Railway Signaling Systems Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of Fixed Signals in rail traffic regulation?

They provide entertainment for passengers.

They are used to control train speeds.

They separate and regulate rail traffic. (correct)

They indicate the weather conditions.

Where are Fixed Signals typically positioned for optimal visibility?

At a distance of 100 meters from the crossing.

On the right-hand side of the track only.

At the station's main entrance.

On the left-hand side of the track, or as required. (correct)

Which type of signal uses a colored arm to display aspects during the day?

Disc Signals

Semaphore Signals (correct)

Light Signals

Automatic Signals

What classification of Fixed Signals is designated for signaling at low speeds and for calling on trains?

Calling On and Low Speed Signals Signup and view all the answers

What do Disc Signals display during the day?

A red disc. Signup and view all the answers

Which signals are intended to indicate the status of the line ahead to train crews?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What determines the classification of Fixed Signals?

The function performed and the location of the signal. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of Light Signals?

They use colored lights for both day and night. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Calling on signal look like in its normal position?

Arm horizontal with obscured light Signup and view all the answers

When should co-acting signals be read as one signal?

When one signal is obstructed from view Signup and view all the answers

What happens if both signals show a proceed aspect?

Both signals must be considered to be at stop Signup and view all the answers

In the case of multiple signals on one post with only one co-acting arm or light, which signal applies?

The top signal applies to the co-acting arm or light Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration if conflicting aspects are displayed on co-acting signals?

Both signals must be treated as unsafe Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is true for Two Position Automatic Signals?

They use colored lights to indicate Stop or Proceed Signup and view all the answers

When are signals with a horizontal arm considered to be displaying a proceed aspect?

When a yellow light is visible Signup and view all the answers

What defines the role of Co-acting Signals in relation to visibility?

They compensate for obstructed signal visibility Signup and view all the answers

What should a driver do after passing a 'Reduce to Medium Speed' signal if the next signal shows an improved aspect?

Regulate speed according to the next signal Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Low Speed Caution' signal indicate?

The points are set correctly, but caution is needed Signup and view all the answers

What speed must not be exceeded when a 'Low Speed Caution' signal is displayed?

15 km/h Signup and view all the answers

When should a driver treat a signal as defective?

If the signal is displaying an incorrect light color Signup and view all the answers

Who must be informed if a defective signal cannot be secured at stop?

The Safeworking Manager Signup and view all the answers

What safety action should be taken if a signal is found to have multiple signals to proceed?

Treat it as defective and act on the most restrictive aspect Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the Signaller/Train Controller when encountering a defective signal?

To apply blocking facilities to prevent approaching rail traffic Signup and view all the answers

What should a driver be prepared for when the 'Low Speed Caution' signal is displayed?

To stop short of any obstructions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Calling On Signal

Consists of a short arm under the Home signal and applies to the same line as the Home signal
In the normal position, the light is obscured and the arm is horizontal
In the proceed position, the yellow light is visible or the arm is at 45 degrees below horizontal
Should both signals show a proceed aspect, then the signals must be considered to be at stop due to conflicting aspects

Co-Acting Signals

Used when a signal cannot be easily seen due to obstructions
Both signal arms or lights are read as a single signal
Can be placed on the same post with one signal higher or lower than the other
Can also be placed on separate posts but must not be read as separate signals
If conflicting aspects are displayed, both signals must be considered to be at the safest position
If there are two or more signals on the same post with only one co-acting arm or light, then the top signal applies to the co-acting arm or light

Two Position Automatic Signals

Use coloured lights to indicate Stop or Proceed
When “Reduce to Medium Speed” is displayed, the driver may proceed at normal speed but must reduce to medium speed (40 km/h) before the next signal
If after passing “Reduce to Medium Speed” the driver observes the next signal is displaying an improved aspect such as normal speed, the driver may regulate the speed to the aspect of that signal
LOW SPEED CAUTION – (RED over RED over YELLOW)
Indicated by a yellow light below two red lights
Indicates the points are set in the correct position for the driver to proceed but does not indicate the line is unoccupied
Driver must be prepared to stop short of any obstruction
The speed of the train must not exceed 15 km/h

Defective Signals

The Safeworking Manager must be informed when the defective signal cannot be secured at Stop or the most restrictive aspect
The Signaller/Train Controller must apply Blocking Facilities to prevent rail traffic from approaching the defective signal until authorised by the Safeworking Manager
The Safeworking Manager will determine any additional safety measures required for the safe operation of trains

Incorrectly Displayed Signals

Must be considered as defective and treated at their most restrictive aspect when:
- The absence of a signal when usually present
- A signal aspect imperfectly displayed
- Presence of a light where a red, purple, green or yellow light should be shown
- Exhibition of two signals to proceed where only one such signal should be displayed

Fixed Signals - Two Position

Purpose of Fixed Signals is to regulate the movement of Rail Traffic on the rail network and are used to:
- Separate and regulate Rail Traffic
- Indicate to the train crews and other competent employees of the status of the line ahead
- Show which route is set
Fixed Signals are located:
- Where they enable train crews to see and respond to in sufficient time to safely control the rail movement
- Where they provide a sufficient overlap
- And are normally positioned:
  - On the left hand side of the track – (can be placed on the right hand side as required)
  - Directly over the track to which they apply

Fixed Signals - Types

There are three types of Fixed Signals in Operation on the V/Line Network:
- Semaphore Signals
- Light Signals
- Disc Signals

Fixed Signals - Classifications

Fixed Signals are classified by the function performed and the location of the signal:
- Distant and Repeating Signals
- Home Signals
- Automatic Signals
- Calling On and Low Speed Signals

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers crucial aspects of railway signaling, including calling on signals and co-acting signals. Understand how these signal types function to ensure safe train operations. Test your knowledge on their positions, aspects, and usage in various scenarios.