Anatomy of A Railway - Signalling

Introduction to Railway Signalling
Nick Harrowing
Assistant Professional Head of Railway Signalling
Have worked on projects around the UK and in Hong Kong

and Brisbane
Previous roles include scheme development, signalling

design, engineering approval and technical assurance.
1 What is a project?
2 Who initiates and funds the works?
3 What are the basic project inputs
4 Why do we need a Scheme Plan?
5 Inputs for a railway signalling project are?
6 What is the purpose of Railway Signalling?

a piece of planned work or an activity that is

finished over a period of time and intended to
achieve a particular purpose

Or more Simply
Cost x Time x Scope


Or more Simply
Cost x Time x Scope
It is not on-going Maintenance!

(which never stops)

Or more Simply
Cost x Time x Scope
It is not on-going Maintenance!
however

Or more Simply
Cost x Time x Scope
Railways are forever wearing out

and need replacing.
Technically they are massive
maintenance projects which have
ends.
Railway projects fall into two main categories

Renewal or
New requirements
Renewal is where the

existing asset is
considered to be near
life expired the railway
is then renewed,
typically in a like for
like form albeit with
modern equipment.
Works usually
considered to be
Maintenance.
Railway projects fall into two main categories

Renewal or
New requirements
Renewal is where the

existing asset is
considered to be near
life expired the railway
is then renewed, New is where the requirements
typically in a like for have change or are new.
like form albeit with Thameslink, HS2 and Cross Rail
modern equipment. are an examples of new
Works usually requirements, but can include
considered to be changes in safety or
Maintenance. requirement for faster line
speed or more trains per hour.
Sometimes referred to as
Capital Projects.
In simplistic terms, the reason for the project is also the source
of the funding.
Renewals usually funded by the Route Asset Manager (RAM)
Capital Projects like HS2 or Thameslink - funds generally from

government
Other sources include:-

local authorities inc TfL
Industry private sidings (power stations, steel works
etc)
Conservation railways
Any Interested parties
3 What are the basic project parameters?
The key parameters for a railway project are:-

High Level Deliverable (HLDs), Cost & Timescales, e.g.

Resignalling scheme for East Sussex Coast area, to cost

approximately 32m and completed in 4years
Or

Or
Renewal of a Level Crossing inc. Barriers, Road Traffic Lights,

new decking to increase pavement widths, new fencing and
Security cameras, but excluding signalling controls, for 1m
within 18mths
Or

Or
Renewal of a Level Crossing inc. Barriers, Road Traffic Lights,

new decking to increase pavement widths, new fencing and
Security cameras, but excluding signalling controls, for 1m
within 18mths
Or
Thameslink - To provide 24 trains per hour through London,
rebuild Blackfriars and London Bridge Stations, with
dedicated routes through the London Bridge area, costing 9
billion over 9 years

the project definition or scope, which will determine the cost
and timescales needs to identify:
Where is the project / what are the geographical limits?
Nature of the project (renewal or new requirements) & its
urgency
Project proposed improvements
Future requirements (post project development / the
bigger picture)
Target savings & duration
Identification of development team
Produce Scheme diagram or scheme plan
But what is a scheme plan?

The key requirements for a railway project are:-

HLD, Cost & Time,
the project definition or scope, which will determine the cost
and timescales needs to identify:
Where is the project / what are the geographical limits?
Nature of the project (renewal or new requirements) & its
urgency
Project proposed improvements
Future requirements (post project development / the
bigger picture)
Target savings & duration
Identification of development team
Produce Scheme diagram or scheme plan
But what is a scheme plan?

What is a Scheme Plan?

a drawing of the railway
shows existing infrastructure,
shows abolished or amended infrastructure
shows new infrastructure
drawn to a scale longitudinally (but not vertically)
And looks typically like.

NOT THIS ! - This is a facilities diagram or

sketch.
It has its uses BUT does not provide
the foundations for a project
What is shown?
he primary information falls into two main categories
he EXISTING and the NEW and includes.
ew and existing
the lines/ track layout
Stations, tunnels, bridges (over and under)
Crossings including footpaths / AHBs / MCBs etc
Track layout, new and amended track layout
Mile Posts /Km posts, Gradient Posts
Speed Restrictions
Limits of Control (signal boxes etc) fringe arrangements
Existing signalling & New signalling & Amended signalling
Over view map
Special notes / Route Boxes
Scale changes / Dimensions
Clearance points
Line names
Working arrangements auto working, block arrangements, slotting etc
Platform operation CD/RA/TRTS - TAC
Diagram amendment history
etc

The scheme plan, be if for signalling, electrification or track

works etc
SHOWS THE WORKS

It also helps
Confirms the budget and timescales
Confirms the complexity of the project
to highlight some of the interfaces between disciplines
provides the basis from which DETAILED DESIGN can start.

