Danish Signaling, Dwarf Signals
EARLY DRAFT
Updated 990320
Contents
Introduction
Dwarf Signal Types
Dwarf Signal Aspects and Indications
"No Passing" (Danish:
"Forbikørsel Forbudt")
"Pass with
Caution" (Danish: "Forsigtig Forbikørsel Tilladt")
"Pass" (Danish: "Forbikørsel
Tilladt")
"Canceled" (Danish:
"Signalet Annulleret")
Dwarf Signal Usage
General Usage
- to be written
"Pass
with Caution" vs. "Pass" - to be written
Canceling
Copenhagen
Suburban Railway - to be written
Peculiarities - to be written
Introduction
Dwarf Signals are station signals, designated by the letters
"DV", an abreviation of the Danish name DVærgsignaler. Dwarf
Signals can be located almost anywhere on a station, where a signal for
switching or for flank protection is required. Dwarf Signal proceed aspects
are only valid for switching, not for trains proceeding outside the station
area.
The Dwarf Signal was introduced in the rulebook in 1932. The first installation
was in Århus, on of Denmarks largest stations. The Dwarf Signals
came with the new type of interlocking system, built by Swedish L. M. Ericsson.
The Danish Dwarf signals are mirrored from the Swedish Dwarf Signals to
suit the Danish right hand running. Dwarf Signals are position light signals
very similar to signal types found in the USA. It is highly likely that
the North American signals were adopted by the Swedish Railways (around
1926), but this theory has not yet been confirmed.
The Platform Exit Signal appeared
in 1953 as a combination of a Dwarf Signal and a main signal, as described
in the Platform Exit Signal document. The "Dwarf Signal part" of the Platform
Exit Signal is functionally similar to a Dwarf Signal when used in switching
routes and most of the following description also applies to Platform Exit
Signals.
Dwarf Signal Types
Dwarf Signals show very little physical variety. Only the number of lamps
may vary, depending on local needs. Dwarf Signals with all lamps have often
been installed even where some lamps are obsolete. Dwarf Signals are most
often located at rail level and almost always to the right of the track.
The main physical types are:
The rightmost signal is normally used only where there are no switch
routes implemented in the interlocking system, i.e. where the Dwarf Signal
is only used for flank protection.
Further variations include signals missing the uppermost lamp and a
few signals apparently buit from Platform Exit Signal cases:
Dwarf Signals may be mounted on a mast or other structure where local
conditions dictate or where a specific Dwarf Signal is considered to be
extra important:
Dwarf Signal Aspects and Indications
"No Passing" (Danish: "Forbikørsel Forbudt")
| |
 |
|
|
X |
"Pass with Caution" (Danish: "Forsigtig Forbikørsel
Tilladt")
| |
 |
-
The signal may be passed with caution. The route may be occupied
|
X |
"Pass" (Danish: "Forbikørsel Tilladt")
| |
 |
-
The signal may be passed. The route is clear
|
X |
"Canceled" (Danish: "Signalet Annulleret")
| |
 |
-
Pretend the signal does not exist. The canceled signal is not in itself
a permission to start switching
|
X |
Dwarf Signal Usage
General Usage
Switch Routes
[....To be written....]
In Main Routes
[....To be written....]
"Pass with Caution" vs. "Pass"
Occupied Tracks and failed Flank Protection
[....To be written....]
Towards non-Interlocked Station Area
[....To be written....]
Simplified Switch Route Signaling
[....To be written....]
Canceling
Canceling Platform Exit and Dwarf Signals means that they may be disregarded.
Canceling is primarily used on stations either without switching routes
or where the use of switching routes may be impractical. The cancellation
of signals in, say, one end of a station, combined with release of switches
to local control, allows a switch crew to switch the area as if it was
a non-interlocked:
Canceling of signals is mostly used in smaller areas of stations. In
the example below, the (interlocked) siding is released for local switching
by canceling the Platform Exit Signals. The crossover to the Through Tracks
is not released, providing protection for signaled routes on the rest of
the station:
Copenhagen Suburban Railway
[....To be written....]
Peculiarities
Movable Bridges
[....To be written....]
End Point of Entry Routes
[....To be written....]