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

Signal descriptions  Signals supplementing train signals 1

Brake test and departure signal

Signals supplementing train signals 2

• Track number and direction indicator
• Example for the use of direction indicators
• Track indicator for group exit signals
• AOMC: Combined track number and direction indicator
• CJ: direction indicator in Le Noirmont
• Proceed indicator
• Stopping marker board for group signals (Gruppensignal-Halttafel)

Track number and direction indicator

These indicators add a slight touch of route signalling to Swiss signalling. In some cases they are just an additional information for the engine driver without relevance for safety. But when supplementing group exit signals they are very important.

To understand the meanings of direction indicators one will in general need specific knowledge of the local situation.

	Track number indicator (Gleisnummernsignal) Case 1: Shows the track number where the route leads to. Case 2: On group signals (exit signals that are valid for more than one track) the track number indicator shows to which track the proceed aspect applies.
	Direction indicator (Richtungssignal) Letter indicates station or track group to which or from which the route is set.

Example for the use of direction indicators

The maps below show an existing example: the turning back station of Combe-Tabeillon, operated by the Chemins de fer du jura. The direction indicators under the exit signals show either »G« for Glovelier or »B« for Bollemont.

The Chemins de fer du jura also use a differing direction indicator in their station of Le Noirmont.

Track indicator for group exit signals

This indicator displays an arrow which shows to the track to which the proceed aspect of a group exit signal applies.

		Proceed aspect applies to the left or right track respectively. This version can be found in the official rule book. It's used for example by Wynen- und Suhrentalbahn (WSB).

RhB version

Rhätische Bahn uses a differing version of the arrow.

		Proceed aspect applies to the left or right track respectively.

AOMC: Combined track number and direction indicator

In their station of Monthey the AOMC (Aigle - Ollon - Monthey - Champery) uses an indicator which combines direction and track number inidication. It is attached to the group exit signal. The letter »A« means »Aigle« whereas »C« stands for »Champery«.

	Exit to Aigle from track 1. »C3« would mean: exit to Champery from track 3.

CJ: direction indicator in Le Noirmont

In the branch station of Le Noirmont the CJ (Chemins de fer du Jura) use an evacuation signal that is also used as a simple direction indicator. It is situated atop the (group) exit signal.

	Normal position The exit signal shows stop and the evacuation signal is dark (signals with a white triangular top have no relevance when dark).
	Shunting forbidden This aspect is shown shortly before the exit signal changes to the free aspect or when a train is about to enter the station from the counter direction.
	Line clear in the direction to Glovelier (left branch)
	Line clear in the direction to Tavannes (right branch)

Proceed indicator

This signal was first introduced in 1995. It shows whether the exit signal shows a proceed aspect. It is used ...

• ... in stations where the exit signal is hard to see from the normal halting place of trains and
• ... in stations with group exit signals to show to which track the proceed aspect of the exit signal applies.

	Proceed indicator (Fahrtstellungsmelder) The belonging main signal shows a proceed aspect from this track. Engine driver may proceed with 40 km/h until he recognizes the aspect of the belonging main signal.

Stopping marker board for group signals (Gruppensignal-Halttafel)

This board shows the outmost limit where a train has to stop if the group exit signal doesn't show a proceed aspect for the belonging track. It is either supplemented by a proceed indicator or a ''proceed aspect board''

		Stopping marker board with proceed indicator (Gruppensignal-Halttafel mit Fahrtstellungsmelder) Passing is only allowed when the group exit signal shows a proceed aspect and the proceed indicator lights up. See Example.
		Stopping marker board with proceed aspect board (Gruppensignal-Halttafel mit Fahrbegrifftafel) May only be passed when the group exti signal shows the indicated proceed aspect. See Example.
		Stopping marker board with info board (Gruppensignal-Halttafel mit Info-Tafel) Passing allowed only with permission given by station master.
		Originally the triangle of the stopping marker board was black. In some stations one can still find this old version.

(Last Update: 30.06.2003)

Signal descriptions  Signals supplementing train signals 1

Brake test and departure signal