Signals for shunting

Important Note: This web site has not been updated since 2003 and is therefore not up-to-date. See here.

Signals for shunting

Evacuation signals
Shunting signals
Obstruction signal
Dwarf signals
Indications concerning locomotive intercoms (Lokwechselsprechstellen)
Move back und hump yard signal

The following indications can be found on evacuation, shunting and obstruction signals:


	Signals with a white triangular top can be ignored when dark.
	If it is not clear, which track the signal is intended for, little arrows are provided that show to the belonging track.

Evacuation signals


	Shunting forbidden (Rangieren verboten)
	Shunting allowed (Rangieren gestattet)
	A white light is shown on the rear side when the evacuation signal shows ''shunting allowed''.

These signals have no relevance for trains. If an evacuation signal displays ''shunting allowed'' the belonging track(s) can be used for shunting until ''shunting forbidden'' is shown. In case of ''shunting forbidden'' any shunting movement that is still on the belonging track(s) has to leave it (them)!

Shunting signals


a	b	c
			Stop for shunting movement (Halt für Rangierbewegung)
			Clear for shunting movement (Zustimmung zur Rangierbewegung)
			A white light is shown on the rear side when the shunting signal shows ''clear for shunting movement''.

These signals have no relevance for trains. A shunting movement has to wait in front of a signal showing »stop« until it changes to »proceed«.

Column »b« shows shunting signals were the stop aspect is painted on the backboard. The signal in column »c« has no lamps at all and is used as shunt limit.

Obstruction signal


	Stop (Halt) Applies to trains and shunting movements.
	Clear for shunting movement (Zustimmung zur Rangierbewegung)
	Stop (Halt) Mechanical obstruction signal.

Dwarf signals

These signals were introduced in 1950. They are used to control shunting movements but have also relevance for trains. However, a train will in general only find dwarf signals showing a proceed aspect. Dwarf signals are only found in combination with interlockings that provide shunt routes (spoorplan interlockings, electronic interlockings). In such installations switch signals are omitted.

Note: in older installations also mirrored versions of the dwarf signals exist.

Aspects


	Stop (Halt)
	Proceed with caution (Fahrt mit Vorsicht) Shunting can be started or continued, but an obstacle has to be expected. The next dwarf signal shows either ''stop'' or ''Proceed with caution'' or there is no more dwarf signal on the shunting route. On train routes the last dwarf signal preceeding a ''stop'' showing main signal shows ''Proceed with caution''.
	Proceed (Fahrt) The shunting route is clear. The next dwarf shows either ''proceed'' or »proceed with caution«. On train routes the last dwarf signal of the station shows ''proceed''.

Rear side view


	On the rear side of a dwarf signal there is a white painted arrow pointing to the belonging track.
	On the rear side a white slanted bar lights up when the dwarf signal shows ''proceed'' or ''proceed with caution''.

Add-ons


	If a dwarf signal is exceptionally positioned on the right hand sight an illuminated arrow points to the belonging track.
	Dwarf signals with a white triangular top have no relevance when dark. Such signals are only allowed in secondary tracks.

Additional indicator for mixed gauge tracks


	Proceed (Fahrt) Only for standard gauge vehicles (N = Normalspur = standard gauge)
	Proceed (Fahrt) Only for narrow gauge vehicles (S = Schmalspur = narrow gauge)

Indications concerning locomotive intercoms (Lokwechselsprechstellen)

I'm not sure if locomotive intercom is an adequate translation for Lokwechselsprechstelle.


	Intercom with obligatoric call (Obligatorischer Ruf)
	Intercom with facultative call (Fakultativer Ruf)

Move back und hump yard signal


	Move back (Rückstellen) Move back from the signal.

Hump yard signal


		Stop (Halt)
		Push (Schieben)
		Push faster (Schneller schieben)
		Move back (Zurückziehen)

(Last Update: 9.11.2002)

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