Ra Signals

Shunting Signals

Introduction

These signals are used in yard areas to control shunting (switching) operations, and are known as Rangiersignale. The first set of signals, Ra1-5, are directions communicated to the shunting locomotive engineer by the shunting service manager using a whistle in combination with hand movements (daytime) or a lantern or light (nighttime). The second group, Ra6-9, are instructions used in freight yards with a classification "hump" and are given by semaphore or light signals. The remaining signals, Ra10-13, are permanently installed boards or signs that restrict the extent of shunting movements within the station and yard areas.

Signal Descriptions

Ra1

Move Away (Wegfahren) - One very long tone and move hand (lantern) vertically repeatedly. Shunting operation must move away from the signalman.

Ra2

Move Forward (Herkommen) - Two long tones and move hand (lantern) horizontally repeatedly. Shunting operation must move toward the signalman.

Ra3

Push Together (Aufdrücken) - Two short tones and move hands together repeatedly (or a lantern is held in one hand). The engineer must push the group of cars together for uncoupling, and then remain stopped.

Ra4

Push Away (Abstoßen) - Two long tones, then one short tone and move hand (lantern) outward horizontally twice, then vertically down quickly. When given this signal, the engineer stops the shunting locomotive and the uncoupled car it was pushing rolls until stopped by a brake or a stationary group of cars.

Ra5

Stop (Rangierhalt) - Three short tones and move hand (lantern) in a circular motion. Immediate stop, used when the shunting goal or target has been reached.

Ra6

Stop (Abdrücken verboten) - Stop, the shunting operation is not permitted to press a car further over the classification hump.

Ra7

Proceed slowly (Langsam abdrücken) - The shunting operation may press a car over the classification hump slowly. The speed meant by slow is specified by the local regulations.

Ra8

Proceed quickly (Schnell abdrücken) - The shunting operation may press a car over the classification hump quickly. The speed meant by quickly is specified by the local regulations.

Ra9

Reverse (Zurückziehen) - Move away from the classification hump, in the opposite direction of the classification yard.

Ra10

Stop for Shunting Movements (Rangierhalttafel) - This board marks the limit of shunting movements within the station area. It is installed at the danger point (turnout area) beyond the entrance signal, and faces the station area. Shunting operations may proceed past the board only with permission, to prevent collisions with through-trains entering the station.

Ra11

Wait Sign (Wartezeichen) - Shunting movements must wait for permission from the turnout crew to proceed. Permission may be given verbally, by hand signals, a white lantern, or by signal Sh1. The Sh1 may be the pair of diagonal white lights on the Ra11 itself, if so equipped. (The Ra11 is usually found only at installations with mechanical and electro-mechanical signals. Newer installations use the Sh0/Sh1 light signal.)

Ra12

Boundary Sign (Grenzzeichen) - A cylindrical striped marker that indicates the point where a train may stop without hindering the adjoining track of a turnout. Placed on the ground at rail-height either between the tracks leading away from the turnout or beside the inside rail of each track.

Ra13

Isolation Sign (Isolierzeichen) - Marks an isolated rail section that is used to activate automatic turnouts or signals, and must be kept clear. Placed flat at ground-level beside the isolation point.

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