5 Inputs for a railway signalling project are:-
In addition to the High Leve Deliverables we need to know:

Line Speed
Headways
Train types length and acceleration /
braking rates
Traction System
Control system and its

Line Speed location
Headways Indication system and its
Train types length and acceleration
location /
braking rates
Traction System

Line Speed location
Stations and junctions
location / Tunnels and viaducts
braking rates Level crossings
Traction System gradients

Line Speed location
Stations and junctions
location / Tunnels and viaducts
braking rates Standards Level crossings
Traction System Equipment / new gradients
technology
Who uses a Signalling Scheme Plan?

Funding organisations
Estimators
Procurement
Infrastructure owners / Route Directors
Design Teams for all disciplines, e.g. track, signalling,
bridges, telecoms, traction, power
supplies, building design etc
Construction and Installers
Testing and Verification
Operations (train running and planning)
Time tabling
TOCs & FOCs (Train Operating Company / Freight
Operating Companies)
Maintainer
Project Team & Sponsors
Commercial
Contracting Organisations
Track Access Teams
etc
5 Inputs for a railway signalling project are?
6 What is the purpose of Railway Signalling?

e Purpose of a railway signalling system
maintain a safe distance between following trains on the same track
safeguard the movement of trains at junctions and when crossing a path,

ich could be taken by another train
regulate the passage of trains according to the service density and speed requir
emember an High Speed Train travelling at 125mph requires

5miles/2.4km to brake to a stand!
Do not forget, British railways have a 175years of lessons

learned from accidents and incidents!
Modifications and enhancements incorporated in signalling systems
Continuous Improvements to Operating procedures
But British Railways not good at recording reasons for improvements!

The Scheme Plan gives us a Basic layout, but then

what???
The reason for the project can be varied and following

are some suggestions:
Worn out equipment / high maintenance costs - LED

Signals need only checking once every 3 years not
every 3 months
Poor performing equipment or Labour intensive
(manual crossings) Change the level crossing to an
automatic
Low self report capability Modern points advise if
they take longer to move
Junction / station layout tight turnouts cause wear
and require low speeds or stations too short or too
narrow / modernisation
Passenger capacity / new trains coach lengths may
be longer
Part of a bigger scheme trains dont just stop at the
project limits, they need to go somewhere
New traction AC or DC (removal of diesel traction)
Basic layout, but then what???
The reason for the project can be varied and following

are some suggestions:
Faster line speed / reduced travelling times changes

in signal positions and lengths of points/cross overs.
New station (Ebbsfleet) Signals and points in wrong
position
Staff numbers reduction (signallers) one signaller
today, can do the works of 5 or 6 who were need a
hundred years ago
New stock facilities (Three Bridges Train Care Depot)
new junctions or sidings and the requirements to
access from both ends of a depot
Or we could have brand new railway line on new
formation, projects such as HS2 and Crossrail
ey considerations for a Signalling Project:

Control Method
Line Speed
Line Capacity
Operational inputs (train stopping requirements/ train service / train routing)
Control System
Indication System
Location of supervision
Equipment types
Key considerations for a Signalling Project:

Control Method
Signalling can be .

Control Method
Signalling can be .
Semaphore

Control Method
Signalling can be .
Semaphore Colour Light


Control Method
Signalling can be .
Semaphore Colour Light In Cab
But all follow the same basic principle Keep trains apart !

