Running Dummies

[Lukasso]

Hi there could anyone explain to me what is a running dummy and when it is used ?
All I know is that its a GPL signal that has to clear for passage of the train in addition to normal running signals.

 

[PudseyBearHST]

Not an expert but I think they are just ‘proving’ lights as in they prove the points are set correctly. Also, they (or some of them) are primarily for shunt moves so you would run a loco behind the points and ground position light, switch ends and await for the ground position light to clear. But as a train coming from a main aspect, you would
still require them to be clear otherwise you must stop and report it to the signaller. If you came from a main aspect, you would get no indication in the theatre box of any ‘proving lights’ but you would (on some of them) get an indication if doing a shunt and that is the starting signal to take you back in to a station or loop.
They tend to be found at complex junctions/stations or on entrance to goods loops. In other words, where shunt moves can be done.

 

[GB]

A "running dummy" is simply a normal ground position light signal that must clear when a route is set main aspect to main aspect and that running dummy is located within that route. Signalling regulations do not allow main aspect to ground position light or in service passenger trains ground position light to main aspect (usually) so the GPL must show "off" to fore-fill those requirements and to stop the driver approaching a red signal that he is not expecting. As above, they are usually found where shunt or turnback moves can be carried out.

 

[Lukasso]

Great thanks very much for explaining that