Headcodes are an indication of an engine or train's class or importance by means of a position of lamps shown on the front of an engine, or white discs during the day. The headcode system allows the signalmen at the signal boxes to identify and regulate trains and determine their routes.
Engines on the North Western Railway have been seen wearing lamp and disc codes on many occasions. According to Surprise Packet, the NWR has its own headcode meanings.
List of Headcodes[]
| Class | Means | Position | Images |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Express; Breakdown; Snowplough | Two lamps or discs on the left and right lamp irons | 
|
| B | Ordinary Passenger; Branch Line | One lamp or disc on the smokebox lamp iron | 
|
| C | Perishable Goods; Express Parcels; continuous brakes throughout | Two lamps or discs on the middle and right lamp irons | 
|
| D | Fast Freight; ⅓ train fitted with continuous brakes | Two lamps or discs on the smokebox and right lamp irons | 
|
| E | Medium Freight; at least 4 vehicles fitted with continuous brakes | Two lamps or discs on the middle and left lamp irons | 
|
| F | Express Freight without continuous brakes | Two lamps or discs on the smokebox and left lamp irons | 
|
| G | Light Engine, Light Engines coupled together, or Engine with not more than two Brake Vans | One lamp or disc on the middle lamp iron | 
|
| H | Through Freight; Ballast Train | Two lamps or discs on the smokebox and middle lamp irons | 
|
| I | Empty Passenger Train | Two lamps or discs on the left and right lamp irons and one lamp or disc on the smokebox lamp iron | 
|
| J | Mineral; Empty Wagon Train | One lamp or disc on the right lamp iron | 
|
| K | Pick Up Goods; Branch | One lamp or disc on the left lamp iron | 
|
| Royal Train | All four lamps or discs | 
|
External Links[]
- Train headcodes from Western Region railways.
- Steam locomotive headcodes from the Southern Railway and Constituents.