Signals, Handsignals, Indicators and Signs RS521 Flashcards
What is the name of this signal?
Junction indicators
Junction indicators are provided to show that a train is being signalled to a route to the left or right of the straight route.
A junction indicator is normally located above the signal, and will display a line of white lights when a proceed aspect is displayed.
What is the name of this signal?
Route indicators
At some locations a route indicator is provided at the signal. The indicator will display either a letter or a number to show the route onto which the movement is being signalled. Route indicators may also be associated with a junction indicator.
Flashing yellow aspects
What does a flashing yellow aspect indicate?
A flashing yellow aspect means facing points at a junction ahead are set for a diverging route with a lower speed than that for the straight route.
Three-aspect flashing yellow signalling
What colour aspect should you expect at signal number 5?
When a single steady yellow aspect is displayed together with a junction indicator at signal 4, this has the normal meaning of a yellow aspect, be prepared to stop at the next signal (number 5). This applies even though a flashing aspect may have been displayed at signal 3.
What is the name of this signal?
Position-light signals
Position-light signals that display a red aspect
These position-light signals are normally positioned at ground level independent of a main aspect. When proceeding on the authority of a main aspect, any position-light signals along the route between main running signals will show a proceed aspect.
These indicate STOP.
What is the significances of a position light signal which displays a yellow light.
What does this signal currently indicate?
Position-light shunting signals that display a yellow aspect are stop signals applying only to movements in the direction to which the signal can be cleared. Other movements can pass the signal without it being cleared. The previous signal indicated STOP.
The signal can be passed in the ‘stop’ position when a movement is being made towards the shunt neck or siding and not the running line.
What is the name of this signal?
Is it showing a Proceed or Stop aspect?
Position-light signals that display a proceed aspect
If a position-light signal displays two white lights at 45°, this authorises the driver to proceed at caution towards the next train, signal or buffer stop, and be prepared to stop short of any obstruction.
What is the name of this signal?
Position-light signals associated with a main aspect
These are normally positioned below the main aspect they are associated with, and often on the same signal post. The normal aspect for a position-light signal is unlit. This means ‘obey the main signal’.
What does this signal authorise you to do?
When the position-light signal shows two white lights at 45° it authorises the driver to proceed at caution towards the next train, signal or buffer stop, and be prepared to stop short of any obstruction.
What does this sign mean?
Position light signal that has an associated route indicator
Route indicators associated with position-light signals are of miniature design, and display a letter or a number that shows the route onto which the train is being signalled.
What does this image mean?
Colour light signals not in use
When not in use, main and position-light signals are covered up. Main aspects may also have a large ‘X’ displayed over the cover.
What does this signal mean and what indication is it giving?
Semaphore Distant signals
These signals show the following indications. Caution
- Indication by day: Arm horizontal.
- Indication by night: Yellow light or reflectorised indication.
Meaning: be prepared to stop at the next stop signal, or other specified place to which the distant signal applies
What is the name of this signal and what indication is it giving?
Semaphore Distant signal
Indication: Clear
- Indication by day: arm raised or lowered 45°.
- Indication by night: green light.
Meaning: all associated stop signals worked from the same signal box are clear.
If there is only one distant signal provided for a diverging junction, this signal applies to all trains that approach it
What does this signal mean and what indication is it giving?
Semaphore Stop signal
Indication: Danger
- Indication by day: arm horizontal.
- Indication by night: red light.
Meaning: STOP
What does this signal mean and what indiction is it giving?
Semaphore Stop signal
Indication: Clear
- Indication by day: arm raised or lowered 45°.
- Indication by night: green light.
- Meaning: proceed.
What does this image mean?
Semaphore signals not in use
When semaphore signals are not in use, they have:
- A large X fixed on the signal arm, or
- The disc covered over.
What is the name of this sign and what does it mean?
Limit of shunt signals or indicators
Limit of shunt signals or indicators Limit of shunt signals or indicators are either:
- instructions on illuminated signs, or
- two red lights horizontally displayed.
