LGV signals

In the real world, these routes are not equipped with standard signals because they are difficult to see at high speeds. Information is directly transmitted from the tracks into the driver’s cab by the TVM system (Transmission Voie-Machine = Track to Train Transmission).

To visualize this information, you have to use cabs that are compatible with this system or the track monitor (F4 key).

Example with Edouard Staniczek's cab:

TVM codes

Max speed (km/h)	Track monitor	Cab
300	GREEN	300
270	GREEN	270
230	YELLOW	230
170	YELLOW	170
160	YELLOW	160
080	RED	080
030	RED
000	RED

Please remember that TVM cab display always shows the NEXT speed limitation and not the current one: a 300 means you can run at 300 km/h beyond the next TVM marker, but the speed limitation in the current block may be different. This is easily forgotten when driving, so beware!

F and Nf TVM markers

Like semaphores on standard sections, F markers are always passable: in their most restrictive state, they will be identified by 3 red squares on the cab display

	TVM Semaphore
	This signal means	There is a train in the next block.
	What to do	Stop in front of this signal. This signal is passable, so you have the option to proceed at 30 km/h or wait for a clear signal. Note that if you proceed and the train in the next block is stopped, you will eventually reach it, so be prepared to stop at any time. Also, note that passing a semaphore requires you to drive at 30 km/h through the whole block, so it's not always the best choice. Depending on the situation, you may prefer to wait for a clear indication before entering the block.
	Track monitor color	RED
	Track monitor text	STOP AND PROCEED

On the other hand, Nf TVM markers in their most restrictive state cannot be passed:

	TVM Stop
	This signal means	For security reasons, the next block cannot be entered. This signal is typically used to protect switches.
	What to do	Stop in front of the signal and wait for a clear indication. Trying to pass this signal will immediately end any activity.
	Track monitor color	RED
	Track monitor text	STOP

LGV fixed speed limitations

On the LGV, there is no distinction between fixed speed limitations and those due to traffic: both are transmitted as TVM430 codes into the driver's cab and they will both appear as "traffic lights".

You will notice that most long tunnels have a 270 km/h speed limitation (to reduce air displacement effects), but there are many other places where fixed speed limitations are necessary, for example in the Angles triangle or at the beginning/end of the LGV.

Beginning of cab signal transmission

The beginning of cab signal transmission is indicated by the following signs, placed at 100 m intervals:

-300 m

-200 m

-100 m

The speed limitation will be given at the entrance of the first block, signalled by the double TVM markers:

End of cab signal transmission

The end of cab signal transmission is indicated by the single following sign:

End of CAB signal transmission

The speed limitation will be given by the first standard signal found.

Please note that TVM cab display is valid only between and signs.

Due to MSTS limitations, TVM cab display may react to signals found on standard sections, but on standard sections you must ignore it and only trust signals placed outside along the route.

TGV station signals

These signals give the correct stop positions for single and double TGV in stations:

Stop in front of this signal if you're driving a single TGV

Stop in front of this signal if you're driving a double TGV

Pantograph signals

TGV have two pantographs: one for 1.5 kV power supply (used on the standard routes) and the other for 25 kV (used on LGV). When entering or leaving the LGV, the TGV pantograph must be changed, this is indicated by the following signs:

Lower pantograph warning

Lower pantograph (pantograph must be lowered BEFORE you reach this signal)

Raise pantograph

MSTS doesn't handle double pantographs, however here is how you can simulate this:

After the warning and BEFORE the "Lower pantograph" signal, press the "P" key. This will lower your pantograph (note that your train will continue to run without power feed, so this is not the best time to use brakes and a very bad idea to stop right here J).
After your train has passed the "Raise pantograph" signal, press the "P" key again to raise your pantograph and establish connection to the new power source.

Power cut signals

An entire route cannot be powered by a single power source, so power substations are placed along the way. As substations may not be in phase, it is necessary to cut the electric wire on a short distance. These power cuts are indicated by the following signs:

Power cut at 1000 m

Start of power cut

End of power cut

On recent LGV like the LN5, 25 kV power cuts are handled automatically, so no special action is required when approaching these zones. Simply make sure your train won't stop just between the last two signals.