Qualified Signaller Handbook

This document lists the standards Qualified Signaller should follow, this includes everything from rules and signalling regulations. Note that while this handbook is for Qualified Signallers.

The handbook itself is NOT classified. Feel free to share this handbook to your peers even if they are not Qualified Signallers.

Glossary

This document was last updated at: PAGE EDIT MAGIC WORD

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Rules for Qualified Signallers

Qualified Signallers follow all in game rules like other players. However, there are few rules that only apply to Qualified Signallers.

1. Do not share confidential information that you are trusted with.
2. You are expected to Signal properly. multiple instances of improper signalling, can warrant infractions - remember that you are a trusted individual regarding signalling. Mistakes do happen, and we understand, so a few here and there is acceptable.
3. Listen to staff members instructions and follow it if you are required to do so. Qualified Signallers are not staff members.
4. Do not abuse tools or extra powers given to you.

Guidelines for tools

You may only use sword these following situations:

• With permission from a staff member.
• Troller clearly trolling inside your signal box while ignoring your warnings.
• Players blocking points.
• Players with derailed trains to the point of not being able to continue that are refusing to respawn.
• Removing unwanted people out of the signal box, this can be because they are obstructing you from properly signalling. You must always warn them before removing.

You are not to use the sword in these situations:

• Trains Signal Passed At Danger (SPAD)ing.
  • Call a moderator, unless they have derailed.
• Bad signallers.
  • You cannot take over a signal box from other users. Call a moderator.
• Moderating other members.
  • You are not a staff member.

Infractions

If one of the rules listed above are broken, usually you will be subjected to a varying amount of punishment depending on your infraction and how many times you were punished.

Types of Infractions

Type of Infraction:	Punishment severity:
Minor Infraction	1st: Warning 2nd: Suspension 7 days
Medium Infraction	1st: Warning OR Suspension 7 days 2nd: Suspension 14 days OR Demotion
Major Infraction	1st: Suspension 14 days OR Demotion 2nd: QS Blacklist (Severity up to the discretion of HR or QS manager, blacklist require approval from HR and QS manager)

List of applicable infractions

The following list is not exhaustive.

Minor Infractions	Medium Infractions	Major Infractions
Failing to listen to staff members	Improper signalling - Major (such as causing trains to derailed, or crashed)	Intentional abusing tools/powers.
Improper signalling - minor (such as incorrect belling, failing to follow the signalling regulations and the instructions)	Multiple cases of minor improper signalling
	Accidental tool misuse

Signalling Regulations

This section dictates the signalling regulations for the game. Every Qualified Signaller should follow the regulations stated in these sections.

General signalling regulations

These regulations apply to both Absolute block and Electric token block methods of working.

Bell Signals

Standard bell codes:

See Bell Codes for more information

Method of working	Description	Bell codes
Absolute Block Electric Token Block	Call attention	1
	Is Line Clear for;
	Class 1 / Express passenger train	4
	Class 2 / Ordinary Passenger Train	3-1 3-1-2 (If electric)
	Class 3	1-3-1
	Class 5 / Empty coaching stocks	2-2-1
	Class 9 / Other passenger train specially authorised	1-4
	Class 0 / 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
	Opening of signal box	5-5-5
	Closure of signal box	7-5-5
	Testing Equipments	16
	Shunting into forward section	3-3-2
	Shunt withdrawn	8
	Blocking back outside home signal	3-3
	Stop and examine train	7
	Train proceeding without authority on the right direction	4-5-5
	Train proceeding without authority on the wrong direction	2-5-5
	Train passed without tail lamp	9 or 4-5
Electric token block only	Release token	5-2
	Token replaced	2-5

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

• Train entering section (2)
• Obstruction danger (6)
• Train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the right direction (4-5-5)
• 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. You also must not consider any bell signal as understood until it has been correctly acknowledged.

Train Classifications

This following table lists the classifications used to identify types of trains and their headcodes.

