Ne Signals

Secondary Signals

Introduction

Nebensignale, or secondary signals, are named for their predominant usage on the secondary lines (Nebenbahnen) of the DB. In many cases, the small stations on these routes are unmanned and there is no provision for maintaining operational signals like those found on main lines. The "Ne" signals form a simplified board-based signaling system, which replaces them and are adequate for areas with less rail traffic and danger. There are however some "Ne" signals, which are also very commonly used alongside the primary signals on the main line and at large stations, such as signals Ne2 through Ne5.

Signal Descriptions

Ne1		*Trapezoid Board (Trapeztafel)* - Often found at small stations on lightly-traveled secondary lines in place of a main entry signal, located to the right of the track. Trains must stop at the board, and wait for a proceed (Zp11) signal (long-short-long whistle or blinking light above the board) to continue into the station area.
Ne2		*Distant Signal Board (Vorsignaltafel)* - Installed on a distant signal (semaphore or color light). If a distant semaphore signal is at reduced distance from its main signal, an inverted triangle is placed above the board as shown at right. (Color light distant signals at reduced distance have an additional white light above their signal head instead.) An Ne2 may also be used by itself on secondary lines to announce a main signal.
Ne3		*Distant Signal Announcers (Vorsignalbaken)* - Indicate an upcoming distant signal. The farthest board, with three stripes, is placed 250m before the signal. The remaining boards are placed at 175m and 100m before the signal. In some cases, there may be additional boards, with four or five stripes, also at 75m intervals. If the distant signal is at a reduced distance to the main signal, the farthest board has an inverted triangle placed above it as shown at left.
Ne4		*Chessboard (Schachbrettafel)* - Placed to the right of the track, as a warning that the main signal is not located directly to the right of or above the track. Often used on double-track main lines, where a track under construction is closed off and there is a temporary wrong-side (left-hand track) operation. The board is then placed to the right of the left-hand track, and a replacement (Zs8) signal is used at the main signal. Where space is limited, a smaller square board may be installed at ground-level.
Ne5		*Stop Board (Haltetafel)* - Marks the point where the front of the train is to stop, usually at a station platform. There may also be an additional board below it that indicates the allowable train length, in meters or number of axles. At stations without exit signals, the Halt board indicates how far the train may proceed before it must wait for a departure order to be granted.
Ne6		*Track-Side Stop Board (Haltepunkttafel)* - Placed at an angle to the track, announces an upcoming track-side station, or Stop (Halt). Installed at braking distance on main lines, and at least 150m on secondary lines. Used only when the Stop may not be easily seen by the engineer.
Ne7		*Snowplow Board (Schneepflugtafel)* - Indicates the points where a moveable plow assembly must be raised (and afterward lowered) to avoid damage to crossings, bridges, etc.

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