Railway Signalling in Burma - Part 2: Colour Light Signals & Motor Points

The British built the extensive metre gauge railway network in Burma. I've not travelled widely on the railways in Burma, but I try to keep a look-out when in the country.

Colour light signals and power-operation of points are in use at Yangon Central Station and around Yangon's Circle Line. I've also seen colour light signals on a brief visit to Mandalay station.

Colour Light Running Signals

Signal 'R101' on Platform 3 at Yangon Central Station. A multi-LED lamp has replaced the original filament lamp.

Running signals are 2-aspect or 3-aspect, with some 'searchlight' types within Yangon Central Station. Position light subsidiary aspects are provided where necessary. In places, multi-LED lamps have replaced the original filamentary lamps.

Route Indicators

Following British practice, Route Signalling (rather than Speed Signalling) is in use. In general, routes are indicated by a 'Line of Lights' but there are a few Theatre-Type route indicators.

Rear view of two 3-aspect signals with 'Line of Lights' route indicators at Pazundaung.

2-aspect colour light signal with theatre route indicator on the Down platform at Pha Yar Lan. Note the two side lenses (sometimes called 'pigs ears' in the U.K.) for the benefit of a driver stopped at the signal.

Ground Signals

To control shunting movements, position light ground signals are provided.

Position light shunting signal R64, location case and two point machines in Yangon Central Station.

Point Operation

In colour-light areas, points are electrically-operated using point machines. One type of machine is shown in the picture above. The picture below shows another type of point machine at Pa Ywet Seit Gone.

Point machine at Pa Ywet Seit Gone.

Photographs

  Burma: Colour Light Signals & Motor Points.

The above set of pictures is part of a Collection Railways in Burma.

[Remarks on theatre-type route indicators clarified: 18-May-2016]