Description	Class
Express passenger train	1
Nominated parcel or postal train
Traction unit going to assist a failed train (1Z99)
Snow plough going to clear the line (1Z99)
Ordinary passenger train	2
Officers’ special train (2z01)
Test train (2Qxx)
Freight train if specially authorised	3
A parcels train
Autumn-railhead treatment train
Empty coaching stock train if specially authorised
Freight train which can run up to 75 mph (120 km/h)	4
Empty coaching stock train	5
Freight train which can run up to 60 mph (95 km/h)	6
Freight train which can run up to 45 mph (70 km/h)	7
Freight train which can run up to 35 mph (55 km/h	8
Other passenger train if specially authorised	9
Light locomotive or locomotives	0

As headcodes in-game are not used for signalling regulations currently, train types may be differentiated by their spawn location and the train class. These are:

Class 1	Class 43		Any locomotive hauled passenger service
Class 2	Class 377	Class 450	Class 158	Class 411	Class 145	Class 150
Class 6	Class 37 - with freight consist
Class 0	Class 37	Class 58	Class 92		Steam Train
Class 3	Class 950
Class 9	Any staff inserted train			SLS Railtours
Class 5	Any train that has left its spawn but has not stopped at the first passenger station

Change of duties

When going off duty, you must:

1. tell the signaller taking over what trains are in the section,
2. whether the equipment is in order,
3. and any other necessary information.

If you are taking duty, you must:

1. make sure you receive all necessary information.

Checking and Testing Equipment

When you open a signal box you must, as soon as possible, check that the instruments, signals, points and other equipment are working properly.

Where provided, you must test the bells and block indicators as long as no train has been signalled or due to be signalled.

You must send testing equipment (16), and when acknowledged, move the block indicator to each position in the correct sequence. (Line clear, Train on line, Line blocked or Normal)

When you have acknowledged testing equipment, you must acknowledge each movement of the block indicator with one beat. You must instruct the signaller at the adjacent box to do the same.

You do not need to perform this regulation when you’re taking over a signal box from another signaller and the last signaller reports that every equipment is working correctly.

To perform testing equipment on Electric token block installation, you must bell testing equipment (16), to the adjacent box then once acknowledged, remove token and clear the section signal on your side. Do the same for the adjacent side to complete the test.

Working Signalling Equipment

You must replace a distant signal to caution as soon as the train has passed the signal, and you must replace a stop signal to danger as soon as the last vehicle of the train has passed the signal.

If a train is stopped with a portion still on the approach side of a stop signal, you must place that signal to danger. If you have cleared a signal for a train to proceed, you must not replace it to danger if this will cause the driver to see an irregular sequence of aspects or indications.

In an emergency, if you have replaced any signal to danger, you must make sure that the driver is aware that you have done so. If you cannot clear a stop signal, you must not clear any associated signals on the approach to it until the train has stopped or nearly stopped at each signal in turn. You do not need to apply this instruction if the stop signal on the approach to the stop signal at danger is a colour light that can show a yellow aspect.

You must always use the main aspect or indication when there is an associated subsidiary or position-light signal, except when:

• Shunting.
• The line is occupied, and permissive working is authorised for that line and the type of train concerned
• a failure of equipment means the main aspect or indication cannot be displayed.

If the signal at a diverging junction does not have approach release arrangements, you must not clear the signal for a route where the speed must be reduced, until the train is close to the signal. You must also be sure that the speed of the train has been suitably reduced.

Ground Frames

Before you give a release for a ground frame, you must reach a clear understanding with the ground frame operator about:

• The movement to be made
• Whether or not the train is to be shut in.

If the train is to be shut in, before you restore the ground frame release to normal operation, you must get confirmation from the ground frame operator that the train is clear of the running line. You must not release the ground frame for a movement from the siding to the running line until all track circuits are clear:

• Between the protecting signal for the running line and the points to be released
• To the next main running signal on the line to which the movement is to be made unless the Signal Box Special Instructions allow a movement onto an occupied line.

If the ground frame line releases into the absolute block section, you must obtain permission from the signaller controlling that section before performing the movement.

Working of points

You must always use facing-point locks for the passage of trains and, whenever possible, for shunting movements. You can only allow a vehicle carrying passengers to pass over points in the facing direction if the points are locked by a facing-point lock.

Stop and examine train

You must carry out this regulation if you become aware of anything unusual or wrong such as:

• Signals of alarm
• An insecure load
• Train half derailed or seem not fit to proceed.
• Other mishaps.

