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This section covers the various circuit symbols used in the signal drawings, and the nomenclature used
to describe them.
The majority of information for this page came from a book labeled Graphical Signal
Symbols and Written Circuit Nomenclature, published by The
Railway Educational Bureau in 1950, and written D. C. Buell.
This first section deals
with the standard AAR abbreviations and nomenclature used in the labeling of
relay drawings. If you have ever tried to read a signal drawing, and can't
make sense out of it, these "TLA's" should help you.
This section deals with symbols used on signal drawings.
Signals and Semaphores (prior to ~1950)
Searchlight and Color Light Signals (prior to ~1950)
Signals, Semaphores, & Smashboards
Signal Supports
Relays - DC & AC
Relay Contacts
Circuit Controller Contacts - Miscellaneous
Circuit Controller Contacts
Contacts Actuated By Switch Points, Derails, or Locking Connections
Other Signal & Pneumatic
Indicators, Locks, Buzzers, & Bells
Other Electrical Schematic Symbols
Railway Tracks & Highway Crossings
Buildings, Bridges, & Tunnels
Wayside Fixtures
Switches
Derails
Miscellaneous Devices Applied To Tracks
Pipe and Wire Lines
Lead-Outs, Bolt Locks, Cranks, and Deflecting Bars New 6OCT2006, 26AUG2013 last Changed:
06-Sep-2019