Zs Signals

Supplemental Signals

Introduction

Known as Zusatzsignale (Supplemental Signals), many of these signals are often attached to main and distant signals to provide additional driving information. Most of the "Zs" signals are lighted or programmable, some of the earlier and/or rarely used signals are simple painted boards or metal signs. The most common of this group are the signals Zs1-3 and Zs7.

The Zs1 performs a very important role, in that it serves as a substitute or replacement signal for a main signal that is either displaying a Stop aspect or is malfunctioning. This signal is usually located just below or immediately next to the head of color light signals, or on the mast of semaphore signals. When the Zs1 signal is lit, its three white lights form a letter "A" which substitutes for the drive service manager's written command of Abfahr (Proceed). This allows trains to proceed without having to wait for a written order to do so. Similar to the Zs1 is the Zs7 signal, which is shaped like a "V" for Vorsicht, and requires the engineer to proceed "on sight" and at a reduced speed. The Zs7 is used instead of the Zs1 in areas where the drive service manager is unable to directly confirm that the route ahead is clear.

Signals Zs2 and Zs3 are generally found in or around station areas. Zs2 is used to display the route that a train will take, based on the next major station on that line. It gives the engineer an advanced indication that the route is set properly and, if not, the opportunity to communicate or verify the correct destination with the switch tower before departure. Signal Zs3 is a speed limit indicator that is usually attached to the mast of a main signal, and shows the maximum speed that is permitted in the turnout (points) area following that signal.

Signal Descriptions

Zs1 Substitution Signal (Ersatzsignal) - Shaped like a letter A, for the command Abfahr (Proceed). Attached to the mast of an Hp0, or malfunctioning color light, main signal to indicate that the route ahead is clear and the signal may be passed without written order. At entrance and intermediate signals, a speed limit of 40km/h applies until the next stop point or signal. At exit signals, a 40km/h limit applies in the following turnout area only.

Zs2

Zs2v
Destination Indicator (Richtunganzeiger) - Programmable display that shows a route's destination, using the first letter of the next large station (for example, "F" for Frankfurt) in white. Sometimes used instead to indicate the assignment of a track, "S" for S-bahn (local traffic) or "F" for Fernbahn (long-distance traffic). The yellow Zs2v announces an upcoming Zs2 signal.

Zs3

Zs3v

Speed Indicator (Geschwindigkeitsanzeiger) - Usually attached to the mast of a main signal, and displays the speed limit that applies through the following turnout area or up to the next main signal. Can be a triangular metal sign (mounted upright or inverted) or a programmable display w/ or w/o a triangular background. Also used on its own, where the speed reduction applies from that point on. The limit is shown in units of 10km/h ("6"=60km/h). The yellow Zs3v is usually attached to a distant or combination signal, and announces an upcoming Zs3 signal.

Zs4 Acceleration Indicator (Beschleunigungsanzeiger) - Tells the engineer to accelerate to the maximum possible speed to shorten (kürzen) travel time. This signal board was usually held out the window of a switch tower, and not used when it could be misinterpreted by another train. (This signal is now transmitted over the train's radio.)

Zs5 Delay Indicator (Verzögerungsanzeiger) - Tells the engineer to slow (langsam) to about 2/3's of the maximum permissible speed. The reduced approach speed prevents a fast train from having to come to a complete stop at a main signal that is about to change. Otherwise similar to Zs4 (see above).

Zs6 Track Change Indicator (Gleiswechselanzeiger) - Marks a changeover point to the left-hand track of a double-track main line that supports bi-directional operation on both tracks. Attached only to main signals which can show Proceed in the opposite direction. Instead of the lighted versions shown, it can also be a simple metal sign (right) with a similar changeover image.

Zs7 On-sight Signal (Vorsichtsignal) - Shaped like a letter "V" for Vorsicht (foresight). Attached to the mast of an Hp0, or malfunctioning color light, main signal to indicate that it may be passed without written order. The engineer must proceed on sight until next main signal, at a maximum speed of 40km/h. In extreme cases, the engineer may have to reduce speed drastically, and in bad weather, may reject the signal entirely. This signal is used in place of a Zs1 (see above), when the drive service manager can not directly verify that the route ahead is clear.

Zs8

(Blinking)
Wrong-side Signal (Falschfarht-Auftragssignal) - Used on double-track main lines, where the right-hand track is closed for construction or repair, and trains must travel on the left-hand track (wrong side) instead. In this case, the drive service manager allows only one station to admit trains into this section, as the track has block protection in only one direction. Exiting the station, the speed limit is 40km/h and on the mainline a maximum of 100km/h. At the entrance to the next station, there will be a track protection signal displaying Sh0 or Sh1, a main signal displaying Hp0 or Zs1 only, or the command Abfahr (Proceed) may be given.

Zs10 End of Speed Limit (Ende der Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkung) - Indicates the end of speed limits imposed by a main signal Hp2 aspect or Zs3 speed indicator board. The board is placed before the end of a turnout area, and permits the engineer to accelerate to the main line speed once the entire train has passed the board. (This signal is technically categorized by the DB as an operational experiment.)

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