Signalling

The signalling principles used on The Medway Vale Line & South East are the same as those used on modern railways in the United Kingdom. The type of signals used in-game are the UK Pro signals. Custom variations of them have been created as well. Ground signals, co-acting and splitting distant signals created by emacph on UKTS are also used.

In this article, information about the signal aspects, variations and junction signalling will be explained, as well as speed limit signs. For additional information about UK Railway Signalling, check the Wikipedia article here.

What are Signals?
Railway signals are one of the most important components on a railway line. They protect trains from collisions, conflicting movements and keep trains operating within a safe distance. They can also be used to protect trains at Level Crossings, Swing Bridges, Tunnels, Entrances to single track sections and can provide route information for drivers on where the route is set for as well as train dispatch staff on if the signals are off or not. Without signals, especially in this age, it would be nigh on impossible to control trains in a safe manner.

Types of Signals
Before

Examining a Signal
Let's examine a 4 aspect automatic signal and break down what a signal is formed of:



Signal Head -
==== The head is where the signal aspects will be indicated to the driver from. Please note that in some cases, the position of where the green and red lamps may be switched on a 3 or 4 aspect signal may be switched in some specific cases, such as, a signal on the ground, a Co-Acting signal or some signals in tunnels. ====

Signal Box Indication Plate -
==== Each signal is identified by a unique code on a plate on the signal post. It refers to the signal box that is in control of that signal and which signal that is. A list of all the signal box codes will be provided later. ====

Signal Box Telephone (SPT) -
==== Please note: These are purely cosmetic in TS2015. SPTs are used to enable the driver and/or train crew to contact the signal box. They may be located further from the signal if the signal head is located on a gantry. ====

Signal Aspects
Almost all types of signals in the world are identified by the arrangement of lights that the signal indicates, called a Signal Aspect. We will look at all the types of signal aspects shown and what they mean, both for LED, Colour Light and Shunting Signals:

Shunting Signals
Other Signals