In article ,
Christopher Rivituso writes
I have been reading about the signalling system on the London
Underground, and one question has popped into my mind: Is there a true
difference between starting signals at stations and regular wayside
signals between stations? Would somebody be able to explain?

Not between those types per se, no.

The major issue is what a driver can do when the signal is at danger.
The two basic kinds a
- "automatics" exist only to keep trains apart; a red signal will only
be protecting another train, and the driver can pass the signal at
red on his own authority in certain circumstances;
- "semi-automatics" protect some other hazard (e.g. a junction), and the
driver must stay at them when red until specifically ordered past,
which can't happen until various other protections are in place.

This distinction, under other names, happens on most railways. For
example, on Network Rail the former kind ("passable signals") are
indicated by a white plate with a black stripe on them. In France the
former carry an "F" plate and the latter an "nF" plate.

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Clive D.W. Feather, writing for himself | Home:
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