What do railroad block signals mean?

Many other color combinations are used. Some are common, others are unique to a specific railroad. The most constant signals and the easiest to understand are single-head block signals. Red means stop; green means proceed, and yellow means caution or approach, usually indicating that the next signal is red.

What are train signals called?

In the very early days of railroad signaling lights were not bright enough to see or distinguish the different colors during daylight. Instead of lights the daytime aspect was shown by a wooden arm. These signals are called semaphores.

What does flashing yellow train signal mean?

Flashing yellow is usually telling the engineer to be prepared to stop at the second signal (advance approach). Is there a crossing with another track down the line? If so, the engineer is being advised that the other track may be in use.

Why does the train honk at night?

Trains usually honk loud during night time in order to keep away deadly creatures such as cows, and other wild animals that may be prowling on the track on which the train is approaching. Cows are the most difficult animals next to elephants due to their tough horns and tusks of the elephant.

What is a signal on a railway track?

Signalling state of the next block of tracks. A signal is an indicator that through a displayed indication, conveys the status of the track ahead to drivers passing it. This could be a signal, with 3 or 4 lights mounted on a pole or shunt signals near the ground producing a white and red pattern.

Why do trains need signals?

Trains need signalling to tell them when they can move forward, where they’re going, and only sometimes how fast the train should be moving. The signalling system attempts to prevent trains moving forward when there might be an obstruction ahead. Moving when not allowed to results in collision.

How do railroad traffic control signals work?

To appreciate what the signals you see along the track are telling you, you first have to grasp a few basic concepts. Railroad traffic control boils down to three situations: trains running in the same direction on the same track; trains running in opposite directions on the same track; and trains running on two tracks that intersect.

What happens when a train stops at a red light?

After stopping (which is no longer required on some railroads) the train can proceed at restricted speed until a more favorable signal is reached. (Restricted speed is usually 15 or 20 mph, being prepared to stop upon sighting any obstruction or problem.) But a red absolute signal means stop – and stay stopped.