If you become aware of anything unusual or wrong with a train, or you receive stop and examine train (7), you must immediately:

• Stop the train concerned.
• Tell the signaller who controls the area from which the train approached what has happened.
• Arrange for the train to be examined and dealt with as necessary.
• If you cannot stop the train concerned before it enters the area controlled by another signaller, you must immediately tell that signaller what has happened by sending stop and examine train.

If the driver has stated that the train is fit to proceed, or a competent person and you have agreed that the train is fit to proceed then you may signal the train as normal. If the train is deemed not fit to resume normal working the driver should be instructed to respawn and the train should be deleted.

Absolute Block Regulations

These regulations only apply to signal boxes that are using the Absolute block method of working. The principle of the absolute block system is to prevent more than one train being in a section on the same line at the same time.

Definition

The following terms are used in these regulations and apply to signallers in absolute block signalling areas.

Absolute block section

The line between the last stop signal(s) controlled from one signal box, and the home signal controlled by the next signal box.

An absolute block section will be referred to as a section within this document.

Block signals

A stop signal that controls the entrance to, or exit from, a block section. The following are block signals.

Home signal: the first stop signal controlled by a signal box that controls the exit from an absolute block section.

Section signal: a stop signal that controls the entrance to an absolute block section.

Method of signalling

Note: For the purpose of this regulation, A, B and C represent three signal boxes on the same line of route. A train is to be signalled from signal box A to signal box B. The procedure shown must be repeated along the line of route if the train is to proceed further.

Normal method of signalling trains

Actions of signaller at signal box A

Before you start the procedure to allow a train to enter the section, you must have received train out of section (2-1) for the previous train, and the block indicator for the line concerned must be in the normal position. You must also send call attention (1) to signal box B, and when this has been acknowledged, send the appropriate is line clear.

When the signaller at signal box B has acknowledged is line clear and placed the block indicator to line clear, you may clear the signals for the train to proceed. When the train passes the signal box, or the location shown in the Signal Box Special Instructions, you must send train entering section (2) to signal box B.

If the train is standing at a signal beyond your signal box, you must send train entering section (2) as soon as the section signal clears.

Actions of signaller at signal box B

When you have received is line clear, you must acknowledge is line clear to signal box A and place the block indicator for the line concerned to line clear. You must not acknowledge is line clear, or place the block indicator to line clear, if the line is not clear, or for any reason you cannot give permission for the train to approach.

On receiving train entering section, you must acknowledge train entering section to signal box A and place the block indicator for the line concerned to train on line.

After receiving train entering section from signal box A. If the train is to proceed to signal box C, then you must repeat the actions of signal box A if the conditions are met.

Actions of signaller at signal box A

Before you start the procedure to allow a train to enter the section:

Sending ‘train out of section’

You must observe the train as it passes the signal box and make sure it has a tail lamp at the rear. When the train has passed the home signal, you must:

• Send call attention to signal box A
• When this has been acknowledged, send train out of section (2-1)

When this has been acknowledged, place the block indicator for the line concerned to normal. You may only perform this instruction once you are certain that the train is complete with a tail lamp.

When it is necessary to send train out of section before the last vehicle of the train passes your signal box, you must make sure that the train has arrived, complete with tail lamp, before doing so.

Train not proceeding or incorrect ‘is line clear’ is sent

Cancelling

If a train is not going to proceed but is line clear or train entering section has been acknowledged by the signaller at signal box B,

you must place the relevant signals to danger and send cancelling. (Signal box A)

If you receive cancelling, you must acknowledge it to signal box A and place the block indicator to normal. (Signal box B)

Train incorrectly described

If you have sent the incorrect is line clear and the signaller at signal box B has acknowledged it, you must send train incorrectly described to signal box B, and when this has been acknowledged, send the correct is line clear. (Signal box A)

If you receive train incorrectly described, you must acknowledge that signal, then acknowledge the correct is line clear and leave the position of the block indicator as it is. (Signal box B)

Blocking the section

Blocking back outside home signal (3-3)

Note: For the purpose of this part of the regulation, A and B represent two signal boxes on the same line of route. The line outside the home signal at signal box B is to be occupied. This regulation must be used if it is necessary to occupy the line with a movement outside the home signal. It may also be used for minor obstruction on the line.

