Additional Information for Community Guides

I have compiled information that is difficult to reach if you do not speak Japanese. If you have already written a guide in English or other languages, feel free to incorporate or cite it. Please keep in mind that I am not a professional driver.

✅Introduction

Manuals and Community Guide Links

If you have not already read the other basic driver's guides, please read those first.

English and Japanese

• Official Manual (EN)
  
  
• English Guide by Cracrayol
  
  
• Driving Guide by Japanese users[docs.google.com] (by Akira Akiyama, shoken=san, and others),
  including walk-through (EN available) and printable timetables. (JP Only)
  
  
• Driving Guide Q&A page[docs.google.com] (EN / JP)

• Whistle signal and departure sign (EN / JP)
  

  Other Languages

  • French Guide by Cracrayol
    
    
  • Translation of manuals into Korean by Archerity
    
    
  • TASC Operation Guide (Korean) by Archerity
  
  

  This guide includes the following

  1. Description of the device attached to the main signals.
     
  2. Not used in game driving, but an important signals.
     
  3. Various signs. Explanations for the curious.
     
  4. Scene for sound the horn.
     
  5. About Distant Signals, Braking while stopped, Buzzer Description, and Speed limits.
     
  6. Long section on Pointing and Calling. (for those who like to read NTSB reports)
     
  7. Videos. My driving.
     
  8. Exact Japanese name of the device.
  
  

  Information Source

  • Japan National Railways Manuals
    
  • Driving real drivers as seen on the official live stream
    
  • Japanese Community Guide to Past Series of ONGAKUKAN Train Simulators
    
  • Internet postings by active and retired JR employees
    
  • Guide to other train simulators, Train nerd websites, My experience etc.

🔀1. Attached signal seen near the switch

🚦2. Major signals not used in the game

🪧3. Various signs and notices

📢4. A scene using horns.

📄5. Miscellaneous Section

About Distant Signals

• Distant signals are found on single-track sections without Block signals.
  They are repeaters of Home signals but, like Main signals, they have speed limits.
  They tend to be installed even on straight sections to ensure deceleration
  to the home signals.
  
• There is no protected section. As shown in the image, there is no track circuit at this location. This signal is classified as a Dependent Signals.

(Technically speaking)※自動閉塞式（特殊）の場合は停車場間に軌道回路を有します。

Prevention of rolling while stopped

• The regulations stipulate that the BC (Brake Cylinder) pressure must be kept above 200 kilopascals while stopped.
  
• In most cases, it is between B6 and B8.
  
• On the Tsurumi Line and the Nambu Branch Line, the train will be EB after the stop.
  
• Older brake systems (e.g., Kiha 54) take 15 seconds or more from EB to release, so they are not used at stations where trains depart immediately.
  
• In some glass cockpit cabs, warning signs can be seen when brakes are insufficient.
  
• As one of its functions, ATACS keeps the brakes above 200 kPa while stopped.

Departure authorization buzzer

Hachinohe Line DLC will operate the Kiha E130-500 series, a DC (Diesel car). Please wait for the departure buzzer from the conductor.
Except for DC, few JRE trains wait for the departure buzzer to depart.

Buzzer for Nambu Line rapid trains

https://youtu.be/ZD41K0WMRlE
For a long time, the Nambu Line only offered local trains, but for the first time in several decades, a rapid train has been available.
On this line, a buzzer is used to notify the conductor when the train passes through a station.
The buzzer is binded to the B key. Press and hold it as shown at 3:40 in this video.

When are buzzers used elsewhere?

Other Buzzer Information

Examples of codes used in JR (Features not in the game.)

Meanings	Code
Testing the buzzer	· · --- · ·
Loud and clear	·
Available for departure? / Yes.	---
Correct your stop position. / Correction.	· · ---
Pick up the phone. / I want to call.	--- · · ---
there are obstructions on the tracks.	· ---
Secure the rear. / Yes.	· --- ·
Power outage.	--- · ---

If you send the wrong code, quickly hit repeatedly to cancel the signal.
The code differs among the companies. JR inherited JNR's code.

Speed limit by curves

Perhaps you have noticed that speed limit signs are not always in place.
Here is a list of curve radii and their corresponding speed limits.