Line Speed
Usually dictated by the geography of the project area -

Track curvature,
Gradients,
Junctions,
Cross overs (S&C Switch and Crossings)
Passenger service / Stopping or fast or a mixture
Time tabling

Line Capacity
How many trains can we route along a line verses the require
amount?
Are we trying to pass more trains or faster trains along the line
Where do the trains go to once they leave the project area?
What is the desired balance between capacity and speed?
Signal Spacing / Braking Distances / Headway

Signal Spacing
Braking Distance Braking Distance
If a driver has been running at full linespeed under Green aspects

what tells him he must stop at signal RS9?
So how far must signal RS7 be from signal RS9?
The minimum signal spacing must be Braking Distance

at Linespeed
18:10:2010 SHU B Eng 45

But What Is Braking Distance?
Braking distance can be calculated

But it is a very complex calculation
Therefore we use standard distances based upon 9% g
SHU B Eng 18:10:2010 46

But What Is Braking Distance?
Braking distance can be calculated

But it is a very complex calculation
Therefore we use standard distances based upon 9% g
but going down hill is harder to stop than going up hill.
Therefore braking distance is a function of gradient, but what is

the gradient?
SHU B Eng 18:10:2010 47

Calculation of Average
Gradient
I in 50
I in 50
I in 100
450m 500m 350m

Calculation
D d1 d2 d3
= + +
G g1 g2 g3
1300 450 500 350

= + +
G -50 -100 +50
1300 -700
=
G 100
G = -1300 = -186 =
-0.54%
7
Thus the overall gradient is 1 in 186 falling or 0.54% falling
Gradient
I in 50
I in 100 I in 50
450m 500m 350m

Gradient
I in 50
I in 100
I in 50
450m 500m 350m
If the signals have to be moved the average gradient is no

longer level and the signal spacing will have to be
increased accordingly
We can now combine the average gradient
With the line speed (actual or desired)
And calculate the distance from one signal to the next for a
section of line.
In reality we can read the require distance from a

chart..
EXTRACT FROM STANDARDS FOR MIXED TRAFFIC
Rising Level Falling
Initial Speed 1 in 50 1 in 67 1 in 100 1 in 200 Level 1 in 200 1 in 100 1 in 67 1 in 50
(MPH)
2.00% 1.50% 1% 0.50% 0 -0.50% -1% -1.50% -2.00%
20 165 165 180 200 220 255 295 365 480
25 220 235 260 290 325 375 445 575 770
30 295 315 350 390 445 530 645 820 1305
35 375 405 445 505 585 715 925 1265 2046
40 455 505 570 660 795 990 1300 1740 2046
45 580 650 740 855 1035 1315 1520 1740 2046
50 629 684 747 855 1035 1315 1520 1740 2046
55 704 760 824 899 1035 1315 1520 1740 2046
60 776 833 896 970 1070 1315 1520 1740 2046
65 810 870 938 1019 1116 1315 1520 1740 2046
70 897 961 1033 1117 1218 1353 1520 1740 2046
75 953 1015 1084 1164 1258 1382 1534 1740 2046
80 953 1015 1084 1164 1258 1382 1534 1740 2046
85 1047 1110 1180 1261 1354 1471 1614 1788 2046
90 1181 1254 1334 1428 1537 1674 1842 2049 2330
95 1333 1418 1511 1621 1750 1913 2113 2366 2713
100 1528 1630 1745 1880 2041 2245 2503 2835 3312
105 1528 1630 1745 1880 2041 2245 2503 2835 3312
110 1528 1630 1745 1880 2041 2245 2503 2835 3312
115 1528 1630 1745 1880 2041 2245 2503 2835 3312
120 1585 1655 1745 1880 2041 2245 2503

53 2835 3312
125 1714 1789 1869 1957 2054 2245 2503 2835 3312
But what is Aspect sequence?

We now know about
- Braking and braking distance

- Average Gradient
- Aspect sequence
Headway
Can be expressed as Time or Distance, however Time is the
factor most commonly considered
Headway
Definition:-
The Headway Distance is defined as the distance between two
following trains on the same line such that the second train does
not see a cautionary aspect at the signals, i.e. can safely travel at
line speed.
The Headway Time is the time interval between two such trains
3-Aspect Headways
Train 2 Train 1
S B1 B2
O L
S=Sighting distance of 8 seconds at linespeed
B=Braking Distance at linespeed and gradient
O=Overlap Length (180m by default )
L=Maximum Train Length (worst case)
Where HD3 is the headway distance for 3 aspect signalling
18:10:2010 57
3-Aspect Headways
Train 2 Train 1
S B1 B2
O L
H D3 S 2B O L
18:10:2010 58
3-Aspect Headways
Train 2 Train 1
S B1 B2
O L
H D3 S 2B O L
Where HD3 is the headway distance for 3 aspect signalling
HT3 is the best headway achievable for 3 aspect signalling
HT3 S
= + 2B + O + L Where V = linespeed
V
18:10:2010 59
4 Aspect Signal Spacing