When the line is to be occupied (Signal box B)

You must send blocking back outside home signal, and when this has been acknowledged, place or keep the block indicator at train on line.

You may only allow the line outside the home signal to be occupied when blocking back outside home signal has been acknowledged, and the block indicator is at train on line.

When blocking back outside home signal (3-3) must not be acknowledged. (Signal box A)

You must not acknowledge blocking back outside home signal if you have allowed a movement to be made which would conflict with a movement at signal box B, unless you are sure that such a movement could be made safely.

When the line is clear again. (Signal box B)

When the line is again clear to the home signal, you must send obstruction removed to signal box A, and place the block indicator to normal.

Shunting into forward section

Note: For the purpose of this regulation, A and B represent two signal boxes on the same line of route. A shunting movement is to take place beyond the section signal at signal box A.

Signalling the shunting movement

You must not allow a train to enter the forward section for shunting purposes until you have sent shunting into forward section (3-3-2), and the signaller at signal box B has acknowledged this. (Signal box A)

You may send this bell signal if the position of the block indicator is normal or at train on line. (Signal box A)

When the line is clear to the home signal, you must acknowledge shunting into forward section and place the block indicator to line clear if the block controls allow you to do this. (Signal box B)

When the train is ready to enter the section for shunting purposes and you have reached a clear understanding with the driver, you must:

• Clear the signal if you can, or instruct the driver to pass the section signal at danger
• Send train entering section to signal box B. (Signal box A)

When you receive train entering section from signal box A, you must place or keep the block indicator at train on line. You may allow the line up to the home signal to be occupied, fouled or obstructed until you receive shunt withdrawn (8) from signal box A. (Signal box B)

When the shunting movement is complete

When the movement is completed and the forward section is again clear, you must send shunt withdrawn to signal box B. (Signal box A)

You must acknowledge shunt withdrawn to signal box A and then take one of the following actions. (Signal box B)

If the block indicator was normal when shunting into forward section was acknowledged and if the line up to the home signal is clear, place the block indicator to normal.

If the block indicator was at train on line when shunting into forward section was acknowledged, and if the line is still obstructed, you must keep the block indicator at train on line, or if the line is now clear, you must send train out of section or

obstruction removed depending on the circumstances and place the block indicator to normal.

Obstruction of the line

Note: For the purpose of this regulation, A and B represent two signal boxes on the same line of route. The signaller at signal box B becomes aware or suspects that there is an obstruction between signal box A and signal box B.

When to send obstruction danger

If you need to stop trains from signal box A because of an obstruction or other emergency between your signal box and signal box A, or within the section at your signal box, you must immediately and without sending call attention, send obstruction danger (6) to signal box A.

You must do this whether or not you have received is line clear or train entering section bell codes. You do not need to send obstruction danger if the obstruction is only affecting the line for trains heading towards you from signal box A.

You must also send obstruction danger when you see, or become aware of, a train approaching for which you have not:

• Acknowledged is line clear
• Received train entering section
• Received train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the right direction
• Acknowledged shunting into forward section.

Sending obstruction danger

When sending the obstruction danger bell code, you must:

• Place or keep the block indicator to train on line until the obstruction has been removed
• If necessary, place or keep your signals at danger to protect the obstruction

You must then immediately tell the signaller at Signal Box A the reason for sending obstruction danger via team chat. You must reach a clear understanding of those lines that must remain blocked and those that can be reopened for trains.

If, after you have sent obstruction danger to signal box A, you receive train proceeding without authority in the right direction for a train which had been accepted before obstruction danger was sent, you must take all possible actions to stop the approaching train.

Only then must you acknowledge train proceeding without authority in the right direction.  If you receive cancelling from the signaller at signal box A for a train which had been accepted before you sent obstruction danger, you must acknowledge cancelling but you must keep the block indicator at train on line until the obstruction has been removed.

Receiving ‘obstruction danger’

If you receive obstruction danger (6) from signal box B, you must: immediately place or keep all signals leading towards signal box B at danger, and place or keep the block indicator for the line from signal box B at train on line and keep it in this position until you are sure that line is clear and you have sent the bell code for obstruction removed. Should no train have been signalled towards signal box B, you must acknowledge obstruction danger.

