Ablock post inrailway signalling is thesignal box at one end of ablock section.[1]
In Germany, block posts are known asBlockstellen (abbreviation:Bk) and are defined as railway facilities on the open line that mark the end of a block section, as part of a block system. They usually have ahome signal in each direction and on each running line. They are mainly found where the distance between two railway stations is greater than average.
In the early years of the railway, block posts were local signal boxes staffed with block post keepers. Today there are only a few of these classic, railway staff-operated block posts. Their function has been largely superseded by equipment that forms part of anautomatic block signalling (Selbsttätiger Streckenblock orSbk) system or by a central block post in a station signal box at one end of the section between two stations.
Block posts are described in the German railway regulations, theEisenbahn-Bau- und Betriebsordnung orEBO, at § 4 sub-paragraph 4.[2]
 | This rail-transport related article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |