Signalling Guide

For the QS Handbook, see Qualified Signaller Handbook.

Signalling is perhaps one of the most important part of the railway, and exists to ensure the safety of people, trains, and the surrounding infrastructure. For the most part, this is ensured by having one train, in one section, at one time.

This guide will cover most of what you need to start signalling in Dovedale, however beforehand it is essential that you have read the Signals and Signs pages so you have sufficient knowledge of topics that are covered in this guide.

This page was last edited on the 8 January 2025.

An Introduction to Signalling

1.1 - The History

Railways in a modern sense started in 1830 with the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. At first there was little need for signals or signalling; trains were rare and travelled at low speeds. That being said, by the 1840s, a number of accidents occurred, which prompted the introduction of the first railway signalling systems. The first major innovation was time interval working, and was introduced to prevent accidents on the railway alongside fixed signals or hand signallers. The principles of the operation were: Only let a train pass a certain point every 5 or 10 minutes. If a train was struggling a bit maybe give it a bit longer Whilst this was an improvement on the old regime, time interval working was fatally flawed. If a train broke down or came across an obstruction, the next train could crash into it. Prompted again by more accidents, it became clear that a space interval rather than a time interval was required, and thus by the 1850s, the foundation of all modern signalling - absolute block - was created.

1.2 - The Basics: Block Signalling

Block signalling is the first principle of all modern signalling systems, the general principle being that there should only be one train, in one section, at one time, with few exceptions. Absolute block came as a result of incidents in the time interval system in the 1850s. It was made mandatory for all railways in 1889 and forms the basis of all modern railway signalling. In fact, there are still many signal boxes working under this methodology today. In principle: There are signal boxes at regular intervals along a line controlling points and signals. Only one train is allowed in a section between these boxes at any one time. Signal boxes communicate with each other through the use of block instruments and bell signals.

Signal Box Equipment

2.1 - Lever Frame

The lever frame is perhaps the most important part of the signal box, controlling all of the infrastructure in the surrounding area. Each lever is accompanied by: A name plate with the lever's number, which allows you to see what it controls at a glance. An indicator located above the lever which shows the position of the signal or switch it controls. Each lever is coloured, representative of what it controls. A list of all colours in the game are in section 2.2 below - please note these differ from real life standards in some places. When a lever is in the frame/pointing away from you, it is referred to as being in the "normal" position. If a lever is out of the frame/pointed towards you, it is in the "reverse" position. Levers are coloured to help you identify their function at a glance. Please note, in some cases these differ from real life standards. The colours currently in use are as follows: Colour Description Locations Red Control main stop/home signals. When the lever is normal, the signal is in the danger state. All Yellow Control distant signals. When the lever is normal, the signal is in the warning state. All Purple Control shunt signals. When the lever is normal, the signal is in the horizontal danger state. Differs from real life standards where they are coloured red. All Blue Controls facing point locks. When the lever is normal, points are locked and cannot be changed. Before you allow a facing move over the points, they must be locked with this lever. All Black Controls points. When normal, the points are in the normal position shown on the signal box diagram. Cannot be moved unless the corresponding blue (Facing point lock) is disengaged. All Green Provides an electrical release to a ground frame. When normal, the ground frame is locked and cannot be used. Dovedale East (SLS), Satus Services (sidings) Brown Controls interlocking in a signal box. When the lever is normal, all other levers are locked. Dovedale Central Signal Box White Spare levers. These do not control anything and are not in use Masonfield, Dovedale East

2.2 - Route Relay Interlocking System

At Marigot Crossing Signal Box, there is a not a lever frame, but a signalling panel in use, which is referred to as a route relay interlocking system. The route relay interlocking system is broadly based off of the principles of the eNtry eXit (NX) panel. Mobile users cannot use this feature at the moment. In order to use the system, you must: Left click the button of the entry signal (where the train is coming from). Wait until the button lights up orange. Press the exit button (the next button along). Routes will not set if the next signal is already cleared. For example, if you try to set a route from 13 to 14 while 14 has a route set from it, it will not clear 13. In order to cancel a route, you can right click the button by the signal you wish to reset. Once a route is set, white lights will illuminate the route set. These lights will change colour to red when a train occupies the section. All actions are logged and can be viewed on the display boards above the panel.

2.3 - Point and Lever Indicators

The point indicator is located above the lever of the point it refers to. When the green light is lit, the point is unlocked. When the light is unlit, the point is locked. When the arrow is pointed at reversed, the point will guide trains onto the branching track, while it will guide it to the straight track when pointing at normal. Signal indicators and repeaters show the aspect of a signal. Off is clear, and On is warning/danger. If the signals are on a gantry, they’re stacked.

