When signalling trains under the absolute block and electric 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:
- 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 must not consider any bell signal as understood until it has been correctly acknowledged.
| Method of Signalling | Description | Bell Code |
|---|---|---|
| AB, ETB | Call attention | 1 |
| Is line clear for: | ||
| Class 1 - Express passenger train | 4 | |
| Class 2 - Ordinary passenger train | 3-1 | |
| Class 5 - Empty coaching stock train | 2-2-1 | |
| Class 6 - Freight train restricted to 60 mph | 5 | |
| Class 0 - Locomotive or Locomotives | 2-3 | |
| Cancelling | 3-5 | |
| Train incorrectly described | 5-3 | |
| Train entering section | 2 | |
| Train out of section | 2-1 | |
| Blocking back outside home signal | 3-3 | |
| Shunt into forward section | 3-3-2 | |
| Shunt withdrawn | 8 | |
| Train passed without tail lamp (To box in advance) | 9 | |
| Train passed without tail lamp (To box in rear) | 4-5 | |
| Obstruction danger | 6 | |
| Stop and examine train | 7 | |
| Obstruction removed | 2-1-2 | |
| Train proceeding without authority in wrong direction | 2-5-5 | |
| Train proceeding without authority in (right) direction | 4-5-5 | |
| Opening of signal box | 5-5-5 | |
| Closing of signal box | 7-5-5 | |
| Testing equipment | 16 | |
| ETB only | Release token (for shunting purposes) | 5-2 |
| Token replaced (after shunting) | 2-5 |
Crossing Codes
Historically, these bell codes were used to alert crossing boxes of incoming trains to set their signals and close crossings. There are no longer any crossing-exclusive boxes in Dovedale, however the appropriate bell codes are listed below:
| 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 |