I’d like some clarification in regards to German signal aspects. Specifically on the Hagen-Wuppertal route: What is this signal telling me? As far as I know, a signal showing a green light above a yellow light indicates a speed of 60km/h and typically doesn’t need acknowledging. But not only did this one need acknowledging, there was no indication of a 60km/h limit anywhere (no diverging, limited aspects or anything) and track speed rose to 80kmh shortly after, then 100. Clearly I’m missing something! Now it’s got me wondering; does the 60km/h rule apply the same way to distant signals as it does for main signals? And what does it mean when the Ne3 Vorsignaltafel board is without a signal? Haven’t seen these outside of Niddertalbahn: Final question; when a Ks HP shows a yellow/green aspect on both signals should the driver slow to 60 or 40km/h? Or does it depend on the route/area? Many thanks in advance.
Vorsignale showing yellow/green always need acknowledging. Target speed is where route knowledge comes into play. Sometimes it's 40, sometimes 60. It catches me out all the time too. Ne3 Vorsignaltafel without signal should be treated as yellow/yellow so expect stop. Always acknowledge.
Ok- second question first. The Ne3 Tafel IS the "Vorsignal"- that sign is what makes it official. If it is not accompanied by lights, then it requires acknowledgement, always. No exceptions (its associated magnet is always energized). _____________________________________ Now for the first: That's Hp, not Ks, some Hp VS heads are rectangular, not angled. Ks never displays green-yellow at the same time; the Vr2 ("expect slow") indication in Ks is flashing green, and there will always be a Zs3. In Hp, green-yellow at the VS (Vr2) tells you that the HS is also showing green-yellow (Hp2). It does NOT mean "60"; it does mean a speed reduction coming up. Assume 40 at the HS, because that's what Hp2 means unless accompanied by a Zs3 numeral specifying something else; in most cases (but not all) the VS should then be displaying a Zs3v speed warning. I'm not aware of any light combination in Hp or Ks which means "60," and signaled speeds only apply beginning at the HS, never the VS (but of course you must immediately slow to 85/70/55 depending on PZB mode). In Austria double green means 60, but not in Germany.
To clarify further, in Austria the 'vorsignal' has three lights, so it can show: yellow/green/green = 60 kmh yellow/yellow/green = 40 kmh yellow/yellow/off = expect stop green/green/off = carry on
Thank you! I did indeed mistake the HL for a Ks whoops. It’s been a while since I watched Matt’s PZB tutorial! Would you mind explaining to me what the various names for aspects mean? ie. Zs3, Zs3v As well as the different signal types? ie. Hp, Ks, HL, etc. If you have the time it would be very much appreciated!
This should have the most crucial bits of information for you: http://www.sh1.org/eisenbahn/s.htm If you’re talking about the literal meaning of the abbreviations instead of how that translates into a signal, they’re all abbreviations of rather straightforward German railway terminology. Some examples: Hp - Hauptsignal (proper signal) Ks - Kombinationssignal (combined signal) Hl - Hauptlichtsignal (proper light signal) Zs 3v - Zusatzsignal 3 Vorsignal (additional signal 3 distant signal) Vr 2 - Vorsignal 2 (distant signal 2) etc.
Thanks! That is exactly what I meant! From what little research I’ve done, I am pretty surprised how straightforward German railway signs and signals are. But still find myself getting tripped up over simple things like this. Also I assume by “proper” you mean main signal?I’m also learning German so those will be great practice for my pronunciation!
Proper, main, whatever works for you It was late at night and I didn’t remember from the top of my head if ‘main signal’ works for everyone so I just ‘proper’ as opposed to mere ‘distant’ signals. That’s great to hear - I wish you the best of luck on your way!
Have a look at this: https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic....eg_Nord_Driver_s_Manual_-_EN.pdf?t=1666394199
