French Signals: Acknowledgments, References, and Web Links

Section Contents: Acknowledgments, References, and Web Links

III. French Signalling

Introduction and History
Signal Types and Location
Signal Aspects and Indications
Other Signals
Acknowledgments, References, and Web Links

5. Acknowledgments, References, and Web Links

5.1 About this Document

This is a chapter on French railway signalling, consisting primarily of the SNCF with growing material on the CP and RENFE. Please notice that this document is copyrighted, with any reuse requiring permission.

Any comments, corrections, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Note that while that this paper assumes some familiarity with signaling, questions and comments to improve the article for those not familiar with signaling will be considered.

This version is 2.1.2, HTML conversion with minor revisions of text version 1.1.1 of 1994, which is a minor revision of version 1.1.0 of 1991.

Priority items for future revisions consist of:

new signalling developments since 1991
substantial information on CP and RENFE signalling
track diagrams with mechanical signals
ex-AL Germanic mechanical signals on the SNCF
non-TGV cab signals
further information on early light signals in France
dimensions of signal heads and lenses

Any additional sources of information in these areas would be greatly appreciated, and acknowledged.

Specific questions and missing information

What does SAS stand for, and why is not (S) used instead?
What are all valid indications for TECS/TSCS in addition to VL [e.g. (VL), (A), A, S]?
Is TECS/TSCS used with RR, i.e. for 30 km/h crossovers?
Are projected destination indicators (G, D, SAS, Imp) white or yellow?
What are all valid indications with TIP in addition to VL and M?
What are the exact head layouts of the historical colorlight signals?
- relative placement of colors in 1885-1941 transitional heads
- exact layout of colors in Etat St. Mariens head
- layout of early 1941 code rectangular heads
What is the configuration of the Nord Nf signal head located on overhead gantries? The C aspect is the only one confirmed.
Do the 1885 colorlight heads have a white light for the clear clear indication, or is dark considered clear? It appears from photos that a white was added later abovethe main head.

5.2 Acknowledgments

Claude Bersano-Hayes provided extensive translations from the French, and made numerous technical comments and suggestions. Andrew Waugh provided helpful comments.

Juan Carlos Monfort of the RENFE provided a copy of the RENFE signal rules.

The CP provided a copy of the CP signal rules.

5.3 References

5.3.1 Signal Rules

Regulamento Geral de Segurança: II - Sinais, Departmento de Transportes, Serviço de Estudos, CP, 1975.

Señales e Instalaciones de Seguridad, RENFE.

Règlement Général de Sécurité: S1A Signaux, SNCF, 1974.

U.S. Military Operating Instructions for the Nord Railway

5.3.2 Monographs

G. Humbert, Traité Complet des Chemins de Fer, Vol. 2, Liège, Paris.

Bernard Renaudot and Dominique Thébaudeau, La Signalisation, Les Cahiers du Train Minature No. 4, Société des Editions Flash 3 rue de Palestro 75002, Paris, 1981. [ISBN 2-902-664-05-02]

The Black Book
Roger Rétiveau, La Signalisation Ferrovaire, Presses de l'école Nationale des Ponts et Chausseés, 28 rue des Saints-Pères 75007, Paris, 1987. [ISBN 2-85978-102-1]

The Blue Book
Institution of Railway Signal Engineers, European Railway Signalling, A&C Black, London, 1995. [ISBN 0-7136-4167-3]

5.3.3 Papers and Book Excerpts

"Automatic Bock Signalling, Northern Railway of Spain", Railway Gazette, 11 May 1934, pp. 839-840.

"Automatic Signalling in France", Railway Gazette, 23 Dec. 1938, pp. 1090-1094.

"Automatic Signalling on the Eastern Railway France", Railway Gazette, 22 April 1938, pp. 800-801.

"Changing the Signals in France", Railway Gazette, 22 Nov. 1935, pp. 867-868.

"French Railways Adopt Colorlight Signals", Railway Signaling, Vol. 24 #2, pp. 51-52.

"Institution of Railway Signal Engineers Summer Meeting in Paris", Railway Gazette, 19 June 1931, p. 903.

"Luminous Speed Indicators", Railway Gazette, 3 June 1938, p. 1075.

"Signalling and Block Working in France", Railway Gazette, 28 Dec. 1934, pp. 1062-1069.

"Signalling on the French Railways", Railway Gazette, 3 Nov. 1939, pp. 577-579.

Malcom Fletcher and John Taylor, Railways: The Pioneer Years, Chartwell Books, Secaucus N.J. and Studio Editions, London, pp. 266-268. [ISBN 1-55521-627-7]

M.A. Lemonnier, "Block Automatique a Signaux Lumineux mis à l'essai par les Chemins de fer de l'&Eacutetat sur la Ligne de Paris a Saint-Germain, Revue Générale des Chemins de Fer, Vol 33. Part 1, 1924, pp. 114-120.

Thouvenin, Jean, "Quelques Tôles et Autres Signaux Fran.cais", Revue de l'Association Française des Amis des Chemins der Fer, #388, #390 May-June 1988 pp. 141-149, #392 Sep.-Oct. 1988 pp. 220-230, #393 Nov.-Dec. 1988 pp. 250-256, #396 May-June 1989 pp. 100-108, #397 July-Sep. 1989 pp. 151-160.

M. Tuja, "La Nouvelle Signalisation des Chemins de Fer Français", Revue Générale des Chemins de Fer, Vol 50 Part 1, Jan 1931, pp. 3-28.

Jean G. Walter, "Automatic Block and Cab Signalling in France", Railway Gazette, 4 March 1938, pp. 416-418.

5.3.4 Links to Other Web Sites

Thierry Davroux, La Signalisation Ferrovaire, http://www.inforoute.cgs.fr/davroux/signaux.htm.