Absolute Block bell codes

[umontu]

Hi all,

something that's bugged me for a while, in all examples of absolute block signalling I've seen I've never come across a bell code that basically says "Ignore the last bell code" or to the effect of "The last bell was in error".

Is there one anyone is aware of?

Also is there a code for saying no to accepting a train?

 

[Llanigraham]

Hi all,

something that's bugged me for a while, in all examples of absolute block signalling I've seen I've never come across a bell code that basically says "Ignore the last bell code" or to the effect of "The last bell was in error".

Is there one anyone is aware of?

Also is there a code for saying no to accepting a train?

1/ The nearest would be 2 - 5, train withdrawn, or 3 - 5, cancelling, but generally there is a locally known (and unofficial) proceedure which might consist of wobbling the block needle towards TOL a few times.

2/ Simple, you don't answer the bell.

 

[andyb2706]

Hi all,

something that's bugged me for a while, in all examples of absolute block signalling I've seen I've never come across a bell code that basically says "Ignore the last bell code" or to the effect of "The last bell was in error".

Is there one anyone is aware of?

Also is there a code for saying no to accepting a train?

You have two bells codes.

3-5 which is for cancelling a train off that is not proceeding into the next absolute block section towards the signaller in advance.

5-3 is for an incorrect bell code, say you have offered a class 1 train instead of a class 2.

2-5 is for a train/engine that has been withdrawn, the instance this would be used on absolute block would be when a train/engine for some reason is running around the rest of its train on a uni directional line and the run round would be proceeding in the wrong direction and train/engine had been excepted by the box in rear and for some reason the train/engine will not now be proceeding to the box in rear the signaller would send this bell signal to the box in rear to tell the signaller that they will not be seeing this train. Only used in exceptional circumstances so 3-5 and 5-3 are probably used more often.

"Wiggling the commutator" and "ignoring the bells" is frowned on as it is not in the rule book and if caught can get the signaller into trouble.

Hope all this makes sense.

If you want to read more on this the entire rule book is open freely to the public for download from the RGS website.

http://www.rgsonline.co.uk

 

[Llanigraham]

I did state unofficial!

 

[ChiefPlanner]

1-1-6 was always an interesting one (signalman requiring police assistance) - introduced in the 1970's when there was fear of (IRA) attack - in this case the s/man could pretend it was a legitimate bell code. The response comment was send the cavalry forthwith.

1-2 was "inspector or management" around....

 

[Tomnick]

Waggling the needle (usually after acknowledging 'call attention' on the wrong bell - makes you very popular at 0300 on a quiet morning!) is common but unofficial; 'ignoring' an Is Line Clear? bell signal is the official means by which a train is refused though.

 

[33056]

1-2 was "inspector or management" around....

Most places I used to work at used 1-2-1 and the one place that the bell code was legitimately used ("Train Approaching" for those who don't know) it was sent two or three times in quick succession. As most of us on the area at that time were good little boys and girls and called attention like you should do we didn't have to resort to unofficial codes too often

 

[Welshman]

'ignoring' an Is Line Clear? bell signal is the official means by which a train is refused though.

I've sometimes wondered the second part of the OP's original question, and thank you for your answer.
Do you mind a supplementary question?

Is the operative in the previous box who has been ignored supposed to try again in a few minutes, or can the box ahead give some sort of message on the lines of "I'll answer you if you try now?"

 

[Tomnick]

In theory, the box in rear should offer the train again at regular intervals. In practice, it's best to put the kettle on and let the chap in advance get on with it - when he's in a position to accept the train, he'll just acknowledge the ILC code on its own. If it seems to be taking a while, a quick phone call might be in order to find out what's up, or a single beat on the bell might remind him what he's forgotten .

 

[Welshman]

Thank you.

 

[Tomnick]

No problem, always happy to help with signalling queries .

 

[dk1]

1-1-6 was always an interesting one (signalman requiring police assistance) - introduced in the 1970's when there was fear of (IRA) attack - in this case the s/man could pretend it was a legitimate bell code. The response comment was send the cavalry forthwith.

1-2 was "inspector or management" around....

Between Norwich Passenger Yard/Thorpe Jcn/Crown Point Panel 1-2 used to be Shunting Locomotive.

 

[55018ballymoss]

There is an example of supposedly "ignoring" the bell between Hellifield and Settle Junction.

Due to the layout at Settle Junction, if the route is set for a train from Carnforth (the Branch), it is not possible to accept any train from Hellifield on the Down Main as the route from the Carnforth branch to the Up Main runs the through the clearing point of the Down Main.
(When any train is accepted in AB you confirm the line is clear up to your Home signal and beyond to the clearing point which is 440yds beyond if the Home signal is a semaphore, 200yds beyond if the Home is a colour light.)

Therefore, as soon as you have a train online at Hellifield, you offer it to Settle Junction, and if it cannot be accepted you will not receive any bells in reply. You make an entry in the Train Register with the time that "Train offered but not accepted", and wait. Usually as soon as the train from Carnforth has passed clear of the clearing point, Settle Junction will respond with the bell code that was sent and move the block instrument to Line Clear showing that the train has been accepted.

I am sure there must be other places on the network that have similar problems with junctions but cannot think of any off the top of my head...

 

[umontu]

Thanks to all for the replies.

Curiosity satisfied.

 

[Trothy]

(When any train is accepted in AB you confirm the line is clear up to your Home signal and beyond to the clearing point which is 440yds beyond if the Home signal is a semaphore, 200yds beyond if the Home is a colour light.)

This isn't quite correct. The distance for the clearing point is determined by whether the Distant is a semaphore or colour light. Makes no difference what type of signal the Home is.

 

[High Dyke]

1-1-6 was always an interesting one (signalman requiring police assistance) - introduced in the 1970's when there was fear of (IRA) attack - in this case the s/man could pretend it was a legitimate bell code. The response comment was send the cavalry forthwith.

1-2 was "inspector or management" around....

A tale i recall being told to me many years ago relating to 1-1-6 was a signalman sending it because someone was trying to break into the signal box. to which his mate next door responds by acknowledging the bell signal and then ringing to see what was happening...instead of calling the constabulary. :roll:

 

[55018ballymoss]

This isn't quite correct. The distance for the clearing point is determined by whether the Distant is a semaphore or colour light. Makes no difference what type of signal the Home is.

Good point - I got carried away with the typing.

 

[306024]

4-3-2-5 was one I recall from way back. Overlength Freightliner. Some siggies used to see how quick they could bell it, just ended up totally incoherent.

 

[Tomnick]

Even better with a routing code stuck on the end! 4-3-2-5-1-2 was, I believe, used in the Ely area and I've heard of similar examples.