If civilians want to try out some dispatching, Signal Computing (http://www.signalcc.com/) still allows free download of an old version (2) of their dispatching "game" software. Newer versions work on more versions of Windows (2 looks like it's for Win3.1 but it still works in XP) have more track territories available and the ability with add-ons to build new territories. The software works very much as described above - red or green to indicate clearance for a train to a section of track, and switch positions. You never see "real" signal colors (however, the trains do operate at different speeds depending on how many blocks ahead of them are cleared, which simulates what happens when the real engineers see yellows, flashing indications etc. Can be a good time-killer or a good blood pressure booster depending on how "real" (basically, how much "stuff" can randomly happen) you have things set up. Have fun!