Norwegian railway signals
Light signals
Conventional trackside light signals used on the Norwegian railway.
Reading a light signal
Type, position
and light pattern
A light signal is read as one complete indication.
The exact message comes from the signal type, the fixed position of the lit lamps and whether the light is steady or flashing.
The identification plate, reflective mast bands and position beside the track are part of identifying the signal.
Signal groups
Four signal
groups
Main signals
Stop and proceed indications, physical signal heads, identification and mast markings.
Distant signals
Advance information, lamp positions and the mandatory dark state beneath a main signal at stop.
Shunting and route signals
Dwarf signals, high shunting signals, route displays, point signals and derailer signals.
Crossings and protection
Level-crossing, rockfall, bridge, frost-gate and clearance-point light signals.
Lamp positions
Position is part of the indication
Flashing and steady lightsFlashing lights blink in the illustrations. Steady lights remain continuously lit.
Shades belong to the signal headThe curved black pieces around the lens represent the physical sunshades, not extra lamps.
Dark positions remain visibleAn unlit lens is drawn dark so the fixed lamp order remains clear.