Track Circuit

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Signalling diagram inside Bewdley South signal box showing track circuit indicators

Track circuits are a system of train detection that relies upon the two rails forming a pair of electrical conductors along a designated section of railway. A power source (often a battery) is provided at one end and an electrical detector (often a relay) is provided at the other end. When the section of track is unoccupied the detector is energised. When the section of track becomes occupied by a train the wheels and axles short circuit the power source hence de-energising the detector, indicating the presence of a train. In order to increase safety, track circuits are often interlinked with the levers in a signal box, preventing a signalman from accidentally moving points underneath a train, or permitting two trains to be signalled towards each other.

A useful feature of track circuits is that they will show "occupied" in case of a broken rail, any conductive obstruction that touches both rails, or a failure of the power supply to the track circuit.

Track circuits are installed at a number of stations on the SVRSevern Valley Railway, specifically Bridgnorth, Arley, Bewdley, and Kidderminster. Additionally, there is continuous track circuiting between Bewdley South signal box and Kidderminster, allowing the section top be operated by Acceptance Lever.