Very instructional videos you presented in Parts 1 & 2, Thank you, feel like I'm learning a bit more of what controls the trains movements.

Great video!! Very well explained, look forward to part 3!!

Really like these videos, thank for making them

Thanks so much for posting these. Please post part 3 soon!

Thank you oh so much for clearing that up. Will be getting to automating my signals, and I did not understand the difference between the staggered and straight heads. Wonderful video's very helpful.

Can't wait for part 3. It's stuff I know but railroad stuff. I love it.

Can't wait for part 3! Any idea when we can expect it?

Hey Ian, I recommend watching "How To Read Signals On The CSX Part 5 - ABS Signals" This will explain the P plate and also the G plate. The P plate is a Permissive Signal and the G plate is a Grade Signal.

Great job. Thanks for sharing.

as a former signalman on the Milwaukee Road, (1970's) I see some changes have been in order. For us the lower signal indicated the siding and sometimes there was a dwarf signal on the outbound of some yards. The signal without a plate was an absolute signal. For us the indications were two reds and two yellows out in front of a train and a red and yellow trailing.

In UK and England there is a 5 light system showing 5 items standard yellow red green plus two flashing orange or yellow meaning slow down at next signal will be against you 5th signal can indicate speed restrictions or point selected direction

Love the video(s), would be nice to put this to practice to see if I can remember them

One final question - I came back from a railfanning vacation in Field, BC, and as I was head home to Leduc, AB, I took a different route home that would guide us along the tracks and I saw an automatic double headed signal with an “R” Plate AND an “M” plate... What would the M plate stand for, do you know?

Thank you so much for not using heavy metal or rap music. Really.

when will you be posting part 3?

+ianjuby *Recently, I observed a new way signal code* not far removed from that explained this vid on the Bay Area (CA, USA) Rapid Transit District's third-rail broadgauge extensions: Steady green is proceed at track speed; flashing green, proceed at reduced speed to take a switch; steady amber, prepare to stop from track speed; flashing amber, prepare to stop from reduced speed for taking switch; steady red, halt. These are on new three-head LED stands and also usable on the legacy Fresnel-lensed color-selects. (Most of the system still uses dwarf signals at the switches, which only indicate the switch position and are not tied to the CTC computers in Oakland - BART needs to install proper way signals system-wide.)

Tje "A" plate is the one instance I've found that is NOT a failsafe. If the the "A" plate gets covered with snow or goes missing, the signal reverts to a LESS safe comdition.

Another fantastic video! Question: are three head signals ever staggered? If so, what would it look like? If not, why not?

good video

Learning! Career Change!

What is the backing track? I don’t know why but it’s addictive. :)

Interestingly, most southern USA railroads don't have a stop and proceed indication. The only have restricting, meaning that a red automatic signal displays restricting

that makes sense that a signal on single track would be a restricting or stop and proceed signal.

Ireland is only 3 traffic light lineside or gantry above the rails depending on number of rails or trackside with two small round lights with 3 functions red green or flashing white indicating that points are not set for your route flashing double white is your track is set for you must proceed at no more than 10 mph

How is part 3 or Railroad Signals coming along ? Brian

Excellent series as I mentioned before! Just a question on the fail safes when it comes to the modifying plates. You mention the single head masts and the R plates etc. But what happens if an A plate falls off or is covered in the snow or stolen or whatever? The signal would go from an absolute stop to a stop and proceed. Wouldn't this be an issue as its no longer as restricting? Just wondering

Here in Winnipeg, I've seen 2 headed signals where the lights going down the track are (Yellow, Yellow), then (Yellow, Red), then (Red, Red). I guess that (Yellow, Yellow) would be Advanced Clear to stop, but I don't know. I don't know if you're going to talk about this later, but I've also seen (Yellow, Green) signals. Anyways, great video, can't wait for part 3!

Hi, when will part 3 be up

Signals passed at danger all trains are fitted with advanced train protection which apply emergency brakes if you pass through a signal at red advanced train warning button in driving cab pressed when you stop at station advanced bell warning for next signal so you know what next signal is

Hm... So what if the absolute sign falls off or is covered in snow, hm? How's your fail safe now?

So how do you get into railroading with misdemeanors?

Okay, what about if the single-headed signal is supposed to have an Ⓐ below it, but the Ⓐ falls off or gets covered in snow?

Is part 3 - 4 coming soon?

I saw a weird configuration....it was a three head signal and the top was steady yellow, middle was flashing green and the bottom was a stead red......what does that signal mean?

Ian: Will you be at the Great Edmonton Train Show September 20-21st at Millenium Place? If so, please come meet me at the LaBaJa layout if you do and see our working CTC system.

So instead of a R, L, DV, and A plate. What does the P plate mean?

I thought it was Reading Railroad, pronounced "Redding" was a railroad in PA...haha good video btw

does the conductor have a responsibility to read the signals with the engineer.

Great instructional vid! You could have layed back a little bit on the music....:-)

What if I encounter a two headed signal and the track speed limit is 30 mph?

sorry but i cant hear you above the noise

Great videos and information,next vid please get rid of the music,it is too loud.

Part 3? :(

Yes spads happen

20 thousand for each head?? Are they made to survive a freight train crashing into them or what?

Automatic signals Stop, Toot the horn twice not to proceed 15 MPH , NORAC Rules

dude I appreciate your effort but you have a few things backwards a signal without a number or letter plate on it is an absolute signal if you go by it you will get a vacation for at least 30 days a red signal with a number or letter plate is a restricted proceed

If my math is correct, 100 miles of signal cost 6 MILLION dollars... Sheesh..

I hope on part 3 the music is not so LOUD!!!!!!!!!!!!

there is no such thing as a clear to stop a yellow signal is just that proceed, prepared to stop at the next signal.trains exceeding medium speed must immediately begin reduction to medium speed as soon as the engine passes the approach signal.

Get rid of the intrusive music.

I had a hard time following this video. Again with the background music. Christ man what made you think that was a good idea?

WTF is a foamer?!