Bell_Codes

Bell Codes for a Single Line Operated by the Train Staff System.

The Bell Codes below (in italics) are tapped out on block bells connected to bells at boxes at the other end of the sections controlled by that box. To distinguish which box is calling, each bell in a box sounds differently.

Name/Description of Code. How to Give Code.

1. *Call Attention. 1 Beat Only.

Train Descriptive Bell Codes.
Is Line Clear For: -
2. Express passenger train/breakdown train on duty/light engine to assist train/empty-coaching stock on express train timing?                                                                                      4 Beats Consecutively.
3. Ordinary passenger train/“mixed” train/breakdown train not on duty?               3 Beats-pause-1 Beat.
4. (Branch passenger train?).                                                                       (1Beat-pause-3 Beats).
5. Rail Motor-car/Auto-train/Streamline Rail car?                            3 Beats-pause-1 Beat-pause-3 Beats.
6. Parcels/newspapers/meat/fish/fruit/milk/horse/cattle or perishable Train composed entirely of vacuum/air- fitted stock with the Pipe fitted directly to the engine?                       5 Beats Consecutively.
7. Express freight/livestock/perishable/ballast Train partly fitted with not less than one-third vacuum/air-fitted vehicles connected by pipe to the Engine?                                                  4 Beats-pause-4 Beats.
8. Express Freight/Ballast Train conveying a stipulated number of vacuum/air-fitted vehicles connected by pipe to the Engine and authorised to run at a Maximum speed of 35 M.P.H.? 2 Beats-pause-2 Beats-pause-3 Beats.
9. Empty Coaching Stock NOT specially authorised to run at Express Train timing and carry “A” class headlamps?                                                                                 2 Beats-pause-2 Beats-pause-1 Beat.
10. Ballast/freight/inspection Train requiring to stop in section?         1 Beat-pause-2 Beats-pause-2 Beats.
11. Express Freight/meat/fish/fruit/milk/horse/cattle/ballast Train not fitted with continuous brake/breakdown crane not proceeding to an accident?                                      3 Beats-pause-2 Beats.
12. Through fast Freight conveying through load?                                               1 Beat-pause-4 Beats.
13. Light Engine(s) (coupled)/Engine and Brake Van?                                      2 Beats-pause-3 Beats.
14. Freight/mineral/ballast Train/Train of empties carrying through load to destination? 3 Beats-pause-4 Beats-pause-1 Beat.
15. Freight/mineral/ballast Train stopping at intermediate stations?                       3 Beats Consecutively.
16. Train conveying out of gauge/exceptional Load?                      2 Beats-pause-6 Beats-pause-2 Beats.
17. Trolley requiring to go into/pass through tunnel?                       2 Beats-pause-1 Beat-pause-2 Beats.
18. Branch Freight Train?         1 Beat-pause-2 Beats.
19. (Electric Express Passenger Train?)**                                                    (4 Beats-pause-2 Beats.)
20. (Electric Ordinary Passenger Train?)**                                (3 Beats-pause-1 Beat-pause-2 Beats.)
21. (Electric Empty Coaching Stock?)**                (2 Beats-pause-2 Beats-pause-1 Beat-pause-2 Beats.)
Other Train Descriptive Signals: -
22. *Train entering Section.                                                                              2 Beats Consecutively.
23. (*)Train out of Section, or Obstruction removed.                                           2 Beats-pause-1 Beat.
24. Engine Arrived.                                                                      2 Beats-pause-1 Beat-pause-3 Beats.
(See also Bell Codes 28 and 31).

Emergency Bell Codes and Bell Codes which do not require Call Attention beforehand.

25. *Emergency Call Attention (to precede emergency bell codes only). A number of beats in rapid succession.
26. *Engine assisting in rear of train.                                                                2 Beats-pause-2 Beats.
27. *Train passed without tail lamp. 9 Beats Consecutively TO BOX IN ADVANCE; 4 Beats-pause-5 Beats TO BOX IN REAR.
28. *Train Divided.                                                                                        5 Beats-pause-5 Beats.
29. *Section clear, but Station/Junction blocked.                           3 Beats-pause-5 Beats-pause-5 Beats.
30. *Obstruction Danger.                                                                                6 Beats Consecutively.
31. *Train or Vehicles running away.                                           2 Beats-pause-5 Beats-pause-5 Beats.
32. *Stop and examine train.                                                                           7 Beats Consecutively.

Train Operative Bell Codes (see also Special Bell Codes).

33. Shunting Into Forward Section.                                              3 Beats-pause-3 Beats-pause-2 Beats.
34. Section Clear but Station or Junction Blocked.                         3 Beats-pause-5 Beats-pause-5 Beats.
35. Shunt Withdrawn.                                                                                      8 Beats Consecutively.
36. Train an Unusually Long Time in Section.                                                     6 Beats-pause-2 Beats.
37. Take slot off-Train waiting.                                                                        3 Beats-pause-4 Beats.
38. Blocking Back. Inside home Signal=2 Beats-pause-4 Beats; outside home signal=3 Beats-pause-3 Beats.
39. Blocking back outside home signal for Train already in section.   1 Beat-pause-2 Beats-pause-3 Beats.
40. Shunt Train for following Train to pass.                                  1 Beat-pause-5 Beats-pause-5 Beats.
41. Train clear of Section (to be used when blocking back and shunting).             5 Beats-pause-2 Beats.
42. Cancelling last “Is Line Clear?” or “Train entering Section” signal.                  3 Beats-pause-5 Beats.
(See also Bell Codes 28 and 31).

Signalbox Operation Bell Codes.

43. Opening of signal-box.                                                         5 Beats-pause-5 Beats-pause-5 Beats.
44. Closing of signal-box.                                                          7 Beats-pause-5 Beats-pause-5 Beats.
45. Testing controlled/ slotted signals.                    5 Beats-pause-5 Beats-pause-5 Beats-pause-5 Beats
46. Testing Block instruments-bells, gongs etc.                                               16 Beats Consecutively.
47. Lampman or fog-signalman required.                                     9 Beats-pause-5 Beats-pause-5 Beats.
48. Time Signal.                                                                        8 Beats-pause-5 Beats-pause-5 Beats.
49. Distant Signal Defective.                                                                            8 Beats-pause-2 Beats
50. Home Signal Defective.                                                                             2 Beats-pause-8 Beats.

Specially Authorised Bell Codes. (Only to be used when special instructions are issued).

51. Train Approaching.                                                               1 Beat-pause-2 Beats-pause-1 Beat.
52. Last Train Incorrectly Described.                                             5 Beats-pause-3 Beats.
53. Line now clear in Accordance with Reg. 4 for Train to Approach. 3 Beats-pause-3 Beats-pause-5 Beats.
54. Train Drawn back Clear of Section.                                       3 Beats-pause-2 Beats-pause-3 Beats.
55. Train Withdrawn.                                                                                     2 Beats-pause-5 Beats.

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