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B&O 1980 Signaling Definition

This directory contains signaling definitions corresponding to the Chessie System 1980 rule book for the B&O RR.

Chessie System's 1980 rule book listed separate signal rules sections for the three component road. Rules 281 through 292 applied to the C&O, B-281 through B-292 applied to the B&O, and W-281 through W-292 applied to the Western Maryland.

The 1980 rules for the B&O lacked a slow clear indication. The slow clear indication had been present in the past and would be added back at some point in the following years. The former slow clear indication was renamed slow approach slow and allowed for maximum authorized speed if enough distance permitted it before approaching the next signal.

There are 8 types of CPL signals included in this definition. Six mast sets and two dwarfs. The icons will display the necessary markers when needed eliminating the need to guess which ones are needed. One can create there route in the layout editor and see how the physical signals need to be configured before buying parts. Only the NJ International set has pre defined markers to match their pre-built #1214 signal.

Four of the CPL masts have shortblock in their name and are to be used in locations of short braking distances. These signals are mapped to protect signals displaying Approach with Approach Medium.

This signal system uses blocks and turnout speed settings for its logic irrespective of turnout position. For best results it is recommended you set up your layout in the layout editor and create the necessary blocks and assign speeds to them. Recognized speeds are Normal, Limited, Medium, Slow, and Restricted. The signal system will use these speeds to pick between the possible aspects.

To use the CPL files you need to set up the signal as three heads. The top 3 markers are the first head, the main disk is the second head, then the lower three markers comprise the third head. The dwarf signal is set up the same way. The permissive CPLs need two signal heads. The top markers makeup the first head and the main disc make up the second head. Permissive CPLs will not have lower markers. The NJ International set needs two heads. The top center marker is green, the left upper marker is yellow, and the bottom center marker is red. The main disc makes up the second head.

I am not an expert on the B&O semaphore signals. These definitions come straight from the rule books and may have been used in conjunction with CPLs. They lack a lot of the necessary aspects and indications to be a complete signal system on their own.

See the aspect page.

Signal Mast definitions: