Terminus starter signal question

With regard to the District line (though most likely applies to all lines), all terminus platform starters (excluding Olympia, which has no signal ) are controlled by signal operators.

Yes I know that Ealing Broadway for example is usually run by programe machines, but the essential concern is that because points are involved, we don't have automatic signals in these areas.

When the service is running late, and therefore more prone to signal operator intervention, I find it can be a bit "hit & miss" - sometimes it's cleared straight away, other times you leave just as late, or worse, even later than when you arrived.

As far as I know, there are no timers of the sort you describe at any terminus platform (on the District at least).

No, its just the network rail termini.

Not exactly any an idea situation is it!

Thanks for the answers so far. Doe anyone from other lines, particularly those run by modern computers such as the JLE and Central know how the terminus starter signals are controlled other than by the timetabled departure time?

olympia has two automatic modes

1 fully auto olympia reverser (WB7 will clear automatically as soon as the train as fully berthed in the platform)

2 lillie bridge shunt move (west ken reverser) (WB27 will clear automatically as soon as the train as fully berthed in the platform)

for the signalman to manually regulate the service at olympia both programme machines at west ken have to be in push button mode but usually the line controller tries to get hold of the train and just tells them to wait there

according to our records WB7 is classed as olympia's station starter even though whilst theres a train in the platform it cannot be seen

Tower Hill bay road as a 120sec timer in the programme machine circuit so if the programme machine is in FCFS mode and the 2 mins is up it will route the train regardless if there is one in the w/b platform what should be first

dont forget the circuitry was designed and installed many years ago

Are operators obliged to depart as soon as the terminus starter clears? I ask this because often it clears a minute ahead of the scheduled time at Uxbridge, and the train departs early. Very irritating if it means you just miss the train!

Station starters are routinely cleared early - if it cleared at the time of scheduled departure, then by the time the driver does his PA and closes the doors she/he will be departing late.

Sometimes starters are cleared 3, 4 or even 5 minutes early - in which case the driver should be aware of his departure time, and should stick to it. Personally speaking, if a signal clears that early, I contact the signal operator / line controller to see if they want me to wait until the correct time, or wether they actually want me to leave early.

At the end of the day there's no point running early - you'll only get held at the next timing point.

You big softy Colin! No starter signal at Olympa? Pah.

What you need is a bit of Absolute block with oil lit semaphore signals in the fog! That'll toughen you up!

Sam