2.4 - Terminus Indicator

Between Dovedale Central and Dovedale East, there are terminus indicators, aimed to reduce congestion. These tell the signaller ahead where to route the next train, either towards Gleethrop End, towards Pallion Harbour or for terminating at Dovedale Central. The signaller at Dovedale East is expected to communicate with trains and set the indicator by pressing the small bars at the side of the corresponding system. A 'green' circle indicated that that is where the train should be routed towards. When the status of the destination indicator is changed, its bell will ring to notify the other side.

2.5 - Track Circuits
In all signal boxes aside from Benyhone Loop Signal Box, the map contains either red dots or lines that will light up. This shows the location of trains without the signaller having to look for them. This is particularly useful in signal boxes that lack line of sight with certain areas. When a train is shown to have passed a signal, it means you should pull the lever for that signal.

2.6 - Barrier Pedestals & Gate Wheels

In most signal boxes, level crossings are operated by a barrier pedestal. The barrier pedestal has a switch in the middle, allowing you to switch between the "raise" and "lower" position. Before you can clear any signals over the crossing, you must: Check the crossing for approaching vehicles or obstructions. Select the lower position on the switch. Observe the barriers lowering, preparing to stop the lowering procedure if any obstructions enter the crossing. Once the barriers have finished lowering, visually check the crossing for obstructions in a "figure of 8" motion. After all trains have passed and it is safe to do so, you should raise the barriers. Marigot Crossing Signal Box is fitted with a gate wheel. The same procedure should be followed, however the gates are operated through the "R" and "F" keys on your keyboard.

Absolute Block Signalling

3.1 - The Principles of Absolute Block

Absolute Block splits the sections between signal boxes into block sections. A block section expands from the last stop signal of one signal box, to the first signal of the next signal box. Only one train is allowed within each block section at one time. Before a train can enter a block section, the next signal box must give permission for a train to approach. Signallers do this through the use of block instruments and bell signals.

3.2 - Block Instruments

Block instruments provide a continuous reminder of the state of the section between two signal boxes. To the right is a diagram of a standard BR "penguin" block instrument. (its colours reasonable one!) From top to bottom, all block instruments consist of: A repeater indicator, controlled by the next signal box, which shows the state of the line towards the next signal box. A master indicator, controlled by you, which shows the state of the line towards your box. This is repeated in the next signal boxes' repeater indicator. A commutator, which changes the block instrument is giving. A bell unit, which sends and receives bell signals between signal boxes. Some block instruments may look different to this standard one, and may be split up into different parts, but they all fundamentally work the same. Block instruments have three states: Normal - Also known as line blocked or line closed. When not dealing with a train, your block instrument must be kept at normal. Line Clear - Used when giving permission for a train to enter a block section. Train on Line - Used when a train is occupying the block section. When a block instrument is used over a single line, the sending signal box must keep their commutator at normal.

3.3 - Bell Signals

Bell signals are used to communicate between signal boxes, and are still used today in lieu of telephone communications. Bell codes have distinct advantages over verbal communication, namely: Unambiguity - There is no room for errors and misinterpretation, bell codes are definitive, but conversations can be worded wrong. Speed - They are often faster than typing or speaking messages. A full list of bell codes can be found within all signal boxes, however a list of some commonly found ones can be found on the bell codes page. You must acknowledge all bell signals by repeating them. You must not consider any bell signal as understood until it has been correctly acknowledged. 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 running away in the wrong/right direction (2-5-5/4-5-5) In most boxes, there is more than 1 bell. To differentiate the difference between those, you can click on the metal bell itself to hear the sound. This will not notify the other signaller.

