Hi Kristoff, I have seen photos of German Semaphore signals with a large red X on the

mast. I believe that this indicates an out-of-order signal? Anyone else who can further

clarify this please do so. Peter

Hi!

The big white X indicates signals that have to be ignored. For the transition from semaphores to light signals, they first erect light signals and decorate them with the X. When the light signals are operational, the X moves to the semaphores until they are taken away. So the white X does not always indicate "out of order".

I don't know where I read it but I'm pretty sure that DB would have left the signal in place even if the third state was no longer needed.

Hi everyone
As far as I know here in Australia they would repair the signal as even with a three aspect signal the yellow has an important function to warn the driver to restrict his speed as he passes
the signal and with the signals in NSW they use a steady yellow or a flashing yellow.
If the yellow was missing the driver may crash his train because he approached a junction to fast or he could slam into a train in front.
This happened at North Strathfield
And the X on a signal here means it is not operational or commissioned and is not used for any other purpose and if a signal was no longer needed they would remove it altogether.
They have decommissioned all semaphore signals in most states.
With the introduction of automated central control the entire network is now controlled by about seven computerised buildings in NSW.

There is a couple of ways to indicate a signal out of use;
-The white X
-Covering up the lights
-Turning the head (i.e. the part where the lights are) at 90' to the track

Other countries may have other means as well. Due to the construction of German signals the third method won't be practical, but the first two will. In any case, it needs to be clearly indicated, so enginedrivers will be able to distinguish between a faulty signal and a signal not in use easily and quickly to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Evan, the signal you describe is slightly different to the semaphore signal being discussed.
In essence, the signal has two arms, with the upper indicating Danger - Stop! or Clear - Proceed.
-The lower arm is disregarded if the upper arm is at Danger.

-If the upper arm indicates Clear - Proceed and the lower arm is vertical, no light is displayed and the indication of the whole signal will be "Clear - Proceed at line speed"

-If the upper arm indicates Clear - Proceed and the lower arm is inclined at 45' an orange light is displayed beside the lower arm, the whole signal indicates "Clear - proceed at low speed(40 km/h)"

The last indication is usually displayed before facing points, hence the question.

I am guessing the Australian light signals are set up like the NZ ones, with the last signal before a junction indicating for example Red over Yellow, indicating "Proceed at low speed through diverging points and be prepared to stop at the next signal should the latter be at stop"
which is different to the way German semaphore or light signals would indicate such a message.

Cheers,
Rick