Color Usage in Signals, Signs and Markings - Color Usage in Combination with Non-Color Symbols

Color Usage in Signals, Signs and Markings - Color Usage in Combination with Non-Color Symbols

This segment includes fully-lighted, partially-lighted signals, signs and markings. Some discussion of color is also found with treatments of messages. Color in these situations can have one of two forms: color as a message indication in its own right, and color primarily as an instrument of contrast with an essentially non-color message. For example, a white arrow on a black background provides contrast instead of white having intrinsic value in its own right. Of course color can have value in itself as well as provide contrast.

All railway colors are in use for markings displaying geometric amd graphic symbols. White and lunar white are probably the most important colors for fully- and partially lighted signals that include such symbols. U.K. and U.K.-influenced systems, the U.S. and the Netherlands all employ lunar white; those systems using regular white are more common.

Railway signs do not follow a color code as is the case with road signs. However, some patterns of usage exist. White is the most common sign color. In some instances it serves as the specific symbol while in other cases as a background color. Few signs altogether lack white. Black is also a commonly used color. Black is sometimes a background color (RENFE and SNCF and SNCF-influenced systems frequently have black backgrounds for signs) but it is more often used for specific symbols. Blue is a frequent color for electric traction signs though accompanied by other colors. The color practices of lighted signals can dictate the colors for signs. For example, some speed signs employ yellow as the main color for preliminary announcement of restrictions, and green for ending of restrictions which permit full resumption of the former speed. The color red finds limited employment for signs.

Some of the comments about color for signs can also be applied to non-sign markings. Stripes and bands are common with such devices where there is a need for a sharp contrast; such symbols are frequently white and black. White is found in combination with other colors; red is a frequent companion for white. Contrast is often a more vital goal than intrinsic meaning.

Targets of various types, both unlighted and partially-lighted often follow lighted signal practice and therefore target colors often display more intrinsic value than contrast meaning. For example, red and green are more often in use than the premier contrast hues of white and black. It would appear that the use of white on U.S. targets is a remnant of an earlier era where white was the proceed color in place of green; in these instances white has intrinsic meaning (see Chapter 28B).

Fully-lighted graphic, geometric, and alphanumeric color usage is very much one of contrast with white symbols and black backgrounds a common motif. There is some use of red and yellow for these forms for Western Australia but that application is very much an exception to the common practice (WAGR 498-9).

While there is only limited information on ancillary uses of color (color for signal housings, masts and so forth) it can be said that black is a common hue for these purposes and also for baffles and hoods as well. Black serves well for contrast and for reducing glare thereby increases visibility of the signal. White and "aluminum" or silver are commonplace for signal masts, bridges and ladders. It is not clear whether some systems are employing black or whether railway structures have turned black from pollution. An unusual use of color for ancillary purposes is found in Chile where spiral bands of red and black are in use on signal posts and flat bands on signal backdrops. (EFE, 96, 106-107). This is also true in Austria where spirals of black/white/red, and gray/white/red stripes are in use on signal masts (OBB 1977) .