Speed limits per typical curve radius

Radius of curve (Metre)	Regular rules (本則)
R300	65 km/h
R350	70 km/h
R400	75 km/h
R450	80 km/h
R500	85 km/h
R600	90 km/h
R700	95 km/h
R800	100 km/h

(Actual operation may differ.)
Locomotive hauled trains, will follow Regular rule.
EMUs such as the E233 series will be +5 to 20 km/h. Tilting train will be +20 to +30 km/h.

Signs are often omitted on curves where the speed limits in this table apply.
The actual driver remembers the curve radius of the route he is responsible for. You can refer to the HUD in the upper right corner of the screen. (Good for you!) You can also hide the Speed limit HUD from the options if you like.

Signs are installed in areas that require extra care and where sufficient canting cannot be provided for structural reasons.

• Cant is insufficient due to switch in the curve.

• Because there are not enough straight sections between curves.

• If the restricted section is less than 100 m, the speed limit removal sign can be omitted.
  The length of the section is noted below the speed limit.
  
  
• Temporary signals will be installed when temporary speed restrictions are imposed due to construction or disasters.

Cases where there is no sign but there is a speed limit

• Maximum speed of the route (to be indicated at the top of the timetable.)
  
• Straight side of switch (In many cases, signs are installed.)
  
• Continuous downhill gradient
  (JR West has installed downhill speed limit signs. But this is a JR East game.)
  
• Section where trains are slowed down in response to noise complaints, although there are no structural deficiencies.
  (Example: Great Seto Bridge on the Seto-Ōhashi Line)

• By the way, the standard rail length used in Japan is 25 meters. This means that unless a different length of rail is used, when four joint sounds are heard, the train has traveled 100 meters. The standard length of a train car is 20 meters. It will help determine if the tail end of the train has exited the restricted section. The welded rails are...well, yeah.

How to use TASC

• TASC is an automatic braking control to stop the vehicle in a precise position
  
• TASC is only available on the Yamanote Line
  
• In order to prevent the skill of the driver from deteriorating, fully automatic control is not dared
  
• Real-life train drivers operate the brakes as if they were stopping manually and set them to B1 a few seconds before the stop, a style that leaves the operation to TASC.
  
• Although TASC has now been introduced on the Keihin-Tohoku Line and the Nambu Line, the simulator recreates the pre-introduction period.

👈6-1. Pointing and calling part.1

It's a very long section. It mainly goes into the signaling system. If you are a licensed professional driver, please read it.

• The marker will be placed at a distance in time to slow down to the next Main signals.

Tables for language learners

EN	JP	Romaji		EN	JP	Romaji
Block Signal	閉塞信号機	heisoku shingōki		Inbound line	上り線	nobori sen
Starting Signal	出発信号機	shuppatsu shingōki		Outbound line	下り線	kudari sen
Home Signal	場内信号機	jōnai shingōki		Mainline	本線	honsen
Distance Signal	遠方信号機	empō shingōki		Median line	中線	nakasen
Repeat Signal	中継信号機	chūkei shingōki

• If we are in a situation where we can see the main signal that is linked from the beginning, do we still Pointing and calling the Repeating signal? Unfortunately, I don't know because I lack information on the standard procedures of the various JRE companies.
  
• If you don't care about role-playing, you can skip repeating signals if necessary. I have seen professional drivers who do so.

• The numeric display is the track number. calling it.

Tables for language learners

JP	第3閉塞進行 (img1-balloon1)	第1閉塞注意 (1-2)	進行 (1-3)	本線場内進行 (2-1)	２番第一場内進行 (2-2)	中継制限 (3-1)
Romaji	daisan heisoku shinkō	daiichi heisoku chūi	shinkō	honsen jōnai shinkō	niban daiichi jōnai shinkō	chūkei seigen
JP	場内中継進行 (3-2)	第一閉塞減速、予告一番 (4-1)	B線場内中継進行 (4-2)	場内注意、進路左開通 (4-3)	場内注意、進路１番開通 (4-4)	A線出発進行 (4-5)
Romaji	jōnai chūkei shinkō	daiichi heisoku gensoku, yokoku ichiban	bīsen jōnai chūkei shinkō	jōnai chūi, shinro hidari kaitsū	jōnai chūi, shinro ichiban kaitsū	ēsen shuppatsu shinkō

• There is not always a name plate. This is the last section of the Shin-Etsu Main Line DLC.
  This is the C Track Starting signal. See the walkthrough linked in the introduction.

