MunichU- Bahn Panels
This page gives a summary of the signal panels on the MunichU- Bahn layout.
1 Overview
The Munich U-Bahn network is controlled through a total of fourteen signal panels. Not all of these have been represented in the model (yet…). In recent years, all the panels except Kieferngarten (controlling the main depot and workshops) have been operated remotely from the Marienplatz control centre. The system normally runs under computer control; the two signallers only intervene manually to deal with any problems that arise.
Network diagram (simplified)
Note that U7 and U8 are rush-hour-only lines. The broken grey lines show depots.
1.1 General notes on operation
- Trains consist of one, two or three units (2, 4 or 6 cars). Most of the platforms in the model are a little over scale length — in real life they are precisely the length of a six-car train (120m).
- For the moment, most services run on an interval timetable, with timing points at the departure platforms of termini.
- Service U8 runs to an approximation of the December 2005 (Mon-Thurs) timetable (see http://www.mvg-mobil.de). It is the intention to use this as a basis for all services.
- Normal services run on the right on all lines.
- At reversing points, the usual practice is to drop passengers in the arrival platform, run forward to the sidings and reverse, then return to the departure platform, if it is free, to wait for time. Most reversing sidings allow two minutes for the driver to shut down and sprint to the other end of the train.
- In principle, the whole system is signalled bidirectionally, so you can run services on the “wrong” line to resolve jams. However, such Falschfahrten will ignore stops in the model. Crossovers and reversing sidings have been set up to “catch” any wrong-line workings you send out into the computer-controlled part of the system. Routechanges at termini will correct route and destination information of trains arriving there.
2 U1/U2
2.1 Neue Messe Riem (sr)
This panel controls the whole of the extension of U2 to the new exhibition centre built on the site of the old Munich airport at Riem. It hands over control to nz at Josephsburg.
In normal operation, U2 services reverse in the two middle sidings at Messestadt Ost. You can use the outer sidings at Ost and the third track between Ost and West to hold trains if things get too busy for you…
During big events, U7 is extended to Messestadt Ost — this is not modelled at present.
2.2 Scheidplatz (sp)
Controls the northern end of U3 to Olympiazentrum (oz), together with the U2/U3 interchange at Scheidplatz (sp) and a short section of U2 between sp and Hohenzollernplatz (hp). Hands over to mu panel on U3 and to hf (north) and ko (south) on U2
3 U3/U6
3.1 Kieferngarten (kg)
Controls the northern end of U6, from Garching-Hochbrück (gk) to Studentenstadt (st), together with the northern depot (bn) at Fröttmaning. kg and ft are both four-platform stations with reversing sidings (ft serves the football stadium).
Note that most of the signals in the depot area are set up as Hold Signal, which can only be operated in manual mode from the panel.
You may need a big screen or dual monitor setup if you want to get maximum entertainment from this panel…
3.2 Scheidplatz (sp)
Controls the northern end of U3 to Olympiazentrum (oz), together with the U2/U3 interchange at Scheidplatz (sp) and a short section of U2 between sp and Hohenzollernplatz (hp). Hands over to mu panel on U3 and to hf (north) and ko (south) on U2
3.3 Münchner Freiheit (mu)
Controls the U3/U6 trunk from Marienplatz (mp) to the junction at Münchner Freiheit (mu), as well as the U6 from mu to Dietlindenstraße, and U3 from mu to Berlinerplatz. There are reversing sidings on both sides of mu, and at Odeonsplatz.
3.4 Implerstraße (ip)
This panel controls the three-track station at Implerstraße, where the southern ends of U3 and U6 join. It also controls U6 as far as Holzapfelkreuth (3 stations before the terminus at Klinikum Großhadern) and the joint section of U3 and U6 as far as Sendlinger Tor. Between Implerstraße and Poccistraße the centre track forms the link to the southern end of the sidings under the Theresienwiese.
North of Sendlinger Tor the main line is controlled by the mu panel.
3.5 Großhadern (gh)
This is a very small panel, controlling the last three stations of U6 and the reversing sidings at Klinikum Großhadern. It is normally controlled remotely from ip, whose territory it adjoins.
3.6 Aidenbachstraße (ab)
Controls the southern end of U3 from Fürstenried West to Brudermühlstraße, where it hands over to ip.
4 U4/U5
4.1 Schwanthalerhöhe (st)
This panel controls the western end of the U4/U5 trunk from Laimer Platz (lp) to Odeonsplatz [lower] (ou), where it hands over to mw. It also controls the storage sidings under the Theresienwiese, which provide a link to ip. In normal service, U4 reverses at Westendstraße (ws) while U5 runs through to lp. In the rush hour there are some extra U4 workings that reverse at tw.
(Note: st was called Messegelände (mg) until 1998)
4.2 Max-Weber-Platz (mw)
This panel controls the U4/U5 trunk from Lehel (lh) to the junction at Max-Weber-Platz (mw), together with the western end of U4 from mw to Arabellapark (ar) and part of U5 from mw to Ostbahnhof (ob). Hands over to nz at ob, and to st at lh
4.3 Neuperlach Zentrum (nz)
This panel controls the eastern end of U5, including the interchange station with U2 at Innsbrucker Ring and the siding complex of the southern depot (bs) at Neuperlach Süd.
The rush-hour line U8 arrives via the U2 tracks from Karl-Preis-Platz and turns back at Neuperlach Zentrum. Outside the rush hour a couple of U8 sets should be stabled at bs.
Part of S-Bahn line S6, which provides cross-platform interchange with the U5 at Neuperlach Süd, is shown on the panel for information. This line is controlled by a db signalbox somewhere else.
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