A signal is a tool that displays an indication of the track status ahead for drivers. There are several types of signals listed below that can be found in game. All of the signals are controlled by Signal Boxes. Refer to the Signalling Guide to learn how to operate signal boxes.
Semaphore Stop Signal
The main signal is the most basic type of stop signal. Drivers must not pass it without authority of the signaller. The clearance of a home signal proves that the route ahead is clear of all obstructions.
When cleared, main signals:
- Tell the driver that they may proceed towards the next stop signal.
- Are raised or lowered at a 45 degree angle.
- Display a green light.
When at danger, Main signals:
- Do not allow the driver to pass the signal.
- Are horizontal; at a 90 degree angle.
- Display a red light.
Some home signals are provided with a white diamond sign on the post. These indicate that the presence of a train is repeated in the signal box, and drivers do not need to notify the signaller if they are waiting at it.
Semaphore Distant Signal
Distant signals provide advanced warnings as to whether the next stop signals will be at danger or not. This is necessary due to the long breaking distance of trains.
If the signal is at caution, you must slow down, expecting the next stop signal to be at danger. A semaphore distant signal applies to all signals until the next distant signal or until the end of the section that the signal box controls, not just the first one, so you must be prepared to stop at all other signals even if the first one is cleared.
When cleared, distant signals:
- Inform the driver all associated stop signals are cleared, and there is no need to slow down.
- Are raised or lowered at a 45 degree angle.
- Display a green light.
When at caution, distant signals:
- Inform the driver that they should expect one of the following stop signals to be at danger and must slow down.
- Are horizontal; at a 90 degree angle.
- Display a yellow light.
Fixed distant boards
At areas approaching a stop board, areas where a normal distant would almost never be in the off position or on the approach to an area you'd need to slow down, you may find a board with what appears to be a distant signal, fixed at caution. These boards should be treated as a distant signal displaying caution.
Semaphore Subsidiary Signal
Subsidiary signals can be found alongside home signals. They allow the driver to proceed off the mainline into a siding or similar. When cleared, they allow drivers to pass the home signal and proceed as far as the line is clear, preparing to stop short of an obstruction. This means they can be used to signal trains into an occupied area.
When cleared, subsidiary signals:
- Allow the driver to pass the main signal cautiously.
- Are raised or lowered at a 45 degree angle.
- Display a green light.
When at danger the driver must obey the main home signal. Subsidiary signals:
- Are horizontal; at a 90 degree angle.
- Display a red light.
Shunt Discs
Unlike other types of signal, shunt discs are ground mounted. They are generally found at the exit of sidings, stations or routes on the mainline against the normal direction of traffic. Unlike a home signal, shunt discs only allow a train to proceed as far as the line is clear, preparing to stop short of an obstruction, so can be used to signal trains into an occupied area.
When cleared, shunt discs:
- Allow the driver to proceed at no more than 15 mph.
- Are rotated 45 degrees.
- Display a green light.
When at danger, shunt discs:
- Do not allow the driver to pass the signal.
- Are horizontal.
- Display a red light.
Semaphore Signals Out of Use (Removed)
If a semaphore signal is out of use, whether due to failure or not being in operation, they are provided with a cross. Crosses can be placed and removed by holding "E". Signals that are signed out of use are not to be obeyed. If they are accompanied by other signals that are in use, they must be obeyed. Signals in-game do not currently fail, so do not try to put crosses on signals.
The ability to 'cross up' signals was removed in Version 1.2, as signals were reworked to no longer break in earlier versions.
Banner Repeater Signals
Where the sighting of a signal is adversely affected by curvature or an intervening over bridge or station canopy, etc., an extra signal called a Banner Repeater can be installed to give drivers of approaching trains an earlier view of the indication shown.
These are similar to semaphore distant signals. When a banner repeater is at its 'on' state, with a horizontal line, it can be passed, but indicates that the home signal ahead is at danger and must stop at the signal ahead. When a banner repeater is at its 'off' state, with a diagonal line, it can be passed, and indicates that the home signal ahead can be passed safely.
There are two types of Banner Repeater Signals in the game, with one being digital, commonly found at stations, lit up on a dot matrix format, and the other being standard banner repeaters found on the line.
Banner repeaters can be found in places like Masonfield and the track stretch nearby Jaiden's House Station.
OFF/CD/RA Indicators
Main page: Off Indicator
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An OFF indicator at Masonfield. -
An OFF indicator showing OFF. -
OFF indicators showing CD and RA respectively. -
The TDEU at Satus Services.
OFF Indicators are found at stations with dispatching capabilities, and used to inform the driver if they can move on from the station, and what to do. They are controlled by Train Dispatch Equipment Units (TDEU), which are usually at the side of the platform in blue. These are currently present at Masonfield, Dovedale Central and Fanory Mill, and could previously be found at Satus Services and Glassbury Junction.
- An illuminated OFF indication means the associated signal is showing a proceed aspect, and they can proceed on.
- An illuminated indication CD (close doors) is an instruction to close the train's power-operated doors.
- An illuminated indication RA or R (right away) means that station duties are complete and the train may depart.
OFF - Signal ahead is clear
CD - Close Doors
RA - Right Away
SPAD Indicator
A SPAD indicator is a separate indicator which may be positioned after a main signal where there is a likelihood of a serious collision at a junction if a SPAD (signal passed at danger) occurs at the main signal. [1] They are normally unlit, but following a SPAD they display a steady red light between two flashing red lights arranged vertically. Any driver who sees a SPAD indicator illuminated must stop their train immediately and subsequently contact the signaller for further instructions, even if they can see that the signal pertaining to their line is showing a proceed aspect. SPAD indicators are mounted against a blue backplate and dot matrix lights.