Auxiliary signal
The auxiliary signal is a railway signal for train journeys defined in the Swiss driving regulations . It is one of the emergency controls, so it is only used when a main signal cannot be set to drive. In Germany the same function is ensured by a substitute signal .
distribution
In principle, every main signal can be equipped with an auxiliary signal. In the network of the Swiss Federal Railways , every entry signal is equipped with an auxiliary signal at almost all stations. It is also possible in the type L system that the red lamp flashes. This also applies as an auxiliary signal.
Main signal with distant signal and auxiliary signal (lower) type L
Auxiliary signal type N
commitment
If it is not possible to set the signal to normal travel due to a malfunction, approval for travel can be given by the auxiliary signal after the prescribed safety measures have been taken. The train driver is allowed to continue driving at a maximum of 40 km / h and driving on sight until the next main signal. The advantage is that the train driver does not have to dictate a collective command to drive on sight, for which the train driver would have to stop his train.
effect
Switching on the auxiliary signal causes the signal box to bypass all possible obstacles in the route . For this reason it is also often compared to a "bedside table lamp" that can be switched on and off again as required. For this reason, the dispatcher must check, for example, the correct position of the switches, the closing of the level crossings and other things before activating the auxiliary signal .
However, the comparison with the “bedside table lamp” is not entirely correct, because when you enter a train station via an auxiliary signal, the section block is also returned to its basic position. The "closed entry" without an auxiliary signal, on the other hand, amounts to a block malfunction: the last section of the route is not reported as free and can only be entered for the following train with an emergency control. The disruption within the station affects the adjacent route.
to form
There are two forms of representation of the auxiliary signal. For the type N signal, there is a red flashing light for the auxiliary signal. This is partly also the case with the type L signal, if no separate signal shield has been installed for the auxiliary signal. More widespread, however, is the variant of the type L shown above with its own signal screen, in which an orange diagonal bar lights up. The disadvantage of the variant with the red flashing light: if the red lamp cannot be switched on, no auxiliary signal can be switched on. For this reason, the train driver must be dictated to a record-requiring command for the onward journey, which can lead to delays.
Conduct of the train driver
The engine driver is allowed to drive past the main signal indicating the stop. For him it is driving on sight, with a maximum of 40 km / h. Level crossings which are covered by the main signal must be driven on in a disrupted manner, so the level crossing may be driven on at maximum walking speed, if necessary it must be stopped. Attention whistles must be given before driving. Any dwarf signals can show any signal aspect. If an occupied entrance is made at the same time, this does not have to be announced separately. With certain railways, you have to drive even more slowly from the safety sign of the entry point.
See also
- Replacement signal (Germany)
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Driving regulations. Retrieved April 23, 2020 .