Danish Signaling, Semaphore Signal Summary

Main Signals of Private Lines

Introduction
Entry Signal Aspects and Indications 1903-1936
Entry Signal Aspects and Indications 1936-
Exit Signal Aspects and Indications 1936-
Rear View of Main Signals
Multiple Entry Signals

Introduction

Originally, the "private lines" (local secondary lines with low-speed traffic) used simplified rules and virtually no interlockings. Even though the Danish State Railways introduced a new unified signalling concept in 1903, many private lines kept using pre-1903 3-aspect signals for decades.

The signals were used as entry signals controlling traffic into, or through, stations, junctions, spurs etc. (departure would be controlled by hand signals). The most common type had one arm for each direction of traffic, on a common mast and often with a common lamp. As necessary, separate masts with one arm each could be used instead. For terminals, this version was always used.


The signal would usually be located at the platform so as to be visible by trains approaching from both directions. The "stop" aspect was to be interpreted as stopping before the station limit - this would typically be 100-200 m ahead of the signal.

During the 1920s, the private lines began adapting to the signal concepts of Danish State Railways (although not implementing the rather expensive rule of  locating entry signals at the station limits). In 1936, a unified rulebook for all private lines was introduced - similar, but not identical, to the DSB rulebook of 1935.

Signals were now generally 2-aspect - entry signals with 2 arms being used when 3 aspects were required. An auxilliary aspect "signal not in use" was introduced to support more flexible traffic rules.


The 1936 rulebook also introduced distant signals (similar to the DSB type) and exit signals (identical to entry signals with one arm). These signal types were rarely used by the private lines. Below is an example of a combined entry and exit signal (Præstø): The higher arm is the entry signal, and the lower arm is the exit signal for the opposite direction of traffic.



During the 1960s, private lines were either closed or upgraded with relay interlockings and light signals. The new rulebook of 1975 still included the basic semaphore signal aspects, but except for a few museum lines, semaphores have not been in use since the mid-1970s.

Entry Signal Aspects and Indications 1903-1936

The aspects shown in this section are examples of the pre-1936 style signals - many colour and shape variations existed.

The signals were gradually converted into unified style, probably much earlier than 1936.

"Stop (before station limit)" (Danish: "Stop (Hold udenfor)")

Stop before station limit.

From the 1920s, the station limit would be marked by a white square sign. The sign was used also if the signal was located at the station limit.

"Proceed" (Danish: "Kør frem")

Proceed on Entry Route at prescribed speed. Stop at the station.

"Proceed Through" (Danish: "Kør Igennem")

Proceed through station at prescribed speed.

The rightmost aspect is not explicitly mentioned by the known pre-1936 rulebooks, but supported by photographic evidence. It was probably used when the station was unmanned (refer to explanation of the similar DSB-concept).


Entry Signal Aspects and Indications 1936-

The aspects shown in this section are examples of the unified style signals - many colour and shape variations existed.

No. 1 "Stop (before station limit)" (Danish: "Stop (Hold udenfor)")

Stop before station limit.

No. 2 "Proceed" (Danish: "Kør")

Proceed on Entry Route at prescribed speed. Stop at the station.

No. 3 "Proceed Through" (Danish: "Kør Igennem")

Proceed through station at prescribed speed.

The auxilliary hand signal would be given from the platform if the station was equipped with interlocking. Otherwise, the hand signal would be given from the location of the first facing turnout.

"Signal not in use" (Danish: "Signalet ude af funktion")

The station does not take part in the dispatching of trains. Turnouts are locked for the main track.

Entry signals with two arms were probably never equipped for this aspect.

Exit Signal Aspects and Indications 1936-

The aspects shown in this section are examples of the unified style signals.

No. 1 "Stop (no departure)" (Danish: "Stop (Udkørsel forbudt)")

   

Departure not permitted.

No. 2 "Proceed" (Danish: "Kør")

 

Departure permitted.

If the station had access to more than one line in the same direction, there would be an exit signal for each line.

"Signal not in use" (Danish: "Signalet ude af funktion")


The station does not take part in the dispatching of trains. Turnouts are locked for the main track.

The rulebook permitted this aspect for exit signals, but it is not known whether it was actually used.


Rear view of Main Signals

Entry signals with arm(s) for one traffic direction only, would usually be equipped with colour filters for rear view.

Refer to illustration in the Main Signal section.


Multiple Entry Signals

A junction would have 2 entry signals per track, each signal corresponding to a specific route destination through the junction.

Refer to illustration in the Main Signal section and Erik V Pedersen's pictures from Ryaa, the last junction in operation (until 1963).



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Copyright © 2005 Henrik W Karlsson