3.4 - Procedure: Offering & Sending Trains

This section outlines the procedure for the day to day sending of trains between signal boxes. Offering Trains For the purposes of this example, you, signaller "A" will be signalling a train from signal box "A" to signal box "B". When sending a train between signal boxes, you must offer it. Before you can offer a train to signaller "B", you must: Check that the block instrument is at normal for the line concerned. Have received out of section the last train. To offer a train: Send call attention (1) to signal box "B". Once acknowledged, send the appropriate is line clear code (e.g. 3-1). If the line is clear, signaller B will acknowledge the is line clear and place their instrument at line clear. You may then clear your signals to allow a train into the block section. When the train passes your signal box, you must send train entering section (2) to signal box B. You must make sure signaller B places their instrument at train on line. Once the train arrives at signal box "B", signaller "B" will send train out of section (2-1) to you. You must acknowledge this, and make sure they replace their instrument to normal. Receiving Trains For the purposes of this example, you, signaller "A" will be receiving a train from signal box "B". If the line is clear, you should acknowledge the is line clear and place your instrument to line clear. If it is not, you must not acknowledge the is line clear bell code. When you receive train entering section (2) you must place your block instrument to train on line. Once you have received train entering section, you should offer the train onto the next signal box as shown above. When the has completely left the block section (most often visually confirmed by seeing the tail lamp), you must send call attention (1) to signaller B. You must then send train out of section (2-1) to signaller B, and place your commutator to normal.

3.5 - Procedure: Opening, Closing & Testing

Opening a Signal Box When you open your signal box you must send opening of signal box to all surrounding signal boxes. Send call attention (1) and await acknowledgement. Send opening of signal box (5-5-5) and await acknowledgement. Begin the testing equipment procedure. Closing a Signal Box When you close your signal box you must: Place all your signals to danger. Send call attention (1) and await acknowledgement. Send closing of signal box (7-5-5) await acknowledgement. Testing Equipment As soon as possible after opening, if no trains are immediately due to be signalled, you must test your bells and block indicators. Absolute Block Procedure Send call attention (1) and await acknowledgement. Send testing equipment (16) and await acknowledgement. Turn your block instrument's commutator through the full sequence of indications (line clear - train on line - normal). You must wait until you receive 1 beat on the bell before moving each indicator. The next signal box will then move their block instrument through the full sequence. You must acknowledge all movements with 1 beat on the bell. Before acknowledging the first movement of the block instrument to line clear, pull your starting signal (or one of your starting signals if there are multiple). Electric Token Block Procedure Send call attention (1) and await acknowledgement. Send testing equipment (16), also make sure to have the token in the slot. The next signal box will hold the bell down for you to release your token. Once you have your token, pull your starter signal and replace it (if there are multiple starter signals, then just test one of them). After you have done this, hold the bell down till the next signal box has removed the token. Once they have completed the process, they will bell 16 back to you.

3.6 - Procedure: Shunt Into Forward Section

This regulation must be used when a train needs to pass your last stop signal into the block section for shunting purposes. When sending shunt into forward section, you must: Send call attention (1) to the next signal box and await acknowledgement. Send shunt into forward section (3-3-2) and await acknowledgement. If you can begin the shunt move, you will receive line clear on the block instrument. You may then clear your signals for the train to proceed. Send train entering section (2) to the next signal box. Ensure that they set their block instrument to train on line. Once the train has left the block section and completed shunting, you should send call attention (1), followed by train withdrawn (8) to the next signal box. If you receive shunt into forward section you must: Check that no train are in the block section. Acknowledge shunt into forward section (3-3-2) and place your block instrument at line clear. When you receive train entering section (2), acknowledge it and place your block instrument at train on line. When you receive shunt withdrawn (8), acknowledge it and place your block instrument to normal.

3.7 - Procedure: Blocking Back

This regulation must be used when you must send a train on the wrong direction for shunting purposes. If you're shunting train on the right direction, see shunt into forward section. If you are intending to send Blocking Back, you must: Send call attention (1) to the signal box you wish to block the home signal then await acknowledgement. Send blocking back outside home signal (3-3), and await acknowledgement. After the bell was acknowledged, turn your block instrument to Train On Line. Perform the shunting movement. You need to come to a clear understanding with the driver before clearing relevant signals/giving verbal authority. After the movement has left the block section and have completed the shunting movement. You must send obstruction removed (2-1-2), and await acknowledgement. Once the other signal box acknowledged your obstruction removed, you must return the block instrument to Normal. When you are receiving Blocking Back, you must: Understand the line to the sending signal box is blocked and you cannot send a movement toward it, then acknowledge blocking back outside home signal (3-3). Wait for the shunting movement to complete. Acknowledge obstruction removed (2-1-2). Check that the block instrument is at Normal before sending any new movement. You must not acknowledge blocking back if you have allowed a movement toward the sending signal box which would conflict with the shunting movement at the sending signal box. On a single line, you must use shunting train into forward section instead of blocking back.

