Semaphore Signals Flashcards
What must you always do with a semaphore signal?
You must always observe a signal, never presume what it will be.
What are the types of semaphore signals?
- Stop
- Distant
- Subsidiary
- Shunt
What does a semaphore stop signal look like?
It has a red background with a white vertical stripe.
What aspects can a semaphore stop signal show?
It is capable of showing a red or green aspect.
What does a white diamond represent on a semaphore signal?
It represents track circuit present.
What does a horizontal semaphore signal indicate?
This is classed as ‘on’ or stop; a red aspect will show at night.
What does a 45° angled semaphore signal indicate?
This indicates that the signal is ‘off’, and the train can proceed.
What does an upright semaphore signal show?
In the upright position, a green aspect is shown.
How may semaphore signals differ in the West Midlands?
In the West Midlands, signals go down 45°.
What does a Semaphore Distant signal look like?
A yellow board with a fishtail end and a black chevron.
What aspects can a Semaphore Distant signal display?
It can display a yellow or green aspect.
What does the horizontal position of a Semaphore Distant signal indicate?
It informs the driver that one of the stop signals ahead is currently on, so they should approach with caution. A yellow aspect would be displayed.
What is the purpose of a Distant signal?
A Distant signal gives a warning about the stop signals ahead; it can only be cleared when the stop signals have been cleared as they are interlocked.
Where is a Distant signal located in relation to the stop signal?
A Distant signal is at Braking Distance from the stop signal in front.
What does a Distant signal at a 45° angle indicate?
It indicates that the stop signals under this signaller’s control are in the off position, allowing you to proceed at normal line speed.
How can a Distant signal be identified?
It can be identified on its plate by an R or a triangle.
What does the rear of a Distant signal look like?
The rear is both white with either a black line or chevron, and there is no aspect showing in the rear.
What should you do if you cannot tell if the signal has cleared correctly?
You must stop immediately and contact the signaller to both report and question.
What are the station limits of a signal box?
Each signal box has its own station limits, from the first stop signal it controls to the last.
What is the typical order of signals in a signal box?
The order typically goes Distant, Home, Section (DHS).
How is signal control typically operated?
This type of signalling is operated in a signal box with wires and pulleys, with interlocked levers.
What is required for a train to clear the block signal?
The train must pass at least 400m into the next block.