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Belgian Railway Signalling
Belgian railway signalling is the signalling in effect on the Belgian rail network currently operated by Infrabel. Preamble There are in Belgium two types of train movement: * 'major movement' (e.g. mainline operation) that occurs during normal operation (traffic moves at the speed permitted by the signalling and regulations); * 'minor movement' (e.g. shunting) which is done by driving by sight and never faster than . The change from one movement to the other is done by signals (main stop signals) or a written order. The ''first movement'' (which is always executed as minor movement) happens in the following situations: * a driver taking over a new train; * a change in driver's cab or direction of travel; * receipt, change or removal of train number; * vehicles that can drive on themselves are coupled or uncoupled * when permission is needed to continue to drive after an incident * when beginning to shunt Within major movement, there are two regimes, linked to bi-directiona ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Rail Transport In Belgium
Rail transport in Belgium benefits from an extensive rail network. The country is a member of the International Union of Railways (UIC). The UIC Country Code for Belgium is 88. History On May 5, 1835, the first railway in continental Europe opened between Brussels-Groendreef/Allée verte and Mechelen. Some sort of railroad or canal had been envisaged as early as 1830. The feasibility of a railroad was investigated by engineers Pierre Simons and Gustave De Ridder. The first trains were Stephenson engines imported from Great Britain. The engines were called ''Pijl'' meaning Arrow, ''Olifant'' meaning Elephant, and 'Stephenson' (named after its designer). They pulled bench-cars and diligences. On the return from Mechelen, the ''Olifant'' pulled all 30 cars. By 1840, Ghent, Bruges, Ostend, Antwerp, Mechelen, Brussels and Leuven were connected. The lines that had to reach Liège, Mons and Kortrijk were partially completed. In 1843, when the major East-West/North-South axes were co ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |