I just got back a few weeks ago from the UK where I used the train quite a bit. Never once was a train late, or early. Always on time, to the exact minute. We went through Shrewsbury England quite a bit, and it is a large, busy junction. There is a large interlocking tower there(with people in it!) and what must be miles of cable running from the tower to the different switches. The busier lines are grade separated, but some of the more rural lines had grade crossings. All and all, it was an excellent way to get around.