03.31 – The German signal system

The German signals are the most known signals. This signals are widely spread because of the majority of model trains Germany has produced. Famous and well know model train manufacturers like Märklin, Minitrix and Fleischmann has produced a vast amount of model trains including enhanced scenery that of course contains the German signal system Most model trains are based at the German railroad companies. KPEV, Kon.Bay.St.B, Kon.Pr.St.B, DRG, DR, DB and DBAG and in addition the German private companies.

 

Model railroaders will have a German engine somewhere running around on their model railroad. Many model railroads are German based either in lay-out, design and scenery. 

Model railroaders often has their theme based at the landscape of Germany during the steam era which demands actually the installing of the German signal system as well. The last two decades other countries are raising and the models are rapidly growing.

TS2015 provides a several lines that are straight from Germany. One of these lines is the Ruhr-Sieg line which has a fine scenically view. Since the coming of the RS Line. the number of available routes has increased and now the coming of the last route between Köln-Koblenz brought even one of the beautiful lines of Germany. Though the route is not finished.

To get the full understanding of the German signals you have to practice them. However the German signal system is quite simple to understand, but needs some attention in order to interpret the signals and anticipate in a proper way.

A complete page of a “Buchfahrplan” as the appear to the driver when opening the page containing the particular line of the “Buchfahrplan” A common Buchfahrplan. Mention the speed restriction under table 2 that is designated at the Km. posts in table 1. In table 3 the name of the city or spot and table 4 and 5 contains arrival and departure times. the other tables refers to the present spot, actions to take and to who you need to contact in situations. Particular notification like Esig and Asig are special because they are mention the speed at a designated main signal. Esig means Entry signal while Asig means departure signals. These signal indications are notified at stations, yards, and branches.

The Buchfahrplan” contains the speed limitation accordingly the kilometerpost along the route. Each kilometre/hectometre post is notified in the “buchfahrplan” and notifies every speed restriction that has to be achieved accordingly the kilometre post in the “Buchfahrplan”.

The German signal system partly depends on the “Buchfahrplan”. Every track and line got their own number and “rulebook” this rulebook is present in every engine driving the area of thier designation. Behind the driver there is a library with almost all available lines and routes in Germany. Each route and line is described with their own special occasions and situations.

During the winter steam specialsalways creates a mystical effect,. Mention the hectometer post intsalled at the catenary pole. 

In modern days all these information is now stored on Hard Disks on the train computer and can be accessed by the main screen of the leading cab. In the past a card holder covered with glass did contain the track notifications and the “buchfahrplan” and either the brake sheets, orders and warrants if present.

An old kilometer post of stone and though they are old, the target with the “Buchhfahrplan” remains. Kilometre/hectometre posts of stone are installed at old lines and tracks. The numbers refers to the kilometre notifications in the ‘Buchfahrplan”. 

The present kilometer posts as they appear at catenary poles and as stand-alone posts along the track. 

They are installed at every 200 yards spacing between the posts. The yellow markers above and underneath the kilometre post are in use at high speed lines and ordering the driver to overrule the emergency brake system when entering a tunnel.

The issue is that when an situation occurs in a tunnel almost no other services can reach the train when an emergency brake has been applied. The train needs to get out the tunnel in the first place to perform an evacuation.

If the Buchfahrplan mentioned 60 km/h at km. post 60.3 you are not allowed to exceed the speed restrictions at that point.

The modern control unit contains space to put the “Buchfahrplan” in place.

The modern “Buchfahrplan” is now digital available for every route”.

All express trains in Germany combined together in this special. However the class 120 at the upper right should be class 103. The ICE should be at the upper right track instead of the class 120. Never the less mention the hectometre posts.