where the Freight tracks 661 and 662 connect to the station tracks.

Routes from W-Oberbarmen towards W-Langerfeld

When dispatcher Westside needs to send a train to Langerfeld Gbf (freight yard), he sets his route upto track 661 or 662. On number entry panel, this would be i.e. 006-661 The rest of the route setting into the freight yard is done by the dispatcher Westside. For example: he sets the route from 651 towards 516.

Route setting from W-Oberbarmen towards Langerfeld Gbf

When setting such routes the signal will not be set to Proceed until the dispatcher Eastside has given his permission. Giving permission is done by operating the ZGT button together with the end signal button (here 561 or 562). Only then the route will be completely set and the start signal will be change to Proceed.

Routes from W-Langerfeld towards W-Oberbarmen

If the dispatcher "Eastside" needs to send a train out of the direction of Langerfeld Gbf, he will set his route upto track 661 or 662. In the image below this is shown as yellow lines. The signal towards track 661 or 662 will not clear then, as the route setting has to be completed by the dispatcher Westside. The last will set the route from 661/662 into the station. For example: 661 to 005. Only then, and if all safety checks have been passed, the signal for this part of the route will show Proceed.

Route setting from Langerfeld Gbf towards W-Oberbarmen

Train Series

Number Series	Train Type	Connects	From	To	Remarks
1-99	EC	Internationale Fernzüge/Eurocity	-	-	diverse Verbindungen
2000-2400	IC 31	Intercity	-	-	diverse Verbindungen
2000-2400	IC 55	Inter City	Leipzig Hbf	Köln Hbf	-
500-900	IC 10	Inter City Express	-	-	diverse Verbindungen
309xx	S	S-Bahn S8	Mönchengladbach	Dortmund Hbf	-
307xx	RB	Regional Bahn RB 47	Remscheid-Güldenwerth	Wuppertal Hbf	-
317xx	RB	Regional Bahn RB 47	Remscheid-Güldenwerth	Wuppertal Hbf	-
319xx	S	S-Bahn S9	Wuppertal Hbf	Bottrop Hbf / Haltern am See	-
104xx	RE	RE 4	Dortmund Hbf	Aachen Hbf	-
107xx	RE	RE 7	Krefeld	Münster	-
202xx	RE	RE 13	Venlo	Hamm	-
202xx	RB	RB 47	Köln Hbf	Wuppertal Hbf	-
111xx	RB	RB 48	Köln Hbf	Wuppertal Hbf	-
113xx	RB	RB 48	Bonn-Mehlem	Wuppertal Hbf	-

Steering numbers

Um bestimmte technische Abläufe zu steuern, ist es notwendig den Zugnummer in der Zunummernmeldeanlage Kennziffern nach folgender Übersicht vorzuwählen:

• Kennziffer 1: <TBD>
• Kennziffer 2: <TBD>
• Kennziffer 3: <TBD>
• Kennziffer 4: <TBD>
• Kennziffer 5: <TBD>
• Kennziffer 6: <TBD>
• Kennziffer 7: <TBD>
• Kennziffer 8: S-Bahn S8 Wuppertal Hbf - Hagen Hbf
• Kennziffer 9: S-Bahn S9 Wuppertal Hbf - Haltern am See / Bottrop Hbf
• Kennziffer 0: <TBD>

Trains from Wuppertal Hbf to/from Remscheid Hbf do not have a steering number assigned'

Die Kennziffern werden im Zulauf von den vorliegenden Bahnhöfe eingewählt. Die Fdl auf Of wählen sie bei beginnenden Zügen ein, überwachen ansonsten die Richtigkeit der Kennziffern und berichtigen sie bei festgestellten Fehlern.

Abbreviations

Short Name	Full Name
EENP	Ennepetal
EGVA	Gevelsberg-Knapp
EGVH	Gevelsberg Hbf
EHG	Hagen Hbf
EHGI	Hagen-Heubing
EHWB	Hagen-Westerbauer
EVLR	Velbert Rosenhügel
ENV	Velbert-Neviges
EWAP	Wülfrath-Aprath
KGUI	Gruiten
KGVK	Gevelsberg-Kipp
KGVW	Gevelsberg West
KHAN	Haan
KHOL	Hochdahl (Abzw)
KHOM	Hochdahl-Millrath
KSWE	Schwelm
KSWW	Schwelm West
KW	Wuppertal Hbf
KWBA	Wuppertal-Barmen
KWL	Wuppertal-Langerfeld
KWLP	Wuppertal-Langerfeld (Hp)
KWO	Wuppertal-Oberbarmen
KWS	Wuppertal-Steinbeck Pbf
KWSO	Wuppertal-Sonnborn
KWR	Wuppertal Rauenthal
KWU	Wuppertal-Unterbarmen
KWV	Wuppertal-Vohwinkel
KWZ	Wuppertal Zoologischer Garten

Track Lengths

Track lengths Wuppertal-Oberbarmen

Track	Length (m)
Wuppertal-Oberbarmen 1	385
Wuppertal-Oberbarmen 2	420
Wuppertal-Oberbarmen 3	550
Wuppertal-Oberbarmen 4	400
Wuppertal-Oberbarmen 5	220
Wuppertal-Oberbarmen 6	500
Wuppertal-Oberbarmen 9	560
Wuppertal-Oberbarmen 10	520
Wuppertal-Oberbarmen 11	500

Track lengths Wuppertal-Unterbarmen

Track	Length (m)
Wuppertal-Unterbarmen 3	680
Wuppertal-Unterbarmen 4	670
Wuppertal-Unterbarmen 5	650

Track lengths Wuppertal-Barmen

Track	Length (m)
Wuppertal-Barmen 1	1340
Wuppertal-Barmen 2	1350
Wuppertal-Barmen 3	1050
Wuppertal-Barmen 4	1350

Track lengths Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf

Track	Length (m)
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 501	700
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 502	700
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 503	700
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 504	700
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 515	160
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 516	85
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 517	445
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 518	375
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 519	355
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 520	285
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 521	335
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 522	130
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 523	125
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 528	630
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 560	720
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 561	720
Wuppertal-Langerfeld Gbf 562	720

Track lengths Wuppertal-Rauenthal

Track	Length (m)
Wuppertal-Rauenthal 701	260
Wuppertal-Rauenthal 702	380
Wuppertal-Rauenthal 703	270

This simulation is part of the Wuppertal series | Wuppertal-Oberbarmen | Wuppertal Hbf | Wuppertal-Vohwinkel | Düsseldorf-Gerresheim

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