No part of the train may pass a limit of shunt signal or indicator unless authorised by the signaller.
If a limit of shunt signal or indicator is passed without authority, it is a signal passed at danger.
What is the name of this sign. And when may you proceed past it?
Stop Board
The driver or person controlling the movement may only proceed past the stop board when:
- The instructions on the stop board have been carried out,
- Permission to do so has been given by the authorised person.
If a stop board is passed without authority, it is a signal passed at danger.
What is the name of this sign?
Possession limit boards (PLB)
A PLB identifies the boundary of a possession. They may also be used as part of the protection for a line blockage. The board is red, double-sided and is visible along the line in both directions. It will also have a steady or flashing red light visible along the line in both directions.
If a PLB is passed without authority, it is a signal passed at danger.
What does this board mean?
Work-site marker boards
Work-site marker boards may be provided within a possession of a running line.
It has two red flashing lights which indicate an entrance to a work site. The authority of the Engineering Supervisor or Safe Work Leader is needed to pass it. It has two yellow flashing lights which indicate an exit from a work site. The authority of the PICOP is needed to pass it. Both indications are treated as a stop signal.
What is the name of this indicator. And where would it be provided?
Off’ indicators
If an ‘OFF’ indicator is provided at a platform, it will:
- show the word ‘OFF’ when the signal to which it applies shows a proceed aspect
- allow a guard or platform staff to check the signal is clear before commencing the train despatch procedure
- show no indication when the signal to which it applies is at danger. On a bi-directional platform line, the ‘OFF’ indication may be accompanied by an ‘UP’ or ‘DN’ or other indication to show which route has been set.
An ‘OFF’ indication does not always mean the line ahead is clear as the signal to which it applies may have been cleared for another train standing ahead in the same platform. ‘OFF’ indicators may be provided at locations other than platforms to show the driver that the signal to which they apply is displaying a proceed aspect.
What does this signal mean?
What does the top and bottom signals indicate
Banner repeating signals
Banner repeating signals are provided on the approach to certain signals which have restricted sighting (for example because of curvature of the line, buildings or tunnels), to give advance information of the signal aspect.
Position: On (TOP)
Meaning: the signal to which it applies is at danger.
Position: Off (Bottom)
Meaning: the signal to which it applies is displaying a proceed aspect.
What does this indicator mean?
‘Close-doors’ indicator
Close-doors indicators display the letters ‘CD’ when illuminated, and let the driver know that it is safe to close the power-operated doors on the train.
What does this indicator mean?
‘Right-away’ indicators
Right-away indicators display the letters ‘R’ or ‘RA’. If this indicator is illuminated, it tells the driver that station duties are complete, the train is secure and that it is safe to proceed.
What does this sign mean?
Rear clear marker
This sign informs the driver that the train has cleared a defined location to the rear.
What does this marker mean?
Mid-platform train berth marker
This sign informs the driver of the sub-divisions along a station platform to permit its use by more than one train.
What does this board mean?
Whistle boards
A whistle board may be provided on the approach to some level crossings. The whistle board can be a retro-reflective round sign or a cut out.
What does this indicator mean?
Automatic warning system (AWS) cancelling indicators
Where the AWS magnet is permanently installed.
On single and bi-directional lines, the AWS magnet will normally be suppressed for movements for which it does not apply, this means the AWS will not operate. However, there are some locations where the AWS magnet is not suppressed. In these cases a cancelling indicator is provided to tell the driver that the AWS warning indication does not apply to trains travelling
What does this indicator mean?
Automatic warning system (AWS) cancelling indicators
Where the AWS magnet is provided in connection with a temporary or emergency speed restriction on a single or bi-directional line.
On single and bi-directional lines, the AWS magnet will normally be suppressed for movements for which it does not apply, this means the AWS will not operate. However, there are some locations where the AWS magnet is not suppressed. In these cases a cancelling indicator is provided to tell the driver that the AWS warning indication does not apply to trains travelling
What does this sign mean?
