uk.railway FAQ

Standard bell codes (British usage)

1 Call attention

All codes must be preceeded by this except where marked *.

"Is Line Clear ?" codes - in Track Circuit Block areas these simply describe the approaching train.

Code

Meaning

1 Call attention
4 Class 1 train
3-1 Class 2 train
1-3-1 Class 3 train
3-2-5 Class 4 (Freightliner) train
3-1-1 Class 4 (other) train
2-2-1 Class 5 train
5 Class 6 train
4-1 Class 7 train
3-2 Class 8 train
1-2-2 Class 9(a) train
1-4 Class 9(b) train
2-3 Class 0 locomotive(s)
2-2-3 Train required to stop in section
2-1-2 Token required to protect trolley
2-6-1 Train which can pass trains signalled 2-6-1 or 2-6-2 on the opposite or adjoining line but which will be signalled 2-6-2 or 2-6-3 at some portion of its journey.
2-6-2 Train which cannot be allowed to pass trains signalled 2-6-2 or 2-6-3 on the opposite or an adjoining line.
2-6-3 Train requiring the opposite or an adjoining line to be blocked.
2-1-6 Train which carries speed or route restrictions only and which can pass trains signalled 2-6-1 or 2-6-2 on the opposite or an adjoining line.
1-2-6 Line to be blocked for passage of train conveying out of gauge load on an opposite or adjoining line.
3-3-3 Unofficial bell code in wide use for request no "needle" (line clear)

There are also general and specific suffixes for the above codes. For example:

Code

Meaning

-2 Electric train (on mixed route).
-1-3 Train routed to branch at receiving box.

Other codes:

Code

Meaning

5-3 Train incorrectly described.
3-5 Cancel last description sent.
3-5-5* Restricted acceptance.
3-3-5 Line now clear to clearing point.
2* Train entering section
1-2-1* Train approaching (where authorised).
2-1 Train out of section, or Obstruction removed,
2-4 Blocking back inside home signal [double line].
3-3 Blocking back outside home signal [double line].
3-3 Blocking back [single lines].
3-3-4 Train or vehicles at a stand.
5-2 Release taken.
2-5 Token replaced.
2-2* Locomotive assisting in rear of train.
2-1-3 Locomotive arrived.
3-2-3 Train drawn back clear of section.
6* Obstruction Danger, or emergency alarm operated.
6-2 Train an unusually long time in section.
7 Stop and examine train.
9 Train proceeding towards you passed without tail lamp.
4-5 Train arriving from you passed without tail lamp.
5-5 Train divided.
2-5-5 Train or vehicles running away in wrong direction or on single line.
4-5-5 Train or vehicles running away in right direction.
3-3-2 Shunting into forward section.
8 Shunt withdrawn.
2-3-3 Working in wrong direction
5-2 Train clear of section.
2-5 Train withdrawn.
4-4-4-4 Transference of tokens.
8-2 Distant signal defective.
2-8 Home signal defective.
8-4 AHB or AOCR level crossing local control being taken where communication not available.
1-1* Answer telephone.
1-1-6* Police assistance urgently required.
5-5-5 Opening signal box.
5-5-7 Closing signal box where section signal is locked by the block
7-5-5 Closing signal box otherwise.
16 Testing bells or block equipment.

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