Distance Travelled by the train in specified headway time = H S x V
S Dmax Dmax Dmax O L
Into this space we need to fit 4 signals,

overlaps and sighting
So HS x V = S + (3 x Dmax) +
O+L
Therefore Dmax = (HS x V) (S + O + L)
3
Dmin = Braking
18:10:2010 SHU B Eng 60
Typical Train Time Distance

Calculations
Time
Station
t=2s/v Stop
t=s/v
t=v/a
s=vt s=B
s= at2 Distance
SHU B Eng 18:10:2010 61
Time / Distance 158 /

Pendolino Pendolino Leaves 2 mins Later
1200.00
1000.00
Pendolino
a = 0.5 ms-2
800.00
v = 125 mph
158
Seconds
600.00
158
a = 0.4 ms-2
400.00
v =100 mph
Pendolino
200.00 catches 158
0.00
0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000 35000 40000 45000
158Metres
time Pendolino + 2 mins
Time / Distance for 158 / Pendolino

Pendolino Leave 2 Minuted Before 158
20
Pendolino (125 mph) precedes 158 (100 mph) by 2 minutes

Unusable
15 Track Capacity
Time (Mins)
10
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Distance (km)
-5
158 Time (mins) Pendolino time (mins) -2
Deceleration
Sighting
Point YY
YY
First
Sight
Speed
ed
Distance
considerations for a Signalling Project:

perational inputs (train stopping requirements/ train service / train routing)
ational requirements will affect the track layout leading to the identification of:
ng loops and cross overs
on arrangements bay or terminal platforms additional platforms for stopping

s, through lines
ion layouts
ng and separating of trains

Control System Signalling System










considerations for a Signalling Project:
ontrol System Signalling System
ail Safe
asis of modern signalling
acilitates the use of Track Circuit Block
oves section of track is clear of all vehicles allowing route to be set#
etects presence of trains and locks route during passage of tarin
ovides indications to signaller of whereabouts of vehicles
ay detect broken rail (not common return rail in areas of AC overhead electrifica
emergency, train crew placing Track Circuit Operating Clips will
cause section to show Occupied.
ter power failure, TC immediately restores to correct state (clear of occupied).

r types of train detection..
AC phase sensitive track circuits

o 50Hz used when immunity from only DC traction required
o 50Hz VT1 special design for DC traction areas and Class 373 trains
o FS2600 as for VT1, but with better immunity
o 831/3Hz used where immunity from both AC & DC traction required
TI21 or EBI Track

o Joint-less (no rail joints) provides immunity for both AC & DC
HVI
o provides immunity for both AC & DC. Used in areas of heavy contaminatio
(mines or coastal locations) and generally across point works
Reed RT
o provides immunity for both AC & DC traction. Generally used across point
Joint-less version is not traction immune.
Frauscher
generic name for the equipment that controls the movement of points and
ws signals to clear, safely and correcting is an INTERLOCK.
equipment used can be physical metal bars moving in a frame mechanical
ys electrical switches using solenoids to move contacts together and apart
omputer based typically Solid State Interlocking.
equire connection to the external or track side equipment. Some can connect
ct to the track equipment others will require intermediate distribution points
Control System - Hardware




















Location of supervision
Control Centre can be located many miles for the area being
controlled.
when completed
For instance, all the lines from Brighton via London Bridge,
including Cannon Street, and Charing Cross to Bedford will be
controlled from Three Bridges Rail Operating Centre and
typically by only 6 signallers.
This compares with the 1950s figure of 85 plus signallers

Trending
D signals and indicators

stic cases and housings
nal posts that fold (ease of maintenance and small bases)
e counters
l proving points with failure / wear & tear monitoring
dar proving for level crossings
Trending
LED signals and indicators

Plastic cases and housings
Signal posts that fold (ease of maintenance and small bases)
Axle counters
Full proving points with failure / wear & tear monitoring
Radar proving for level crossings
But these only replace conventional

signalling with new technology they
are not a step change.
For that we need ERTMS
video
RTMS European Rail Traffic Management System

This tried and tested system will replace
traditional railway signals with a
computer display inside every train cab,
reducing the costs of maintaining the
railway, improving performance and
enhancing safety.

