Amtrak Florida - CSX Signal Aspects

Signal Aspects

AMTRAK FLORIDA

HOME

PICTURES

These are the aspects used by CSX on its Southern lines, and are generally true throughout the U.S., but may vary from system to system, tall signals are high signals, generally 15 feet tall, short signals are dwarf signals, usually not taller than four feet. High signals can be affixed in two methods, by wayside tower or by signal bridge. Wayside towers are common in areas with one or two tracks, the left signal governing the left track, the right signal governing the rigt track as you look at the signal. Signal bridges are commonly used in areas with three or more tracks at the Control Point (CP), each signal over the track it is governing. Many signals on the CSX system have a name, i.e. a siding or CP name. Names are commonly names of individuals within the company, or geographic locations at or near the siding. These names are usually placed on the hardware box near the signal, and are in large letters making it easily visible to the Engineer. Most sidings and double track sections have a "Distant signal" which gives information regarding the next signal, not the track ahead. In areas where siding or CPs are near each other a distant signal may not be in place. Intermediate signals are also common in areas with long distances between Control Points, these are used to break up a block of track, allowing more trains to occupy a section of track. CP signals are always lit, whereas Distant Signals and Intermediate signals are dark unless a train is approaching the next CP. All signals have a milepost board (ex: 996.6) to identify the signal to train crews in case of malfunction so that it can be reported to the signal maintainer or dispatcher. In areas with two tracks or more the milepost board will have the milepost followed by a - and the track number (ex: 996.6-2 which indicates Milepost 996.6 track 2). In the southern portion of the CSX (and NS) system crews are required to "call" signals. The rule book "says" you must call the aspect, state train number, train direction, engine number, track number [where applicable], and if switching tracks which track switching to and from (ex: P098 Engine 187 North has a Limited Clear signal Rankin Track number 2 to track number 1 over). Many Engineers simply state the train number, signal aspect, and track number [where applicable] (ex: P098 Clear Rankin track 2 over).

Note: Lines extending from an aspect indicate that the aspect is flashing.

Aspect	Name	Indication
	Clear	Proceed at Maximum speed permitted
	Approach	Approach next signal prepared to stop, trains exceeding Medium speed must begin reduction to Medium speed as soon as the engine passes the Approach signal
	Advance Approach	Proceed prepared to stop at second signal
	Approach Limited	Approach next signal not exceeding Limited Speed
	Limited Approach	Limited speed through turnouts, crossovers, sidings, and power operated switches; then proceed prepared to stop at next signal
	Limited Clear	Limited speed through turnouts, crossovers, sidings, and power operated switches; then proceed at maximum speed permitted
	Approach Medium	Approach next signal not exceeding Medium Speed
	Medium Approach	Medium speed through turnouts, crossovers, sidings, and power operated switches; then proceed prepared to stop at next signal
	Medium Clear	Medium speed through turnouts, crossovers, sidings, and power operated switches; then proceed at maximum speed permitted
	Medium Approach Medium	Medium speed through turnouts, crossovers, sidings, and power operated switches; then proceed approaching next signal not exceeding Medium Speed
	Medium Approach Slow	Medium speed through turnouts, crossovers, sidings, and power operated switches; then proceed approaching next signal not exceeding Slow Speed
	Medium Advance Approach	Medium speed through turnouts, crossovers, sidings, and power operated switches; then proceed prepared to stop at second signal
	Approach Slow	Proceed approaching next signal not exceeding Slow speed
	Slow Approach	Slow speed through turnouts, crossovers, sidings, and power operated switches; then proceed prepared to stop at next signal
	Slow Clear	Slow speed through turnouts, crossovers, sidings, and power operated switches; then proceed at maximum speed permitted
	Restricting	Proceed at Restricted Speed
	Resricted Proceed	Proceed at Restricted Speed
	Stop and Check	Stop and check position of drawbridge, spring switch, derail, gates protecting railroad crossing, ensure the way is clear and drawbridge, spring switch, derails, or gates are in proper position and proceed at Restricted speed
	Stop and Open Switch (Illuminated S)	Stop and open hand operated switch
	Grade (designated by Yellow G marker)	Proceed at Restricted Speed
	Stop	Stop