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:
- 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.
| 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 | |
| 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 |
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:
| 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.