If you cannot stop a train heading towards signal box B, or there is already a train in the section, you must not acknowledge obstruction danger but immediately send train proceeding without authority in the right direction to signal box B.

If you succeed in stopping a train heading towards signal box B for which is line clear has been acknowledged, you must, after acknowledging obstruction danger, send cancelling to signal box B.

You must find out the reason why obstruction danger was sent. You must reach a clear understanding of those lines that must remain blocked and those that can be reopened for trains.

You must not allow any train to proceed towards signal box B until you have received obstruction removed and the signaller at signal box B has acknowledged is line clear.

When the obstruction has been removed

When the obstruction has been removed or a train can pass clear of the obstruction, you must send obstruction removed to Signal Box A and place the block indicator to normal.

However, if the signaller at signal box A had been unable to stop a train for which is line clear has been acknowledged, you must not send obstruction removed to signal box A until that train is clear of the section as shown in regulation ‘sending train out of section’.

Train proceeding without authority

Note: For the purpose of this part of the regulation, A, B and C represent three signal boxes on the same line of route. A train or vehicle proceeds without authority in the right direction from signal box A towards signal box B.

Immediate actions at signal box A

If a train or vehicle proceeds without authority in the right direction, or has entered the section without your authority, you must send the bell code for 'train proceeding without authority in the right direction' to Signal Box B. You are then to stop any train travelling towards signal box B on any other line, and or stop any train on the opposite line, if you consider this to be necessary.

If possible, alter the position of points to divert trains and prevent collisions. Place or keep signals at danger against the train or vehicle and any other trains that could be put in danger. Arrange for the line on which the train or vehicle is proceeding without authority to be cleared. You should also lower all level crossings and take any other possible action to reduce the risk of a collision.

Immediate actions at signal box B

If you have received train proceeding without authority in the right direction from signal box A, you must place or keep the block indicator at train on line for that line, and stop any train proceeding towards signal box A. If it is possible, alter the position of points to divert trains and prevent collisions, and place or keep signals at danger against the train or vehicle and any other trains that could be put in danger. Try to arrange for the line on which the train or vehicle is proceeding without authority to be cleared. If necessary, send train proceeding without authority in the right direction to signal box C, unless you can divert the train or vehicle. Ensure to lower all affected level crossings and take any other possible action to reduce the risk of a collision.

Once the train has stopped, only then you must then acknowledge train proceeding without authority in the right direction. staff members should be called, or the train should be respawned if it derails - whichever is necessary.

The same instructions apply in the wrong direction, but you must send train proceeding without authority in the wrong direction instead.

Train passed without tail lamp

Note: For the purpose of this regulation, A, B and C represent three signal boxes on the same line of route. A train is passing signal box B going towards signal box C.

Actions of signaller at signal box B

If a train passes without a tail lamp, or you are not sure that it has a tail lamp and you cannot deal with the train before it enters the section, or to do so would mean bringing the train to a sudden stop,

You must:

• Send train passed without tail lamp (9) to signal box C
• Not send train out of section to the signal box A, but instead send train passed without tail lamp (4-5)
• Keep the block indicator at train on line.

You must stop the first train travelling towards signal box A. Tell the driver what is going on, and instruct to proceed at cuation when the signal is cleared. Inform the driver to report if anything is seen to be abnormal.

If you receive train out of section from signal box C, or the signaller there tells you the train is complete, you must send train out of section to signal box A and place the block indicator to normal.

Actions of signaller at Signal box C

If you receive train passed without tail lamp (9), you must stop the approaching train and find out if it is complete.

If the train is complete and the line is clear as shown in regulation 'Sending train out of section', you must send train out of section to signal box B, and place the block indicator to normal.

If the train is complete but you are not in a position to send train out of section, you must tell the signaller at signal box B that the train is complete. If the train is not complete, you must tell the signaller at signal box B and take any other necessary action depending on the circumstances. A staff member should be called to inspect the line and delete any detached train, if necessary.

Opening and closing signal box

Note: For the purpose of this regulation, A, B and C represent three signal boxes on the same line of route. Signal box B is to open and close.