This tried and tested system will replace
traditional railway signals with a
computer display inside every train cab,
reducing the costs of maintaining the
railway, improving performance and
enhancing safety.
It will offer a host of benefits to the

railway and the application of its cab
signalling component, the European Train
Control System, ETCS, will spell the end
ERTMS European Rail Traffic Management

System
How does it work?
Instead of lineside signals, a computer in
the driver's cab controls the speed and
movement of the train, whilst taking
account of other trains on the railway.

Taking control
By bringing the control system inside
each individual train, ERTMS allows
specific customised control. This allows
the drivers to always run at the optimum
safe speed helping more trains run faster
and recover from delays quicker.

More trains, better services
Installing ERTMS across the country as
signalling becomes life-expired will save
an estimated 40 per cent over
conventional systems.
Each train will run at an appropriate safe

speed, allowing more trains onto the
tracks. ERTMS will improve train
performance and reduce energy
consumption.

Testing
Network Rail are carrying out testing on
part of the Hertford Loop, north of
London, using a converted former
passenger train.
This will trial four suppliers technology

and will help us decide which contractor
is best suited to work with us installing
ERTMS on the Great Western and East
Coast Main Lines in 2019.
ERTMS
ERTMS
ERTMS
ERTMS
ERTMS
Finally.
The UK applications are on old railways
with mixed traffic (freight and passenger)
and varying track and junction
configurations.
Europe only has ERTMS on dedicated

lines with dedicated trains with only
limited track and junction arrangements.
Your Challenge
Your Challenge
Your Challenge
TRT
S Platform
2 1
1
B
A 1 1 C
W 5 1
9 Z
X 1 Y 5
7 9 3
Platform
TRT
2
S
Platform
A 1 C
Thats All folks.

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Anatomy of A Railway - Signalling

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Introduction to Railway Signalling

Assistant Professional Head of Railway Signalling

Have worked on projects around the UK and in Hong Kong

Previous roles include scheme development, signalling

2 Who initiates and funds the works?

3 What are the basic project inputs

4 Why do we need a Scheme Plan?

5 Inputs for a railway signalling project are?

6 What is the purpose of Railway Signalling?

a piece of planned work or an activity that is

a piece of planned work or an activity that is

Cost x Time x Scope

a piece of planned work or an activity that is

Cost x Time x Scope

It is not on-going Maintenance!

a piece of planned work or an activity that is

Cost x Time x Scope

It is not on-going Maintenance!

a piece of planned work or an activity that is

Cost x Time x Scope

Railways are forever wearing out

Railway projects fall into two main categories

Renewal is where the

Railway projects fall into two main categories

Renewal is where the

2 Who initiates and funds the works?

Renewals usually funded by the Route Asset Manager (RAM)

Capital Projects like HS2 or Thameslink - funds generally from

Other sources include:-

2 Who initiates and funds the works?

3 What are the basic project parameters?

The key parameters for a railway project are:-

2 Who initiates and funds the works?

3 What are the basic project parameters?

The key parameters for a railway project are:-

Resignalling scheme for East Sussex Coast area, to cost

2 Who initiates and funds the works?

3 What are the basic project parameters?

The key parameters for a railway project are:-

Renewal of a Level Crossing inc. Barriers, Road Traffic Lights,

2 Who initiates and funds the works?

3 What are the basic project parameters?

The key parameters for a railway project are:-

Renewal of a Level Crossing inc. Barriers, Road Traffic Lights,

2 Who initiates and funds the works?

3 What are the basic project parameters?

The key parameters for a railway project are:-

But what is a scheme plan?

2 Who initiates and funds the works?

3 What are the basic project parameters?

The key requirements for a railway project are:-

But what is a scheme plan?

What is a Scheme Plan?

And looks typically like.

NOT THIS ! - This is a facilities diagram or

2 Who initiates and funds the works?

3 What are the basic project inputs

4 Why do we need a Scheme Plan?

2 Who initiates and funds the works?

3 What are the basic project inputs

4 Why do we need a Scheme Plan?

The scheme plan, be if for signalling, electrification or track

SHOWS THE WORKS