Fig. 5 Electronic block system

6 Signal Devices

When operating trains or shunting cars, there are a large number of conditions must be understood such as whether the route is open in the correct direction, whether there is sufficient headway with the preceding train, and whether operation may be started, etc. These conditions are conveyed by railway signal devices through a combination of shapes, colors and sounds, etc.

These signals are used to allow people to judge train operation and car shunting conditions according to fixed rules, and are therefore set to enable simple handling and prevent signals from being misread.

Signal devices are divided into signals, signs and markers. The main types of signal devices are listed below, but multiple color light signals are used as main signals.

Signals -- Fixed signals -- Main signals -- Home signals, departure signals, block signals, call on signals, shunting signals

Subsidiary signals -- Distant signals, repeating signals

Signal appendent -- Route indicators, preliminary route indicators

Temporary signals -- Slow speed signals, slow speed approach signals, slow speed release signals

Special signals -- Flare signals, accident warning audible signals (radio), obstruction warning indicators

Signs -- Departure signs, shunting signs

Markers -- Train stop markers, track end markers, shunting indicators, speed limit markers

Of these signals, the major types are described below.

Call on signals: These signals are used to guide trains in from the home signal position for the purpose of coupling with other trains on departure and arrival tracks (speeds of 15 km/h or less).

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