Information on the London Underground Signalling system for use on the updated LU BVE routes

Home Signals (Green / Red) :

The London Underground signals are operated by "line of sight", i.e. Most main aspects only display as red or green (home or starter signals). You'll have to look out for the signal in the distance. If it's red you'll have time to stop (unless you're speeding of course).

An example of a surface level Home signal at proceed. Note the white plate, which defines the signal as a Home aspect.

Another Home signal. This time in the tube tunnels. The the white ID plate is located on the wall. (The triangular object is a 'Rail gap indicator')

Repeaters (Green / Yellow) :

Occasionally on tight curves or signals with close headways you'll see a distant (a 'repeater' in LU language) which can be green or yellow giving prior warning of the state of the next signal. Sometimes where headways are close, the home and repeater are located on the same post.

In busy areas signals can be as close as 60m apart. Don't fall asleep! Upon seeing a yellow signal it is recommended to start to brake to 20mph.

An example of a surface level Repeater signal at caution. 'Expect the next signal to be at danger'. Note the yellow plate, meaning a Distant aspect.

This signal has a home and repeater on the same post. Its meaning would be 'proceed now, but expect the next signal to be at danger'. This signal may show a red.

Fog Repeaters (Green / Yellow) :

Surface level signals are normally preceeded by smaller signals called 'fog repeaters'. These were traditionally used to pre-warn drivers of the next aspect in heavy fog. These days the fog repeater signals are permanently switched on as an anti-SPAD measure!

The second picture shows a home and home/repeater at danger. Note that on these dual head signals, if the home aspect (top) is red - then the repeater aspect (bottom) is switched off. Once the home aspect changes to green, then the repeater signal will light up again to show either green or yellow.

An example of a Fog Repeater signal at caution. 'Expect the next signal to be at danger'. These are placed in advance of most home aspect signals.

This image shows a home signal at danger. The lower head repeater shows no aspect when the home signal is red. Upon clearing it will turn yellow or green.

Tripcock Safety System :

The routes are fitted with the London Underground Tripcock train stop system. This safety system will bring the train to a stand if you pass a signal at danger (SPAD) or drive above the linespeed in certain areas. If you do SPAD, then you'll have to reset the safety system on your train :

BVE2 : Press CONTROL+F2, then SHIFT+F2, and then the INSERT key. Put your brakes in the FULLY APPLIED position, and then open up the power controller once more.

BVE4 : Press SPACE. Put your brakes in the FULLY APPLIED position, and then open up the power controller once more.