3.8 - Procedure: Cancelling & Train Incorrectly Described

Cancelling If a train is not going to proceed but you have already sent is line clear or train entering section, you must: Place all relevant signals to danger. Send call attention, followed by cancelling (3-5) to the signal box in advance. If you receive cancelling (3-5) you must acknowledge it and place your commutator to normal. Train Incorrectly Described If you have sent the incorrect line clear and the signal box in advance has acknowledged it, you must: Send call attention, then train incorrectly described (5-3). When acknowledged, send the correct is line clear. If you receive train incorrectly described (5-3), you must acknowledge it and then acknowledge the correct is line clear. Do not move the commutator on the block instrument.

3.9 - Procedure: Obstruction Danger

When to Send You must send obstruction danger if you need to stop trains coming towards your signal box due to an obstruction or other emergency within the block section. You must immediately, and without sending call attention, send obstruction danger (6) to all relevant signal boxes. You must send obstruction danger even if you have not received is line clear or train entering section. You must also send obstruction danger if a train is approaching which you have not: Acknowledged is line clear. Received train entering section. Received train or vehicles proceeding without authority. Acknowledged shunt into forward section. You do not need to send obstruction danger if you can move facing points to a line that is clear. Sending Obstruction Danger When sending obstruction danger (6) you must: Place or keep all relevant block instruments to train on line. Place or keep all signals at danger to protect the obstruction. You must then tell all relevant signallers the reason for sending obstruction danger. You must then reach a clear understanding of the lines affected and which can be re-opened for trains. If you receive train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the right direction (4-5-5) after sending obstruction danger, you must take all possible actions to stop the approaching train. If you receive cancelling for a train which has been acknowledged before you sent obstruction danger, you must acknowledge it but keep the block instrument at train on line. Receiving Obstruction Danger If you receive obstruction danger (6) you must: Place or keep all stop signals towards the sending box at danger. Place or keep the block instrument for the line from the sending signal box to train on line. If no train has been signalled towards the sending signal box, you must acknowledge obstruction danger. If you cannot stop a train heading towards the signal box, or there is already a train in section, you must not acknowledge obstruction danger and immediately send train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the right direction. If you succeed in stopping a train, you must then acknowledge obstruction danger and send cancelling. You must then find out why obstruction danger was sent, and reach a clear understanding of the lines that remain blocked and which can be re-opened for trains. Obstruction Removed When the obstruction has been removed, or if a train can pass clear of the obstruction, you must send call attention followed by obstruction removed (2-1-2) and place your block instrument to normal. However, if there is a train in section you must not send obstruction removed until that train is clear of the section.

3.10 - Procedure: Train or Vehicles Proceeding Without Authority

Train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the right direction (4-5-5) If a train or vehicle proceeds without authority in the right direction, you must: Without sending call attention, send the bell code for train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the right direction, 4-5-5. Stop any train travelling on the opposite line if you consider this to be necessary. If possible, alter points to divert trains and prevent collisions. Place or keep signals at danger against the train and any other train that could be put at danger. If possible, arrange for the line on which the train is proceeding without authority to be cleared. Take the necessary action for any level crossings. Take any other possible action to reduce the risk of a collision. If you receive train or vehicle proceeds without authority in the right direction, you must: Place or keep the block instrument at train on line for that line. If necessary, send train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the right direction to the next signal box, unless you can divert or stop the train. Stop any train travelling on the opposite line if you consider this to be necessary. If possible, alter points to divert trains and prevent collisions. Place or keep signals at danger against the train and any other train that could be put at danger. If possible, arrange for the line on which the train is proceeding without authority to be cleared. Take the necessary action for any level crossings. Take any other possible action to reduce the risk of a collision. If there is already a train in section, you must: If you can, allow the train to pass, and then immediately replace signals against the train proceeding without authority. You must not send train out of section until both trains have left the block section complete with tail lamp. If there is no train in section you must send train out of section and signal the next train as normal. Train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the wrong direction (2-5-5) If a train or vehicle proceeds without authority in the wrong direction, you must: Without sending call attention, send the bell code for train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the wrong direction, 2-5-5. Place or keep the block instrument at train on line. If possible, alter points to divert trains and prevent collisions. Place or keep signals at danger against the train and any other train that could be put at danger. If possible, arrange for the line on which the train is proceeding without authority to be cleared. Take the necessary action for any level crossings. Take any other possible action to reduce the risk of a collision. If you receive train or vehicle proceeds without authority in the wrong direction, you must: Stop any train going towards the signal box. If possible, divert the train onto the right line or a siding. If necessary, stop any train on the right line coming from the signal box. If possible, alter points to divert trains and prevent collisions. Take the necessary action for any level crossings. Take any other possible action to reduce the risk of a collision. If necessary, send train or vehicles proceeding without authority in the right/wrong direction to the next signal box.