Opening a signal box

To open the signal box, you must send opening of signal box to signal box A and signal box C. Once you have opened the signal box, unless a train has been signalled or is immediately due to be signalled, you must test the block indicators for the line concerned. If you are just changing duties with another signaller, you need not to perform this regulation.

Closing a signal box

You must not close the signal box or leave duty until you have received train out of section for the last train to pass, the block indicator is at normal, and you have sent and had acknowledged closing of signal box to both signal box A and signal box C.

If you are just changing duties with another signaller, you do not to perform this regulation.

Electric Token Block Regulations

The principle of the electric token block system is to prevent more than one train being in the same section at the same time.

Definition

The following terms are used in these regulations and apply to signallers in electric token block signalling areas.

Block Signals	A stop signal that controls the entrance to, or exit from, a block. The following are block signals: Home Signals the first stop signal controlled by a signal box that controls the exit from a single-line block section. Section Signal a stop signal that controls the entrance to a single-line block section.
Single line block section	The line between the section signal controlled from one signal box, and the home signal controlled by the next signal box in the direction of travel. A single-line block section will be referred to as a section within this document.

Handling token

You (the signaller) are the only person who is authorised to remove a token from or replace it into the token instrument.

Except where another person is specially appointed to the duty (as authorised in Signal box special instruction) you are the only person who is authorised to receive a token from or deliver a token to the driver.

You must not allow a token to be transferred from one train to another without it being passed through a token instrument. Where a train has more than one locomotive at the leading end, you must give the token to the driver of the leading locomotive.

You may only perform token exchange if the train is standing still.

Method of Signalling

Normal method of signalling

Actions of signaller at signal box A

Before you start the procedure to allow a train to enter the section, you must have sent or received train out of section (2-1) for the previous train and you must not have given permission for a train to approach from the opposite end. The indicator must also be in the normal (or token in) position.

You must send call attention to signal box B, and when this has been acknowledged, send the appropriate is line clear.

When the signaller at signal box B has acknowledged is line clear and operated the token instrument, you must:

• Withdraw a token
• Clear the section signal for the train to proceed
• Give the token to the driver.

When the train departs you must send train entering section (2) to signal box B.

Actions of signaller at Signal box B

When you have received is line clear, you must: acknowledge is line clear to signal box and operate the token instrument to allow a token to be withdrawn at signal box A.

You must not acknowledge is line clear, nor operate the token instrument, if the line is not clear, or for any reason you cannot give permission for the train to approach. After you receive train entering section from signal box A, if the train is to continue to signal box C, you must carry out the actions of the signaller at signal box A as shown in the regulation above to signal box C.

Sending ‘train out of section’

When the train arrives at your signal box, the driver will give you the token. You must observe the train as it passes the signal box and make sure it has a tail lamp at the rear.

When the train, complete with tail lamp, has passed clear of the section and is clear of any points leading to the section, you must place the token into the token instrument, send call attention to signal box A. When this has been acknowledged, send train out of section.

When it is necessary to send train out of section before the last vehicle of the train passes your signal box, you must make sure the train has arrived, complete with tail lamp, before doing so.

Train not proceeding, or incorrect ‘is line clear’ sent

Cancelling

If a train is not going to proceed, but is line clear or train entering section has been acknowledged by the signaller at signal box B, you must place the relevant signals to danger, restore the token to the token instrument and send the bell code for cancelling.

Train incorrectly described

If you have sent an incorrect is line clear and the signaller at signal box B has acknowledged it, you must send train incorrectly described to signal box B, and when this has been acknowledged, send the correct is line clear.

You must not restore the token to the token instrument or replace the signal to danger.

Occupying the single line for shunting purposes

Releasing a token for shunting purposes

Note: For the purpose of this regulation, a shunting movement is to occupy the section between signal box A and signal box B outside the home signal at signal box B.