👈6-2. Pointing and calling part.2

Pointing and calling at traffic lights was done in part 1. In this section we will look at Pointing and calling in actual driving, including other traffic signals and signs.

Based on JNR manuals and my experience, but actual procedures may differ.
Differences can also be observed among the branches of JR East.

pt2-4 only words that Google misread were marked with <> for the correct Romaji-ization.

Confirmation at the first station (始発駅での確認)

• 205-1100 series cab (Tsurumi Line)

Pointing devices	Calling (EN)	Calling (JP)
1. ATS Power "ATS電源" or "ATS"	In-vehicle alarm check. (or ATS check.)	車警 <shakei> よし。 (もしくは ATSよし)	The orange light is ON.
2. Radio power indicator	Radio check.	無線機よし。	(Not included in the image.) Radio equipment for communication. I also have a cell phone as a spare.
3. TPR indicator	Train Protection Radio check.	防護無線よし。	This device orders surrounding trains to make an emergency stop via radio on a specific frequency.
4. Brake pressure gauge (Black hand)	MR (Main Reservoir) check.	元溜 (もとだめ / げんだめ) よし。	Air compressed by a compressor. Make sure it is in the red range of the gauge.

Check before departure (発車前の確認)

• In-cab signaling by ATACS. 205-3100 series cab (Senseki Line)

Pointing devices	Calling (EN)	Calling (JP)
1. Pilot Lamp	Door closing lamp on. (Shorten:"lamp on." or "On.")	戸閉点灯。<tojime tentō> (もしくは 点灯 / 点)
2. Signal	Starting Proceed. (Signal in front of you,It may be a Home, Block, or a repeater. Aspects may also be Caution etc.)	〇〇進行。(出発信号機もしくは出発信号機相当の場内/閉塞信号機または中継信号機)
2. Signal (ATC / ATACS In-cab signaling)	Signal Proceed.	信号進行。
3. Chronometer	Time check.(or "Departure from {station name} at exactly 00 minutes.")	時刻よし。(〇〇駅発車〇〇分ちょうど、時刻よし)
	Once confirmation is complete, depart.	すべて確認してからノッチ投入。

Check when departing (after around 10-25 km/h) (発車時の確認)

• Example of a simulation with a timetable (using community made timetable, web browser overlay on top of the game.)
  
• iPad mini or paper will be used on the actual train. (except on routes that use TIMS displays)
  
• Stations with blank times in the timetable / TIMS are those with no scheduled arrival or departure times. Also, often only departure times are set.

Pointing devices	Calling (EN)	Calling (JP)
Chronometer (No pointing)	"Scheduled time." or "15 seconds delay"	(採時駅の場合) 「定時」 / 「15秒延発 (15秒延) <jūgo-byō en>」
Time Table (or TIMS Display)	Next stop, {station name}.	次の停車駅、〇〇駅。

At the ATS-P changeover point after train departure (発車後、ATS-P切り替え地点にて)

For routes using ATS-P

• (1.)Yellow signs can be seen at the ATS-P switching points.

Pointing devices	Calling (EN)	Calling (JP)	When
No pointing	ATS-P switchover.	ATS-P投入。	1. Near the sign
No pointing	P switchover check.	P投入よし。	2. ATS-P indicator lights up

Check when stopping (停車時の確認)

Pointing devices	Calling (EN)	Calling (JP)	When
Time Table (or TIMS Display)	Stops at {station name}.	〇〇駅停車。	Check in before of or near Home signal or Stop/Halt ahead sign.
Time Table (or TIMS Display)	Stops at {station name}. Track Outbound 1.	〇〇駅停車。◯番。	For stops with multiple arrival and departure tracks, check the Home signal before calling out.

