Yard signals

[buckeyestation]

Does anyone know how a freight yard would be signaled. Do they go at the output of the yard or at each diverging track.

[ValleyX]

Most yards don't have signals within yard tracks. They have a signal at the entrances to the yard, which display restricted signal indications. Restricted means to be prepared to stop short of or to be able to stop within one half the range of vision, depending on the railroad.

Some yards have running tracks within the yard that might be signalled, meaning that all tracks are restricted speed, except for this running track, which is signalled and can be run on at designated speed.

I only speak of the yards I am familiar with, I'm sure there are many variances.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

A yard by its nature would have to be unsignalled since the various tracks in both the classification and departure areas are usually occupied.
Some specialized signals are used. Some yards will have a signal designating a specific track in the receiving yard for an inbound train. Hump signals are used to tell the engineer of the hump engine specific instructions about how to pu***he cut over the hump. These would be listed in the Special Instructions in the employee timetable.

[rrnut282]

The most realistic approach would be to put signals only where tracks join the mainline to control access to the main. Dwarf signals would be appropriate for this. Otherwise most yards operate under yard rules, all movements at restricted speeds and looking out for cars on the track ahead, so you wouldn't put a signal at every track inside the yard.