Distant signal is a term used to denote a type of railway signal that repeats the indication of a following signal and warns a train of the need to stop at that following home signal. The term originated in British English and is used throughout the English-speaking world. In some regions, notably North America, the terms distant signal and approach signal are both in common usage.

Because of the long distance required to bring a moving train to a stand — particularly on high speed routes — distant signals must be located at at least braking distance from the corresponding stop signal.

In British signalling practice, a distant signal may not be cleared unless all of the stop signals controlled by the signal box in question are clear.

Shapes and colours

Distant signals vary around the world, in shape, colour, illumination, and behaviour.

In the United Kingdom and in North America, distant signals consist of a semaphore arm. The end of the signal blade has a fishtail (notched "V") shape to distinguish it from a home signal, the latter having a flat-end blade. The distant signal blade is painted yellow with a black stripe also in the shape of the letter "V".

The application of both light and dark colours to the blade assists sighting regardless of the background. Where the background is particularly problematic to adequate sighting of the signal, an artificial background would be provided. Distant signals display a yellow light in the Caution position, and a green light in the Clear position.

Combined stop and distant signal

Where signals are closely spaced, stop signals and distant signals can be mounted on the same post. The two signals are interlocked or "slotted" so that the distant signal can only clear if the stop signal is clear.

With mechanical signals, two lights are always shown.

With colour light signals, only one light is shown.

Combined stop and distant semaphore signals in North America behaved in a similar fashion, but this type of signal system is nearly extinct, with nearly all the remaining instances of combined stop and distant semaphore signals having been replaced by three-aspect colour light within recent years.

Other countries

Germany

In German, the term Vorsignal ("pre-signal") is the equivalent of the English term "distant signal". Indications for light signals are:

• home signal showing Stop: distant shows two diagonal yellow lights.
• home signal showing clear: distant shows two diagonal green lights.
• home signal showing clear for reduced-speed route: distant shows diagonal yellow and green lights.

See also: German railway signalling

Norway

Indicates next home signal clear.

• Y = Yellow (unlit)
• FG = Flashing Green (lit)

See Norwegian railway signalling.

See also

References

Railway signalling

Předvěst | Vorsignal