Level Crossing Signals
Signale für Bahnübergänge

Signals

ID

aspect

 description

Bü 0

 Übergang nicht gesichert  Stop before level crossing, proceed when secured.

On top DB, below DR variant.
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Übergang nicht gesichert 

Bü 1

 Übergang gesichert  Level crossing may be passed. On branch lines, the amber light may be missing.

On top DB, below DR variant.
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Übergang gesichert 
Note that on new installations and replacements, the DR signals are used, replacing the DB signals. This is probably because the blinking white light may be confused with a Zs 1 at a Ks signal.
On newer signals, the amber light(s) are replaced by retro-reflective dot(s).

Bü 2

 Rautentafel  (DB only)
Rautentafel (Diamond board): expect level crossing signal. Also marks the activation point for the level crossing's road signals
Note: don't confuse this with the DR Zs 103 mounted at a main signal's post, a Bü 2 is a standalone board
If the level crossing is at reduced distance, there may be a white triangle atop the diamond board.

 
Rautentafel (250m)  Rautentafel (175m)  Rautentafel (100m) 
(DB only)
Optionally a Bü 2 can be followed by usually up to three diamond boards with decreasing number of diamonds. In that case, the distance between the boards is 75m, the distance between the last board and the level crossing signal is 100m.

Bü 3

 Warntafel  DB area:
Merktafel. Marks the point where flashing lights or light signal with remote supervision are turned on.

So 15

 Warntafel  DR area:
Warntafel (Warning board): Observe level crossing signal. Driver must check now whether So 16 displays steady white light (aspect So 16a). If no So 14 is present also marks contact point where street signals will be turned on.camera.gif (1065 Byte)

Bü 4

 Pfeiftafel  Pfeiftafel (Whistle board): sound whistle (pfeifen = whistle) for approx. three seconds. In DR area two whistle boards may be mounted above each other. This is signal Pf 2 which means: Whistle twice. The board may also have its colours reversed.

 

 Pfeiftafel gilt nicht für haltende Züge  There is a regular stop between the whistle board and the level crossing, and this whistle board is valid only for trains not stopping before the level crossing. For halting trains, another whistle board will be placed after the halt.

Bü 5

 Läutetafel  Läutetafel (Bell board): ring bell (läuten = ring) until train head has passed the level crossing.
As with the whistle board the board with the two black stripes may be used.

So 14 

 Merkpfahl  DR area
Note: this is a black-and-white painted pole, and is used only if no So 15 signal is used.
Merkpfahl (Attention pole): Marks the contact point where level crossing street signals will be turned on.camera.gif (1065 Byte) 

Zs 9

 Bahnübergangstafel  See explanation at subsidiary signals page.

Additional level crossing signs

Mastschild für Bü-Signal (DB)  Mastschild für Bü-Signal (DR) 
DB DR
Post plate for a level crossing signal..
Bü-Signal in verkürztem Abstand  Distance between signal and level crossing is closer than usual. In this case also the Bü 2 is marked with this triangle
Bü-Signalwiederholer  (DB signals only) Mounted below post plate or below Bü announcement board:
Marks a repeater signal or repeated announcement board.
Bü-Ankündetafel  Bü-Ankündetafel (Level crossing announcement board):
In DB area is placed at the switch-on point for the street signals at crossing.
In DR area is placed together with the So 15 warning board.
Note that this board is facultative. The number is the km-position of the level crossing.
Bü-Ankündetafel für mehrere Bahnübergänge  Bü announcer when the switch-on contact governs more than one level crossing that are densely spaced.
Bü-Kennzeichentafel  Bü-Kennzeichentafel (Level crossing marker board):
If a Bü announcer is present, then this board is placed immediately at the level crossing.
If the signals at the level crossing in advance are governed by the same contact as the ones for the crossing in rear, the Bü announcer for the next crossing is mounted below this Bü marker.
Automatik-HET  Marks the location of the automatic auxiliary activation device for level crossing signals. If approaching a level crossing when the signals have failed to turned on automatically, approach this location at pace rate and verify whether signals are turning on.
HET (Hilfseinschaltetaste)  Marks the location of the manual auxiliary activation device for level crossing signals. If approaching a level crossing when the signals have failed to turned on automatically, stop here and activate signals manually.
Automatik-ET  Marks the location of the automatic activation device for level crossing signals. When approaching a level crossing, signals should turn on when passing this board.
ET (Einschaltetaste)  Marks the location of the manual activation device for level crossing signals. When approaching a level crossing, stop here and activate signals manually.

Signals for Street Traffic

Andreaskreuz  Andreaskreuz (St. Andrew's Cross):
Yield to railway traffic. This sign is used at all level crossings regardless whether they are equipped with or without lights and/or barriers. level crossing 
rotes Blinklicht  Older type signal: When light is off the level crossing may be passed when flashing: stop.
On newer installations a traffic light with red and amber light is used
Ampel  Newer type signal

 

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