AWS gap indicators
Circle: start of AWS gap Square: End of AWS gap
In some AWS fitted areas AWS equipment is not provided throughout. These areas are identified with the following signs. Where AWS is not provided at a station on a line equipped with AWS.
What does this sign mean?
AWS on a bi-directional line
Red cross: start of AWS gap/ Dimond: End of AWS gap
On some bi-directional lines, AWS equipment is not provided in the opposite direction. However, for a temporary or emergency speed restriction, AWS will be provided in both directions.
What does this sign mean?
Level crossing signs (Warning Board)
Automatic barrier crossing locally monitored, automatic open crossing locally monitored crossings and open crossings
The warning board means that there is an automatic barrier crossing locally monitored, automatic open crossing locally monitored or an open crossing ahead.
What does this sign mean?
Speed restriction board
The differential & speed restriction board shows the permissible speed from the board to the level crossing.
What does this sign mean?
Combined speed & whistle board
At open level crossings the speed restriction or stop board is combined with a whistle board.
What does this sign mean?
Wrong-direction boards
Wrong-direction speed restriction boards are positioned on the approach to level crossings that have wrong-direction controls.
The numerals show the permissible speed from the board to the level crossing. Black numerals on a white background denote mph and white numerals on a black background denote km/h.
What is the difference between these Permissible speed indicators signs?
Permissible speed indicators
Permissible speed indicators show the start of the permissible speed. Black text on a white background show the speed in mph. White text on black background shows the speed in km/h.
What does this sign mean?
Warning indicators
Warning indicators are provided on the approach to certain speed indicators and give a warning of a reduction in permissible speed ahead.
Black text on a white background shows the speed in mph. White text on black background shows the speed in km/h.
There may also be a fixed AWS magnet on the approach to the indicator.
What does this sign mean?
Permissible speed indicators at diverging junctions
These show the speed to the left or right of the straight route at a diverging junction.
If there are diverging junctions to both the left and right and the permissible speed is the same, there is only one indicator.
What does these signs mean?
Differential permissible speed indicators
The bottom figure always shows the higher speed. It applies to:
- passenger trains (loaded or empty)
- parcels and postal trains (loaded or empty)
- light locomotives.
The top figure applies to all other trains
What does this sign mean?
Temporary speed restriction signs
Warning boards
A warning board is placed on the approach to a temporary speed restriction ahead. An AWS magnet is provided on the approach to a warning board.
There will be no AWS in AWS gap areas.
What does this sign mean?
Speed indicator
A speed indicator shows the start of the speed restriction and the permitted speed over the restriction.
What does these signs mean?
Directional indicators: A directional indicator on a warning board or speed indicator shows that there is a speed restriction ahead on a portion of line that goes off to the left or right of the straight route at a diverging junction.
Differential temporary speed restrictions: A temporary speed restriction can show different speeds which apply to different types of trains.
What does this sign mean?
Termination indicator
The termination indicator shows the end of the speed restriction.
What does this sign mean?
SPATE indicator
The SPATE indicator shows the speed restriction has been withdrawn or will not be imposed. SPATE is an abbreviation of ‘Speed Previously Advised Terminated Early’.
What does this sign mean?
Repeating warning board
A repeating warning board is placed on the end of a platform or a connection from a siding or dead-end platform line to remind the driver there is a temporary speed restriction ahead. The board will also have the associated speed indicator or a spate indicator below the board.
What does this indicator mean?
When an emergency speed restriction is to be imposed an emergency indicator will also be used.
The indicator has flashing white lights which will be working at all times.
An AWS magnet is provided on the approach to an emergency indicator for an emergency speed restriction ahead.
There will be no AWS in AWS gap areas.
What does this sign mean?
GSM-R radio area
This sign indicates the start of a GSM-R radio section
What does this sign mean?
Areas where GSM-R radio is not provided
This sign indicates the end of a GSM-R radio section.
What does this sign mean?
GSM-R alias plate
In places where there is no signal or where there may be confusion over the number to enter when registering the cab radio, an alias plate may be provided.
