*Modern Signalling Handbook* by Stanley Hall. 3rd Edition.

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

What an amazing book!

On receiving this, at first sight you wonder what you have got, as it is physically a very small book being only some 4 inches by six and 96 pages long. However, this is all very deceiving!

It is one of the most comprehensive books on signaling that I have ever read, and is packed with information, photographs and diagrams. There is absolutely no waffle at all, with everything being condenced facts and details, which although dry makes it a satisfying read.

The book itself is divided into 11 parts, which cover a total of 35 sections.

The books starts with a summary of the Historical Development of Signaling in Part 1.

Part 2 covers basically colour signaling, and includes colour light signals and their meaning, the aspects, colour light areas, track circuits, junction signaling, modern power signal boxes, miscellaneous colour signaling and emergencies.

Part 3 looks at the absolute block system of signaling, covering an explanation of the block system, semaphore signals, absolute block lines, signal arrangements, signal boxes, intermediate block sections, station working, and again emergencies.

Part 4 covers the crew and signals, as well as such items as the British Rail Standard Automatic Warning System, Automatic Train Protection, Train Protection Warning Systems, the European Rail Traffic Management System, platform starting signals, and signals passed at danger.

Part 5 covers the working of single lines.

Part 6 covers level crossings, both manually operated in automatic, as well as on the level crossings.

Part 7 covers Axle hot box detectors, permanent speed restrictions and temporary restrictions.

Part 8 covers train radio systems.

Part 9 covers engineering operations on the line.

Part 10 covers the Channel Tunnel Signaling.

Part 11 covers future developments.

This book is published by Ian Allen, and is best bought from Amazon.co.za or from the Book Depository in UK.

Highly recommended!

[John Ashworth]

I already have a copy - mine is the 2001 edition. You're right, Kevin - it really is an excellent little handbook of UK signalling practice. The basic principles underlie signalling systems all over the world, but I have to keep stopping myself from absorbing too much of the detail, which differs from South African practice. Examples of differences include the meaning of a double yellow aspect, and the meaning of a semaphore distant signal.