Lf Signals

Speed Restriction Signals

Introduction

These signals are used in areas where a speed reduction is required, and are known as Langsamfahrsignale. In the "Lf" signal system, each restricted speed area is indicated by two signals. The first signal warns of the approaching speed limit, shown in 10km/h units, while the second signal marks the beginning of the restricted zone. The engineer must slow to the reduced speed by the time the commencement signal board has been reached.

There are also two basic classes of speed restriction signals: temporary and permanent. Temporary speed restrictions are generally set up on tracks that are under construction or repair, using the signals Lf1 and Lf2. Here, there is also a signal to mark the end of the temporary restriction zone, signal Lf3. Permanent speed restrictions are often a necessity at station entrances or exits, steep grades, or sharp curves. On secondary lines, these permanent speed restriction areas are indicated by signals Lf4 and Lf5. And on main lines, they are indicated by signals Lf6 and Lf7. Permanent speed restrictions apply until the next main signal, which governs the speed in the next block, so no End plates are required.

Signal Descriptions

Lf1		*Drive Slow Plate (Langsamfahrscheibe)* - Installed at braking distance before a temporary speed restriction zone, announces an upcoming Lf2 plate. This signal is usually mounted on a tall post, it may also be at ground-level when installed between tracks. The speed limit is shown in units of 10km/h ("3"=30km/h). (At a "fork" in the line, the plate may additionally have an arrow indicating to which track the limit applies. If trains may start and stop after an Lf1 plate, a second Lf2 plate is placed after the stop point to remind the engineer of the TSR ahead.)
Lf2		*Commencement Plate (Anfangsscheibe)* - Marks the beginning of a temporary speed restriction zone. Used on tracks that are under construction or repair. An Lf1 plate will be installed directly in front of the Lf2 plate of a zone with a higher speed limit than the TSR area preceding it.
Lf3		*End Plate (Endscheibe)* - Indicates the end of temporary speed restriction. If multiple restricted zones follow one another, the End Plate is installed after the last zone.
Lf4		*Speed Board (Geschwindigkeitstafel)* - Found only on secondary lines. Placed at braking distance from a permanent speed restriction zone, announces an upcoming Lf5 plate. This signal is usually mounted on a tall post, it may also be at ground-level when installed between tracks. The speed limit is shown in units of 10km/h ("3"=30km/h).
Lf5		*Commencement Board (Anfangstafel)* - Found only on secondary lines. Marks the beginning of a permanent speed restriction zone, such as a crossing, station, or any other area where lower speed is required.
Lf6		Speed Announcement Signal *(Geschwindigkeits-Ankündesignal)* - Found on main lines. Stands at braking distance to a permanent speed restriction zone, announces an upcoming Lf7. This signal is usually mounted on a tall post, it may also be at ground-level when installed between tracks. The speed limit is shown in units of 10km/h ("10"=100km/h).
Lf7		*Speed Signal (Geschwindigkeitssignal)* - Found on main lines. Marks the beginning of a permanent speed restriction zone, such as a crossing, station, or any other area where lower speed is required. The speed limit is shown in units of 10km/h ("10"=100km/h). When installed on a main signal mast, the speed indicated by the Lf7 applies only in the Hp1 (Proceed) setting of the signal.

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