After stopping at a station (停車後の確認)

Pointing devices	Calling (EN)	Calling (JP)
1. Brake pressure gauge (BC)	Over 200.	２００よし。
2. Pilot Lamp	Lamp off.	滅。
3. Chronometer	"as scheduled." / "15 seconds delay." / "7 seconds early."	「定時」 / 「15秒延」 / 「7秒早着」
4. Time Table (or TIMS Display)	Confirmation of running track. {Station name & Track number}.	運転線路確認。〇〇駅〇番。	If there are multiple arrival and departure tracks at the next station.

When passing through a station (駅通過時の確認)

Pointing devices	Calling (EN)	Calling (JP)	When
Time Table (or TIMS Display)	Passing {station name}.	〇〇駅通過。	Check in befor of the Home signal or near the Stop/halt ahead sign.
Chronometer (No pointing)	"as scheduled." / "15 seconds delay." / "7 seconds early."	「定通<teitsū> (定時)」 / 「15秒遅通 (15秒延)」 / 「7秒早通」	At the stop target or Starting signal location.

Check brake release (流しノッチ)

Running the train with insufficient brake release is dangerous because it may lead to Brake fade.
In this operation, the degree of deceleration of the train when coasting is observed to confirm that there is no difference from the pressure gauge indication.

Steps	(EN)	(JP)
1.	Departs at 1 notch (P1 of throttle), coasting at around 5 km/h.	1ノッチで発車、5km/h前後で惰行。
2.	Run as is for a few seconds and check the speedometer to confirm that there is no abnormal deceleration.	数秒そのまま走行し、異常な減速がない事を確認。
3.	"Release check."	「緩解よし。」
4.	If there is no abnormality, it accelerates and starts normal operation.	異常がなければそのまま加速して通常の運転を始めます。

It used to be seen at the first station, but is often omitted these days because of the improved reliability of the brakes. I believe they are implemented at the beginning of the day.

👈6-3. Pointing and calling part.3

ATS Confirmation (ATS確認扱い)

See also page 12 of the Official Manual.

In ATS-Ps (and ATS-SN and various older ATS), a bell rings when a Beacon (Long Transponder) is passed when there is a red light ahead. Set the handle or brake lever in the brake position and press the ATS Confirmation button. If nothing is done, the emergency brake is activated after 5 seconds.

• Starting signal is a stop aspect. Repeating signal is visible.

No pointing, only calling.

Steps	Calling (EN)	Calling (JP)	Operation
1.	"Alarm, Red." (or "ATS, Red.")	警報、赤。 （または 車警赤。<shakei aka>）	ATS bell rings. Set the brake to B1 (or B3), or higher step, and press the ATS confirm button. (Space key)
2.			ATS Sustained Chime sounds (Continuously warns drivers that there is a red light ahead.). You can continue Traveling. Releasing the brake if needed.
3.			The sustained chime can be stop when the vehicle stops at the station stop target. (press the X key).

If it is not a station, the train stops 50 meters before the red light. When the signal changes to other than red, can stop sustained chimes.

• In the default settings of the game, these operations are automated.
  
• Not used in ATS-P, ATC, or ATACS.
  
• Normally, the confirmation button can be pressed at B1, but JR East may use B3.(Oito Line, etc.)
  
• If the emergency brake is triggered by the ATS (including when running through a red light), the driver must contact the command center for orders. In the simulator, you can release the ATS brakes at your discretion. (Set the brake to EB and press the U key.)

Limited speed section (制限速度区間)

Curves, switchs, etc.

Image	Pointing devices	Calling (EN)	Calling (JP)	When
	Speed Limit Sign	Limit 55.	制限、５５。	Finish calling it as you pass by the sign.
	No pointing	Limit Termination. (or "10 cars per train, limit Termination.")	制限、解除。（編成１０両、制限解除。）	If the tail end of the train passes the limited section

• It is also common to calling for attention even if there is no signs, if the sections needs attention.

Signals (Main Signals, Dependent Signals) (主信号機/従属信号機)

See also part.1 and part.4 for Pointing and calling at Signals.