You may allow a token to be released for shunting purposes at the other end of the section as long as you have sent or received train out of section for the previous train through the section, and neither of you have given permission for a train to approach. Do ensure the line is clear to the home signal at your signal box. (For both signal box A and B)

When a token is needed for shunting purposes, you must send release token to signal box A. (Signal box B)

If the line is clear to the home signal, you may acknowledge release token and operate the token instrument to allow a token to be withdrawn at signal box B. (Signal box A)

When you have withdrawn the token, you must tell the driver what is to happen, give the token to the driver, then clear the signal, where provided. (Signal box B)

If you cannot give permission for a token to be withdrawn, you must not acknowledge release token or operate the token instrument. You must tell the signaller at signal box B the reason. (Signal box A)

When the shunting movement has been completed and the section is again clear, you must replace the token in the instrument and send token replaced to signal box A. (Signal box B)

Obstruction of the line

Note: For the purpose of this regulation, A and B represent two signal boxes on the same line of route. The signaller at signal box B becomes aware or suspects there is an obstruction between signal box A and signal box B.

When to send ‘obstruction danger’

If you need to stop trains from signal box A because of an obstruction or other emergency between your signal box and signal box A, or within the section at your signal box, you must immediately and without sending call attention, send obstruction danger (6) to signal box A.

You must do this whether or not you have received is line clear or train entering section. You do not need to send obstruction danger if the obstruction is only affecting the line for trains heading towards you from signal box, and the obstruction is beyond the home signal, or there are facing points that you immediately set for another direction clear of the obstruction and that line is clear up to and including the home signal.

You must also send obstruction danger when you see, or become aware of, a train approaching for which you have not acknowledged is line clear, received train entering section, received train or vehicles proceeding without authority on the right direction, or sending ‘obstruction danger’.

When sending obstruction danger, if necessary, place or keep your signals at danger to protect the obstruction. You must also tell the signaller at signal box A the reason for sending obstruction danger.

If, after you have sent obstruction danger to signal box A, you receive train or vehicles proceeding without authority on the right direction for a train which had been accepted before obstruction danger was sent, you must take all possible actions to stop the approaching train. Only then must you acknowledge train or vehicles proceeding without authority on the right direction. If you receive cancelling from the signaller at signal box A for a train which had been accepted before you sent obstruction danger, you must acknowledge cancelling.

Receiving ‘obstruction danger’

If you receive obstruction danger from signal box B, you must immediately place or keep all signals leading towards signal box B at danger. If no train has been signalled towards signal box B, you must acknowledge obstruction danger.

If you cannot stop a train heading towards signal box B, or there is already a train in the section, you must not acknowledge obstruction danger but immediately send train or vehicles proceeding without authority on the right direction to signal box B.

If you succeed in stopping a train heading towards signal box B for which is line clear has been acknowledged, you must, after acknowledging obstruction danger, replace the token in the token instrument and send cancelling to signal box B. You must find out the reason why obstruction danger was sent. You must not allow any train to proceed towards signal box B until you have received obstruction removed (2-1-2) and the signaller at signal box B has acknowledged is line clear.

When the obstruction is removed

When the obstruction has been removed or a train can pass clear of the obstruction, you must send obstruction removed to Signal Box A.

However, if the signaller at signal box A had been unable to stop a train for which is line clear has been acknowledged, you must not send obstruction removed to signal box A until that train is clear of the section as shown in regulation ‘Sending train out of section’.

Train proceeding without authority

Note: For the purpose of this regulation, A, B and C represent three signal boxes on the same line of route. A train or vehicle proceeds without authority from signal box A towards signal box B.

Signal Box A Actions

If a train or vehicle proceeds without authority or has entered the section without authority or without the correct token, you must place or keep the signals at danger on the line affected. If necessary and without sending call attention, send train proceeding without authority on the right direction (4-5-5) to signal box B. If it is possible, alter the position of points to divert trains and prevent collisions. You should also try to arrange for the line on which the train or vehicle is proceeding without authority to be cleared. Ensure you close all affected level crossings and take any other possible action to reduce the risk of a collision.

Signal Box B Actions

If you have received train or vehicles proceeding without authority on the right direction from signal box A, you must stop any train proceeding towards signal box A, and if possible, alter the position of points to divert trains and prevent collisions. Place or keep signals at danger against the train or vehicle and any other trains that could be put in danger.

