Model Railway Forum

I came across a photo (haven't got a copy) of four ground signals stacked on top of each other. The signals where the white round disc with the red band across the middle. Anyone know what that type of configuration is meant to represent?

I have on the layout I am building four sidings coming off to the right of the line feeding them. Is this how these ground signals could be used? The signals I assume would still be on the left side of the line on the approach to the sidings. If so, in what order would they be; top or bottom one being the first set of points?

David

For signalling and signal type information this site is very good... [https://signalbox.org/signals.shtml

It was not uncommon where there were multiple possible routes for small (miniature) semaphore shunt signals (which preceded the use of discs) to be 'stacked', and would apply top = left, bottom = right. The miniature arm signal remained in use on lines of the former LMS quite extensively long after they disappeared from other lines.

Stacking main line running signals was also used when space might be limited and geographic positioning of junction signals would be difficult, the Great Northern Railway somersault signals were frequently used in this manner especially on the approaches to Kings Cross.

When discs replaced the miniature arms where multiple routes were possible stacked discs could be provided although the Southern did not use them as much as the other railways. It was also common for one disc to apply to all routes but with an illuminated route indicator showing a letter or number describing which route was set. London Underground even provided theatre type indicators associated with shunt signals.

Here are both stacked miniature arms and stacked disc signals at Seymour Junction, Derbyshire. Seymour Junction shunt signals.jpg[/attachment]

Many thanks for your help. Re "top left, bottom right" all my tracks turn off to the right immediately one after the other, therefore would a stack configuration still apply and which one would be at the top etc? (First one?).
David

Yes, top most applies to the first turn off reading left to right, so if all turn-offs are to the right of the main route the topmost applies to the first turn off. Conversely if all the turn offs are left of the main line then the top one applies to the route on the left .

Excellent! Thanks LC&DR. I can stack them in one place.

David