Introduction

Lines layout

CCT-controlled areas

Simulation

Norac signaling

NORAC Signaling System

Rules

The rules define how the train engineer should behave based on the signal aspects.

In the area covered by the simulation, Amtrak uses a positional and color-based signaling as shown here. The presence of colored lights is redundant, since the position of the lights (including blinking) uniquely identifies the aspect; on the same stretch sometimes one can even find the same signals but with only yellow lights, such as that shown in the photo.

Since I did not have precise information about each individual signal, I chose to unify all the signals using a single type, selecting the positional signaling with colors, and taking into account the size of the signals on the layout, this way making it easier to recognize them.

NB: When there is more than one signal, the first is about block and advance signal, the second about automatic block signals, and the third is for ground-level (dwarf) block signals.

AMTRAK Signals Rule

281 Clear

Proceed at maximum allowed speed (either at the speed limit, or at the train's own maximum speed)

281b Approach Limited

Approach the next signal at reduced speed (45 MPH)

281c Limited Clear

Proceed at reduced speed (45 MPH) until the train has exited the area controlled by the automatic signaling, or until switches are free, then proceed at normal speed.

282 Approach Medium

Approach the next signal at medium speed (30 MPH)

282a Advance Approach

Proceed and be ready to stop at the second signal. Trains that go beyond the reduced speed (45 MPH) must lower their speed to the reduced speed as soon as their locomotive passes the signal. ..

283 Medium Clear

Proceed at medium speed (30 MPH) until the train has exited the automatic signaling area and until the switches are freed, then proceed at normal speed.

284 Approach Slow

Proceed and approach the next signal at low speed (15 MPH). Train that travel above medium speed (30 MPH) must reduce their speed as soon as their locomotive passes the signal.

285 Approach

Proceed and be ready to stop at the next signal. Trains traveling at medium speed (30 MPH) must reduce their speed as soon as their locomotive passes the signal.

286 Medium Approach

Proceed and be ready to stop at the next signal. Trains traveling above medium speed (30 MPH) must reduce their speed as soon as the medium approach signal is clearly visible.

287 Slow Clear

Proceed at low speed (15 MPH) until the train has exited the automatic signaling area and frees the switch, then proceed at normal speed. In CSS area with constant automatic block signals trains without in-cabing signaling system must approach the next signal at medium speed (30 MPH) once they have left the block area limits.

288 Slow Approach

Proceed and be ready to stop at the next signal. Low speed is enforced within the limits of the automatic signaling or through the switches, then medium speed (30 MPH) is enforced.

290 Restricting

Proceed at reduced speed until the train has freed the signal interlocking area and the automatic switches and the first wheels have:
1. passed a fixed signal more permissive; or
2. entered a territory without DCS signaling.

291 Stop and Proceed

Stop and then proceed at reduced speed until the train has freed the signal interlocking area and the automatic switches and the first wheels have:
1. passed a fixed signal more permissive; or
2. entered a territory without DCS signaling.

Even though this signal is found outside stations and is considered a permissive red, it has not been used for the lack of support in creating a script that models this behavior.

292 Stop Signal

Stop.

Speeds:

Each signal has a specific speed (limited, medium, etc.) corresponding to a number according to the following table:

Naming used Mph, (km/h) in the simulation in the simulation (km/h)
Normal Max. allowed Max. allowed
Limited 45 (72,42 km/h) 70
Medium 30 (48,28 km/h) 50
Slow 15 (24,14 km/h) 25
Restricted < 15 (10) (16,09 km/h) 15

Signaling examples

Main line

Side line with LIMITED speed