Installing and running
----------------------
This directory contains the version for all current versions of RISC OS, including A3000, Risc PC, Virtual Acorn, Iyonix, Beagleboard and Pandaboard.

The application is contained in a single directory '!SignalBox'.  It is provided in compressed form (12Mbytes) and should be decompressed using SparkPlug or SparkFS and copied to your hard disc (82Mbytes).

Double click the application directory to run the simulation and then select from the icon bar menu.  The simulation speed may be adjusted or paused by clicking over the 'Simulation speed' box and the boxes below it.  
                                                     
The simulation works best in higher resolutions but mode 31 (800x600) or 1024x768 with 256 colours or with 16 colours are all perfectly acceptable.  It uses about 14M of memory and will operate in any screen mode.  In screen modes less than 640x480 it is difficult to use. 

On an ARM2 it will run slowly.  On RISC-OS 2 the roman numerals on the clock won't look particularly clever!  On an ARM3 the 'Exeter West' simulation will be too slow - this likes a Risc PC with 1024x768 and runs well on the StrongARM (or on the A7000+). On VirtualAcorn5000 it runs satisfactorily.
                                                                   
Mechanical locking information, used to provide an animated view of the movement of the locking underneath the box is also provided. The application will only open a window showing movement of the mechanical locking if the relevant data file for the box being operated is present. 

When the application starts (by selecting a particular timetabled sequence for either Exeter West or Kidderminster) it will open four windows as follows:
  the signal box diagram;
  the lever frame and block shelf;
  the train register;
  the working timetable.

Window sizes are automatically selected according to the screen mode, but can easily be adjusted and zoomed in or out.  CLicking on the icons in the top left hand or bottom left hand corner will zoom in or out and/or resize the window.  If a box diagram or lever frame is enlarged so that only part of it appears within the screen window, then it will automatically scroll left, right, up or down as the mouse pointer approaches the edge of the window, but will still allow SELECT clicks by the mouse over features near the edge.  Interactive help messages describing these functions may be displayed by using the '!Help' application.  Almost every item in each window provides an individual help message:  levers, electric locks, points, signals, track circuits, the score display, columns in the working time table etc.
 