Image	Signals and Aspects (EN)	Speed Limit	Calling (EN)	Signals and Aspects (JP)	Calling (JP)
	Proceed (Green)	Maximum speed of the section	{Signal name} Proceed.	進行信号	（信号機名）進行。
	Reduced Speed (Y and G)	65 km/h (High speed section: 75 km/h)	{Signal name} Reduced Speed.	減速信号 (YG)	（信号機名）減速。
	Caution (Yellow)	45 km/h (High speed section: 55 km/h)	{Signal name} Caution.	注意信号 (Y)	（信号機名）注意。
	Speed Restriction (Double Y)	25 km/h	{Signal name} Speed Restriction.	警戒信号 (YY)	（信号機名）警戒。
	Stop (Red)	Stop 50m before or at the stop target	{Signal name} Stop.	停止信号 (R)	（信号機名）停止。
	Proceed Shunting Signal	25 km/h	Identification light on. Track 1 Shunting Proceed. To {Another shunting signal or stop target}. Limit 25.	入換信号機（進行現示）	識別点灯、◯番入換進行。〇〇（次の入換信号機や停止目標）まで。制限２５。
	Inducation Signal	15 km/h	Inducation.	誘導信号機	誘導。
	Proceed Repeating Signals	N/A	{Main signal name} Repeater Proceed.	進行中継	（主体の信号機名）中継進行。
	Caution Repeating Signals	N/A	{Main signal name} Repeater Caution.	制限中継	（主体の信号機名）中継制限。
	Stop Repeating Signals	N/A	{Main signal name} Repeater Red.	停止中継	（主体の信号機名）中継赤。
	Can't see the signal light.	Treat as a stop signal	{Signal name} Unable to confirm.	信号機の現示が確認できない	（信号機名）確認不能。

Other Signals (臨時信号機・特殊信号機)

Image	Signals and Aspects (EN)	Calling (EN)	Signals and Aspects (JP)	Calling (JP)
	Temporary Signal (Warning)	SLOW Warning 45. (Example of 45 km/h)	徐行予告信号 (45km/hの場合)	予告４５。（徐行予告４５。）
	Temporary Signal (Speed Restriction)	SLOW 45.	徐行信号	徐行４５。
	Temporary Signal (Restriction Termination)	SLOW Termination. (After the tail end is out.)	徐行解除信号	徐行解除。
	Special Signals (Type 1 and Type 2)	Red, Red! (use the EB)	特殊信号発光機	赤・赤！

👈6-4. Pointing and calling part.4

Learn more about the Kanji on the nameplates of Main signals.

Home/starting signal numbers are sometimes written in kanji to distinguish them from track numbers.

EN	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th
Kanji	第一	第二	第三	第四	第五	第六
Shorten	一	二	三	四	五	六

• Left: Mainline 1st starting sig. / Right: Okawa branch line (大川支線) starting sig.

• 番 is #. Track No.
  Track 3 home signal shows the aspect of Caution.
  Sitte Station on the Nambu Branch Line.

• Another home signals on the Tsurumi Line.
  Here it is divided into tracks for freight trains and tracks for EMUs.

List of Kanji characters that may appear on name plates

Words found in Quadruple Tracks, Stations, etc.

Kanji	Shorten	EN
旅客	旅/客	PAX / PSGR / Passenger
客車	客	Passenger Train (Passenger railroad car)
貨物	貨	Freight
列車		Train Refers to Long-distance train hauled by locomotive, a remnant of the era when EMUs were less capable. Today, EMUs tuned for long-distance driving are running.
電車	電	EMU (Electric multiple unit)
快速	快	Rapid
急行	急	Express
緩行	緩	Local
外側	外	Outside
内側	内	Inside

Stations, yards, junctions.

Kanji	Shorten	EN
通過		Passing
連絡線 / 短絡線	連 / 連絡	Connecting line
本線	本	Mainline
副本線	副本 / 副	Secondary mainline
上り線	上	Inbound line
下り線	下	Outbound line
中線	中	Median line
側線	側	Siding / loops
待避線		Passing siding / Passing loop
留置線	留	Coach yards / Stabling point Including even a small one or two line near the station. Depots and yards have a lot of this.
電留線	電留	Coach yards / Stabling point for EMU
信号場 <shingōjō>	信	Signal Station
For example, Shinetsu Line (信越線)	信 / 信越	Names of destinations, stations, lines, etc. These may also be shortened to a single Kanji character
保安方式識別標識 (Found on the Keihin Tohoku Line)	自	This is seen on in-cab signalling (ATC) sections. Signal for maintenance / construction trains not equipped with ATC.

