Bell Codes

When signalling trains under the absolute block and electronic token block systems, bell codes are used as the primary means of communication. You must send call attention (1) and have it acknowledged before you send any other bell signal, except for:

1. train entering section (2)
2. obstruction danger (6)
3. train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the right direction (4-5-5)
4. train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the wrong direction (2-5-5)

You must acknowledge all bell signals by repeating them, except where otherwise shown in the signalling regulations.

Abridged List of Signal Box Bell Codes

Method of Signalling	Description	Bell Code
AB, ETB	Call attention	1
	Is line clear for:
	Ordinary passenger train	3-1
	Electric passenger train	3-1-2
	Branch passenger train	1-3
	Express passenger train	4
	Class 6/Freight train restricted to 60 mph	5
	RAYE train	4-4-4
	Light engine(s)	2-3
	Train entering section	2
	Train out of section	2-1
	Obstruction removed	2-1-2
	Cancelling	3-5
	Train incorrectly described	5-3
	Line clear to clearing point only	2-2-2
	Train unusually long time in section	6-2
	Opening of signal box	5-5-5
	Closure of signal box	7-5-5
	Testing block bells and indicators	16
	Train divided	5-5
	Obstruction danger	6
ETB only	Release token (for shunting purposes)	5-2
	Token replaced (after shunting)	2-5

Absolute Block and Electric Token Block Testing Procedure

16 has a specific procedure which is listed below.

(procedure is the same when receiving 16) AB procedure: Bell other box 16 (with call attention). They repeat 1 back. They should move block instrument to line clear, once they do this bell 1. Then they will move it to train on line, once they do this bell 1. Then they will return the instrument to normal, bell 1. Then it is your turn to do the same procedure, just move your block instrument as shown. Once you return your block instrument to normal they will bell 16 back. ETB procedure: Bell other box 16 (with call attention, also make sure to have the token in the slot). They hold the bell down for you to release your token. You will then pull your starter signal and replace it (if there is multiple starter signals then just test one of them). Once you have done this you may hold down the bell back to the other box to let them release their token. They will do the same as you then repeat 16 back.

Bellcode Sheet found in boxes

Historically, these bell codes were used to alert crossing boxes of incoming trains to set their signals and close crossings. There are currently no crossing-exclusive boxes in Dovedale, however the appropriate bell codes are listed below:

List of Crossing Box Bell Codes

Description	Bell Code
Call attention	1
Freight train approaching	1-2
Passenger train approaching	1-3
Other train approaching	1-4
Train arrived	2-1-3
Engine assisting in rear of train	2-2
Signal defective	5-2
Opening of crossing box	5-5-5
Obstruction danger	6
Train passed without tail lamp	9
Fast train approaching	(Call)-Pause-2
Emergency call attention	Rapid beats in succession

You must send call attention (1) and have it acknowledged before you send any other bell signal, except for:

• Train entering section (2)
• Line clear to clearing point only (2-2-2)
• Obstruction danger (6)
• Train divided (5-5)
• Train or vehicles proceeding without authority in wrong direction (2-5-5)
• Train or vehicles proceeding without authority in (right) direction (4-5-5)

You must acknowledge all bell signals by repeating them. You must not consider any bell signal as understood until it has been correctly acknowledged.