After quite some thinking and adjustments, we've adopted our own rules for JR's NORAC based signal scripts to fit the routes environment
They are all in use like this already, so lets take a look at how & why
In this case here, the exit signals for Orizaba Yard are only a few hundred feet before a controlpoint. If trains were to depart with an "APPROACH" indication, they would immediately stop again, blocking both the yard entrance and two public crossings. In this case with the "V's", the signals only allow trains to proceed IF the control point displays at least an "APPROACH" itself. The speed within the yard is limited to 20mph, so trains are able to stop in time - those signals are not approached a high speeds
Here we have the yard exit signal in the other direction, in this case on the left side of the track - other than everywhere else in the yard. To make this more visible and warn drivers, the checkerboard is placed where the Signal normally would be, with an arrow indicating where it actually is. This was adopted from the Ne4 Signals the german railroad uses, those are quite helpful in busy areas when you expect signals on the right but they arent
Last, the most important system i implemented. Shortened braking distances and appropriate signalling for them. In this case, we are at Oaxaca looking down Mains 1 and 2. Those are the entry signals for the towns yard, but where the mains join together a few thousand feet later, to make the siding length usable for longer trains, a second set of signals was placed. At 35mph it would not be possible to stop in time with heavy freight trains, so the following is signalled here:
At the Entry to the Oaxaca Siding, trains will get a "REDUCED APPROACH", warning of the reduced distance between the following "APPROACH" and "STOP" indications and forcing them to slow to 20mph before the next signal . The Approach Signal itself is equipped with a yellow warning triangle, to again warn of the shortened distance.
Also, yes we use mph. We have to, there is no US Engine Cab that is able to display kph as far as i know, so to make things easier...Distances are still in Kilometers
15mph = 25kph for switching
25mph = 40kph switches
35mph = 57kph (60) switches
50mph = 80kph, max for freight
60mph = 96kph (100), max for passenger
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