Electric Token Block Signalling

4.1 - Tokens and Occupation Keys

On the line between Benyhone Loop Signal Box and Fanory Mill Signal Box, the Electric Token Block regulations are used to signal trains. Like the Absolute Block regulations seen above, the main principle of the system is to have one train, in one section, at one time. ETB, however, is fundamentally different in that drivers must be in possession of an object, known as a token, to proceed onto the single line block section. Both boxes make use of a Tyer's No.9 Key Token Instrument. These consist of: A galvanometer, which shows whether current is flowing through the instrument (when a bell sounds or token is being released). An indicator, which shows whether a token is in or out. A magazine, which holds a bank of key tokens. A plunger, which operates the bell and releases the other instrument's tokens when held down. When signalling a train using the token instruments, the same procedures must be followed as the absolute block system mentioned above in section 3.1, however: When accepting a train, you must hold down the plunger on the last beat until the token is removed. When offering a train, you may only take a token whilst it is being released by the box in advance's last beat. Note that the token must pass through the instrument before being given to another driver.

Operating Signals

5.1 - Clearing and Replacing Signals

Clearing Stop Signals Before clearing a stop signal, you must ensure that: All points and facing point locks are set for the movement. Any level crossings before another stop signal are in the closed position. There are no obstructions on the route. If necessary, you have received permission from the controlling signaller of the (next) section. Where the next stop signal is at danger, you must not clear a signal that cannot display a caution aspect until the train is nearly at a stand. This is to ensure that the driver's speed is controlled to stop at the next signal. Replacing Stop Signals You must replace a stop signal to danger as soon as the last vehicle has passed the signal, and it has passed over all points facing to the movement. Clearing Distant Signals Before clearing a distant signal, you must ensure that all stop signals until the next distant signal or until the end of the section are set to clear. Replacing Distant Signals You must replace a distant signal to caution as soon as the train has passed the signal. Clearing Shunt Signals You should always attempt to clear all shunt signals required for the movement before allowing the driver to proceed. If you cannot clear all shunt signals, and you need to stop the train at an intermediate shunt signal, you should first advise the driver.

5.2 - Passing Signals at Danger

Before authorising a driver to pass a signal at danger, you must ensure that: All points and facing point locks are set for the movement. Any level crossings are in the closed position. There are no obstructions on the route. If necessary, you have received permission from the controlling signaller of the (next) section. A conflicting movement has not been authorised. When passing a signal at danger, you must reach a clear understanding with the driver as to what move will occur. You must tell the driver: Which signal needs passed at danger. The reason why the signal needs to be passed at danger. If necessary, that the driver needs to proceed at caution. That the driver needs to obey all further signs and signals. You may then provide verbal authority to pass the signal, or provide a yellow handsignal.

5.3 - Making Unsignalled Moves

Before making an unsignalled move, you must ensure that: All points and facing point locks are set for the movement. Any level crossings are in the closed position. There are no obstructions on the route. If necessary, you have received permission from the controlling signaller of the (next) section. A conflicting movement has not been authorised. You must reach a clear understanding with the driver as to what move will occur. You must then either: Provide verbal authority to the driver to proceed, or Provide a yellow hand signal to the driver.

5.4 - Signal Passed at Danger

If a train has passed a signal at danger, or you have been made aware of a train heading towards your signal box without authority, you must: If necessary, and without sending call attention, send train or vehicles proceeding without authority to the next signal box. Stop any train travelling on the opposite line if you consider this to be necessary. If possible, alter points to divert trains and prevent collisions. Place or keep signals at danger against the train and any other train that could be put at danger. If possible, arrange for the line on which the train is proceeding without authority to be cleared. Take the necessary action for any level crossings. Take any other possible action to reduce the risk of a collision.

Additional Resources

6.1 - Charts
See the Charts page and the System Map for guides and maps on the game respectively.

6.2 - Related Video
The following video may be useful for those willing to learn more on the topic. Load video YouTube YouTube might collect personal data. Privacy Policy ContinueDismiss

References

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Docs & Guides

Docs & Guides

Badges•Bring Her Back (Badge)•Charts•Coupling•Dispatching Guide•Driving Guide•Guarding Guide•Keybinds•User:Mikebestgames/sandbox•Qualified Signaller Handbook•Signalling Guide•Signalling Guide/Interlocking Version•VR Guide