Falschfahrbetrieb und Gleiswechselbetrieb
Wrong Line Operation and Bi-Directional Traffic

• Falschfahrbetrieb Wrong Line Operation
• Gleiswechselbetrieb Bi-Directional Traffic

In Germany, on lines with more than one tracks (usually two tracks), usually a train runs on the righthand track. Some lines are equipped with signalling equipment such that a train may also regularly run on the lefthand track, while other might not have automatic block signals on the lefthand track.

First some terminology:
In DB area (former West Germany), if only the righthand track is equipped with automatic block signalling (Strecke ohne Gleiswechselbetrieb), the righthand track is called the right (i.e.: correct) track (richtiges Gleis), the lefthand track is called the wrong track (falsches Gleis).
[Note, that in German, both 'rights' (for 'correct' and 'righthand') translate differently, so the above sentence 'right is called right' makes more sense in German than in English] (Ah, is this why Britons drive on the wrong side of the road?)
If both tracks are equipped with automatic block signalling for both directions (Strecke mit Gleiswechselbetrieb), the righthand track is called the regular track (Regelgleis), the lefthand track is called the counter track (Gegengleis).

In DR area, regardless of block signalling, the terms righthand track (rechtes Gleis) and lefthand track (linkes Gleis) are used.

Now, what are Falschfahrbetrieb (FB) and Gleiswechselbetrieb (GWB)? Literally, the first translates to WrongDrivingOperation(=Wrong Line Operation), the latter means TrackSwitchingOperation (Bidirectional Line Operation), i.e. on a GWB line both tracks are equipped with full automatic block signalling. If a train runs on the lefthand (i.e. wrong) line without automatic block signalling, special rules apply, and, if there are signals, special signal aspects will be displayed.

Falschfahrbetrieb Wrong Line Operation

First, I will explain Falschfahrbetrieb/Wrong Line Operation. That is introduced when a train must use the wrong track due to exceptional circumstances such as a blocked line or a construction site, and the remaining single line is not equipped with block signalling in the counter direction.
If there are no appropriate signals, the Falschfahrbetrieb (FB) entirely relies on written orders (which I do not cover here).
If there are signals, the procedure is called "Signalisierter Falschfahrbetrieb" (SFB) or signalled wrong line operation. That works as follows:

SFB is initiated by a main signal showing Hp 0+Zs 8 (Stop+Wrong Line Order Signal). The Zs 8 is not controlled by the interlocking, so the signalman must make sure the block is clear.

SFB may proceed with 40 km/h in points area and at maximum with 100 km/h on the open line.

The SFB is withdrawn by either of the following methods:

• DB:
  To the left of the wrong track a stand-alone distant signal board, then
  to the left of the wrong track a dwarf main signal showing Hp 0+Zs 1, or
  to the left of the wrong track a dwarf line-close signal showing Sh 1, or
  to the left of the wrong track a main signal showing Hp 1 or Hp 2 (or Ks 1 or Ks 2)
• DR:
  A distant signal showing Hl 10 (expect stop), then
  to the left of the wrong track a main signal showing Hp 0(stop) and Zs 1(substitution signal)

In case the SFB is to be continued, another Zs 8 is displayed with the main signal.

Example:

Note that most of the signals mentioned in the preceding paragraph were originally placed between the tracks, so you are likely to see it there, and a checkerboard sign to the left of the wrong track

Gleiswechselbetrieb
Bidirectional Line Operation

Since with GWB the counter line also has automatic block signalling, GWB is initiated by a main signal showing a proceed aspect (rather than stop as with FB/SFB), combined with a Zs 6 Counter Line Order Signal. Withdrawal of GWB is also done with a main signal showing a proceed aspect.

Example:

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