What is the name of this plate and what does it mean?
GSM-R signalbox phone number plate
At certain signals the GSM-R network may not be able to automatically route calls from the driver to the signaller who controls the area. This sign is a reminder to drivers of the signaller’s GSM-R phone number.
What is the name of this plate and what does it mean?
GSM-R signalbox short code plate
An alternative method has been developed to avoid a driver having to dial the long 8-digit number. This is achieved by dialling a short code number. This sign displays the correct signaller’s GSM-R short code number.
Where would you find this telephones?
Lineside telephones
These telephones are provided to contact the signaller.
What does the signs on these telephones mean?
When can you use these telephones?
Limited clearance telephones
Telephones with yellow or white diamonds with the letter X or a yellow roundel.
If any of these signs are displayed it means that the signal post telephone is not in a position of safety. It may only be used to contact the signaller:
- in an emergency
- if told that the adjacent line has been blocked.
What does the signs on this telephone indicate?
Telephone with limited clearance warning signs
These signs mean that a train driver may use the signal post telephone because it is in a position of safety in relation to the adjacent line and protection is provided by the presence of the train.
The telephone may only be used by other staff to contact the signaller:
- in an emergency
- if told that the line to which it applies has been blocked.
What does this sign indicate and where would it be located?
Signals without telephones
This sign means that a telephone is not provided but the presence of the train or shunting movement is indicated to the signaller.
What does this sign indicate?
White diamond sign with a telephone number displayed
This sign means that a telephone is not provided but the presence of the train or shunting movement is indicated to the signaller. If GSM-R or CSR is not available the signaller may be contacted using the telephone number on the plate.
What does this sign indicate?
Low adhesion hazard signs
Entrance to a low adhesion area:
This sign informs the driver of the entrance to a low adhesion area.
What does this sign indicate?
Low adhesion hazard sign
Exit from a low adhesion area:
This sign informs the driver of the exit from a low adhesion area.
What does this sign indicate?
Coasting boards
This board advises that the driver may coast to a stopping point or significant speed reduction beyond the board.
What does this marker indicate?
Car stop markers
These signs inform the driver of the correct stopping point for the train.
What does this marker indicate?
Mile posts marker
These signs are situated on the lineside and used to identify locations. The number denotes the mileage and each mark under the number denotes quarter of a mile.
What does this sign mean?
Gradient signs
These signs are situated on the lineside and used to identify the change in gradient at that particular location. Gradients are expressed as a ratio. e.g ‘1 in 460’ means the track rises (or falls) one unit in every 460 units. The angles of the gradient signs indicate the direction of the slope
What does this sign indicate?
Spring catch points sign
These signs are placed on the approach to spring catch points.
What does this sign mean?
Bridge identity plates
These signs identify the location of bridge structures.
What does this sign indicate
Limited clearance sign
This sign means there is no position of safety on this side of the railway for the length of the structure. It is not safe to enter or stand at that location when a train is approaching.
What does this sign indicate?
No refuges warning sign
This sign means there is no position of safety on this side of the railway for the length of the structure. However, there are positions of safety, or refuges, on the opposite side of the railway line.
What does this sign indicate?
No refuges warning sign
This sign means there is no position of safety on this side of the railway for the length of the structure. However, there are positions of safety, or refuges, on the opposite side of the railway line.
What does this sign indicate?
End of emergency special working sign
This sign indicates the end of an emergency special working section.
What does this handsignal indicate?
Red handsignal
A red flag during daylight or a red light during darkness or poor visibility means ‘STOP’.
What does this handsignal indicate?
Yellow handsignal
A yellow flag during daylight or a yellow light during darkness or poor visibility is used when giving authority to pass a signal at danger.
What does this handsignal indicate?
Green handsignal
A green flag during daylight or a green light during darkness or poor visibility is used to give authority to pass over a level crossing.
What does this handsignal mean?
Lookout handsignal
A blue and white chequered flag is used between lookouts to inform of an approaching train. Drivers can ignore this handsignal.
