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
 
Comments to this document

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")

 
  • Stop
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....]

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