what determines the speed indicated by signals?

[dehusman]

The speed is determine by the rule book for the specific railroad. On the GFSM where I operate. Green = 20 smph for normal trains 30 smph for passenger and priority trains. Yellow is reduced speed or 10/15 smph respectively. Red flashing is (after a full stop) a speed such that one can stop with in 50 feet.

That’s probably a pretty good, simple set of signal rules for a model railroad, but it should be clear that’s not typical of prototype rules.

Note that in any prototype rulebook, a “Clear” signal implies nothing about speed. It’s just clear. Speed limits for the line (including any permanent slow orders) would be listed in the employee timetable.

Signals that require a reduction in speed (like “Slow Clear” etc.) apply equally to any train of any type or priority.

I agree completely with Clear not having a speed associated with it (other than maximum). Some restrictive signals can have different speeds depending on whether its passenger or freight (for example Approach on one road freight reduce to 30 and passenger reduce to 40, both prepared to stop short of next signal.

Also once you get below 20 mph, Its kinda splitting hairs on different speeds for different types of trains. Actually on a real railroad even on a 10 mph territory the rule for approach is still the same, be prepared to stop short of the next signal and trains exceeding 30 mph must immediatley reduce speed to 30 mph. The rule and the signal is the same regardless of the main track or equipment speed.

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