Danish Signaling, Miscellaneous Signs

Aspects and indications until 1944

Updated 990406

Disclaimer: It is unknown to the author of this page
- whether early versions of signs had the exact appearance and proportions stated here;
- whether signs documented since 1916 actually existed earlier.

"Cancellation Cross" (Danish: "Ugyldighedskryds")

18??-1935: no rulebook number.

The signal carrying the sign is not in use and is not illuminated by night.

1935-1944: no. 15.

The signal carrying the sign is not in use. Arms are disconnected and signal is not illuminated by night.

"Station Limit" (Danish: "Stationsmærke")

C. 1875-1935: no rulebook number.

An approaching train must stop at the sign if the entry signal displays "stop"; the entry signal may be situated at or beyond the sign.

The sign indicated the station limit when approaching from the line, and was situated at least 100 m (110 yds) in advance of the first turnout. Originally, the sign was common, because entry signals were often situated less than 100 m in advance of the first turnout (they might be situated at any convenient spot in the station area, although clearly visible from the line).

From 1922, all entry signals were gradually moved into the station limit positions. At the same time, Station Limit Signs were replaced by Approach Markers.

"Stop for Incoming Train" (Danish: "Stopmærke for indkørende Tog")

1916-1935: no. 115; 
1935-1944: no. 85.

An incoming train must stop at the sign, as it indicates the end of the locked entry route.

The sign was illuminated by night.

"Whistle" (Danish: "Giv Agt")

1916-1935: no. 116.

A train passing the sign shall sound one long warning tone.

1935-1944: no. 79a-c;


       79a                           79b                        79c

A train passing the sign shall sound one long warning tone as follows.
- At no. 79a: always.
- At no. 79b: only when visibility is poor, e.g. due to fog or snow.
- At no. 79c: only if the level crossing signal of a following automatic level crossing does not indicate that the level crossing is closed.

"Station requiring Caution" (Danish: "Farlig Station")

1916-1921: no. 117; 
1921-1934: no. 117a.

Expect a station having short entry routes, thereby requiring cautious driving. The sign is situated in advance of the Station Limit sign.

1921-1934: no. 117b.

The station has short entry routes; max. speed is 30 km/h (20 mph). If the restriction only applies to certain tracks, the track numbers are indicated.

1934-1935: no. 78ma.

The station has entry routes with permanent speed restrictions. Max. speed is as indicated (km/h). If the restriction only applies to certain tracks, the track numbers are indicated.

1935-1944: no. 83a.

The station has short entry routes; max. speed is 30 km/h (20 mph). If the restriction only applies to certain tracks, the track numbers are indicated.

1934-1935: no. 78mb;

1935-1944: no. 83b.

The station has short entry routes; max. speed is indicated by a following speed board. This sign only applies to electric trains.

"Braking distance" (Danish: "Bremsemærke")

1916-1922: no. 118.

Expect a station limit or main signal within braking distance of this point.

These signs were experimental, the one depicted above being an example. 1922 replaced by Approach Markers.

"Station (Halt) without Main Signals" (Danish: "Kendingsmærke for Billetsalgssteder")

1916-1935: no. 118;
1935-1944: no. 80.

Expect a platform without main signals 500 m (550 yds) beyond this point.

"Fire-susceptible Line Section" (Danish: "Kendingsmærke for brandfarligt Land")

1916-1935: no. 120;
1935-1944: no rulebook number.


Beginning of section     End of section

The line section between the signs is susceptible to fire.

The sign applied to track maintenance crews and steam engines.

"Boundary between Station and Engine Facility Areas" (Danish: "Grænsemærke mellem Maskin- og Trafikafdelingens Omraader")

1916-1935: no. 121;
1935-1944: no. 87.

The sign indicates the station limit for tracks leading to an engine facility, repair shop or eqv.

"Clearance Limit" (Danish: "Frispormærke")

1916-1935: no. 122;
1935-1944: no. 86.

The sign indicates the clearance limit for converging tracks.

"Approach Markers" (Danish: "Afstandsmærker")

1922-1935: no. 67;
1935-1944: no. 82.


1000 m (1095 yds)         800 m (875 yds)            600 m (655 yds)

Expect an entry signal (situated at the station limit) at the distance indicated.

"Switch Limit" (Danish: "Rangergrænsemærke")

1922-1935: no. 68;
1935-1944: no. 84.

Switching operations within the station area may not go beyond this point.

The sign was situated 50 m (55 yds) inside the entry signal, facing the station. The sign was only used at stations where the entry signal was situated at the station limit.

"Spur without Main Signals" (Danish: "Kendingsmærke for Holdesteder med Sidespor men uden Mastesignaler")

1928-1935: no. 69;
1935-1944: no. 81.

Expect a spur without main signals 500 m (550 yds) beyond this point.

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 Copyright © 1999 Henrik W Karlsson