Found in Special Signals

Kanji	Shorten	EN
踏切	踏	Railroad crossing
落石		Rockfall
強風警報	強風 / 風	Strong wind warning
工事	工	Construction work
中継	中	Repeater (Relay of other special signals)
ホーム		Platform
		Other names of railroad crossings and track numbers

📺7. Videos

Tsurumi Line 701

• No commentary or voice is available at this time.
  
• The Tsurumi Line is a short line located on the port side of Yokohama. It shares most of its area with freight lines leading to wharf and factories.
  
• Speeds no higher than 45-50 km/h on all sections. Throttle is used up to P3.
  
• Basic rule: Do not exceed the speed limit by even 1 km/h.
  
• A common beginner's mistake. The max speed in the upper right is not equal to the speed you should be producing.
  
• The electric braking ends around 25 km/h, but the braking power of the air brake is good. 200 kPa (kilopascals) of B5 is used as a base. B7-B8 is not used.
  
• Please try to stay below 100 kPa (B1-B2) just before stopping to prevent passengers from falling.
  
• (14:40 in the video) Depending on the stop position, the train may contact the ATS-P pattern curve immediately after departure. If the "close pattern light (パターン接近)" is on, depart the train at P1 and wait for the indicator to go off. When the Transponder at the front of the train passes over the beacon, it is updated to the latest aspect information of the signal.
  
• The schedule is not tight. Re-acceleration will hardly be necessary.
  
• On the Tsurumi Line, EB will be used after stopping. (Local Initiatives)
  
• Note the speed limit of the switch. It is even the smallest switch that can be installed on the main line. (25 km/h)
  
• Of course, since this is a game, you can drive in a way that would never happen in real life and laugh.

More Trivia

• The old platform between Tsurumi and Kokudo is Honzan Station[w.wiki]. (1930-1942)
  
• It was nationalized in 1943 under a wartime law. After the war, it was supposed to be returned to the company by the government, but this was reneged upon.
  
• Since Umi-Shibaura Station[w.wiki] is located on Toshiba's factory grounds, only authorized personnel are allowed to go outside the ticket gates. Toshiba has built a small park inside the station for the benefit of tourists.
  
• Series E131 (new, not used) will be used from 2024. The current 205 series will be retired. JRE Press Release[www.jreast.co.jp]

⌨8. List of Japanese names (for use with google)

No.	Name
img1	進路予告機 [w.wiki]
img2	進路表示機 [w.wiki]
img3	入換信号機 and 入換信号機識別標識 [w.wiki]
img4	入換標識 [w.wiki]
img5	誘導信号機 [w.wiki]
img6	出発反応標識 [w.wiki]
img7	列車非常停止警報機
img8	特殊信号発光機（I形） [w.wiki]
img9	特殊信号発光機（II形） [w.wiki]
img10	列車停止標識 [w.wiki]
img11	要注意箇所標
img12	津波誘導看板 / 津波標識
img13	雪かき車警標
img14	停車場接近標 / 停車場接近標識 [w.wiki]
img15	出発時機表示器 [w.wiki]
img16	閉塞境界標識
img17	気笛吹鳴標識 [w.wiki]
img18	信号喚呼位置標 [w.wiki]
img19	車両停止標識 [w.wiki]
img20	誤出発防止地上子標

[Omegabigb]

Awesome! Thank you very much

[suzu]

I just realized the situation. I apologize for the delay in noticing. For some reason the image seems to have disappeared from the Steam server, but the file remained locally and I was able to upload it again.

[SuperGman04]

I agree that this guide is absolutely awesome, I hope the first 4 points get fixed soon as I'd love to see the signals not used, as well as the horn. I've always wondered what situations the horn is used in.

[Omegabigb]

Hey Suzu, thanks for your awesome guide, I just wanted to warn you though, something seems to have broken, and the first 4 points of your guide are now missing.