If possible, arrange for the line on which the train or vehicle is proceeding without authority to be cleared, and if necessary, send train or vehicles proceeding without authority to signal box C, unless you can divert the train or vehicle. Ensure you close all affected level crossings and take any other possible action to reduce the risk of a collision

Once the train has stopped, only then you must then acknowledge train proceeding without authority in the right direction. staff members should be called or the train should be respawned if it derails. Whichever is necessary.

Token must then be returned to the machine, or modified working arrangement must be implemented if the token is lost.

Train passed without tail lamp

Note: For the purpose of this regulation, A, B and C represent three signal boxes on the same line of route. A train is passing signal box B going towards signal box C.

Actions of signaller at Signal Box B

If a train passes without a tail lamp, or you are not sure that it has a tail lamp, you must not place the token into the token instrument. Do not send train out of section to signal box A, but instead send train passed without tail lamp (4-5).

If you can deal with the train yourself, do so before it enters the forward section, if you can do so without bringing it to a sudden stop. If the train is complete, send train out of section to signal box A. If you are not in a position to send train out of section, you must tell the signaller at signal box A that the train is complete.

If the train is not complete, you must tell the signaller at signal box A and come to a clear understanding of the actions to be taken depending on the circumstances. A staff member should be called to inspect the line and delete any detached train, if necessary.

If you cannot deal with the train before it enters the forward section, or to do so would mean bringing the train to a unsafe sudden stop, you must send train passed without tail lamp (9) to signal box C.

If you receive train out of section from signal box C, or the signaller there tells you the train is complete, you must place the token into the token instrument and send train out of section to signal box A.

Actions of signaller at signal box C

If you receive train passed without tail lamp (9) from Signal Box B, you must stop the approaching train and find out if it is complete.

If the train is complete and the line is clear as shown in regulation ‘Sending train out of section’ you must place the token in the token instrument and send train out of section to signal box B.

If the train is complete but you are not in a position to send train out of section, you must tell the signaller at signal box B that the train is complete. If the train is not complete, you must tell the signaller at signal box B and come to a clear understanding of the actions to be taken, depending on the circumstances. (Staff member should be called to inspect the line and delete any detached train, if necessary.)

If a token is lost.

Note: For the purpose of this regulation, A and B represent two signal boxes on the same line of route. Each part of the regulation deals with the token or token equipment between signal box A and signal box B.

If a token is lost, call a staff member, and implement the following.

Pilot working - Modified working arrangement A

Actions for signaller at Signal box A and B.

If a token is lost and no staff members are available to return the token back to the machine. You must appoint a competent individual. This individual will therefore be called a “Pilot”.

Actions for signaller at Signal box A.

Before you are allowed to send a train over the single line, you must come to a clear understanding with the signaller at signal box B and the pilot.

You must instruct the pilot to board every train traversing over the single line, then you may signal the train normally.

Actions of the signaller at Signal box B

If pilot working is implemented, you must not send train out of section till the train with the pilot arrived at your signal box. Only then you may send train out of section in accordance with the ‘Electric token block regulations - Sending train out of section’.

Only once the token is returned to the machine, you may cancel pilot working. You must come to a clear understanding with the signaller at Signal box B and the pilot before returning to normal working.

Alternative working - Modified working arrangement B

If a token is lost and no available staff members are available to return the token and no competent individual can be found to implement pilot working.

You must come to a clear understanding of any alternative working arrangement between Signal box A and Signal box B. You are allowed to use bell only signalling until the token is returned to the machine.

If a competent individual is now available while this working arrangement is implemented. You must reintroduce Modified working arrangement A.

Opening and closing of signal box

Note: For the purpose of this regulation, A, B and C represent three signal boxes on the same line of route. Signal box B is to open and close.

Opening of signal box

To open the signal box, you must send opening of signal box to signal box A and signal box C. You must then test the token instrument for the line concerned. If you are just changing duties with another signaller, you need not to perform this regulation.

Closing of signal box

You must not close the signal box or leave duty until you have received train out of section for the last train to be signalled through each section and you have sent closing of signal box (7-5-5) to both signal box A and signal box C. You also must ensure the closing of signal box has been acknowledged by both the signallers at signal box A and signal box C.

If you are just changing duties with another signaller, you need not to perform this regulation.

Signal Box Information

See this page for more information.

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