Danish Signaling, Exit Signals (Private Lines)

Updated 990313

Introduction
Exit Signal Types
Exit Signal Aspects and Indications
     "Stop" (Danish: "Stop")
     "Proceed" (Danish: "Kør")
Exit Signal Useage
     Location of Exit Signals
Peculiarities

Introduction

Exit signals are found on almost all stations today. Their purpose is to control the exit of trains from the station area and onto the line. This document describes the Exit Signal as it is used on the Private Lines.

Exit Signal Types

Exit Signals on the Private Lines may be divided into two physical types, a 2-lamp and a 3-lamp type as shown below. The 3-lamp type is the most widespread today, and is used as a common signal for both tracks on 2-track stations:

The exact physical design varies somewhat from line to line, but the number of lamps and their use is standardized.

Exit Signals on the Private Lines never advance signal the following Main Signal.

On junction stations, the 2-lamp Exit Signal type may be equipped with a supplementary Route Destination Indicator of the special small type used only on Private Lines:

Exit Signal Aspects and Indications

"Stop" (Danish: "Stop")


Stop.	X	X	X

"Proceed" (Danish: "Kør")


Proceed at prescribed speed	X	X	X	X
Exit only permitted from the "Straight" track			X
Exit only permitted from the "Diverging" track				X
Train is routed towards the indicated destination		X

Exit Signal Useage

The Private Lines feature a number of different usages of Exit Signals. Below are shown the principles of these variations. It is not uncommon for a station to have different signal equipment in the two ends of a station.

Location of Exit Signals

Common Exit Signal for both tracks

Most stations on the Private Lines are small single track stations with a siding for meets. The most widespread signal configuration on these stations today uses only one Exit Signal as a common signal for both signaled tracks. The Exit Signal is usually located near the exit switch, of course visible from both tracks:

The common Exit Signal is a 3-lamp signal, using the two "Proceed" aspects to indicate which track, exit is permitted from:

Exit Signals at Platform Tracks

Some stations on the Private Lines conform to the practices of the Danish State Railway Agency. The reason for this can be either that the visibility of a common Exit Signal would be unacceptable, or that the railway prefers the lower risk of misunderstandings in interpreting dual Exit Signals compared to a common signal:

Exit Signals at junction stations

Common Exit Signals are never used at junction stations due to the obvious risk of misinterpretation of indications (from which track to which line). On some junction stations the Exit Signals are instead located at the end of the platform tracks, and supplemented by a Route Destination Indicator:

Exit Signals with Platform Exit Signal

The combination of Platform Exit Signals and Exit Signal is used for one of several reasons. One reason is if there is a need for local switching at the station, as the Platform Exit Signal is capable of showing signal aspects for switching or of being "canceled". Another reason for Platform Exit Signals is visibility, similarly to the Exit Signal at Platform Track. The Platform Exit Signal allows for duplication (repeater) signals to be placed earlier in the platform track. Platform Exit Signals can also be used at junction stations, similar to State Railway use.