Really appreciative.
Wished I had known this when I rode the DZ. Would have made the dome ride even
more interesting.
sjl
Karl L Rethwisch wrote:
> In the years I spent with the Mother Road the signals were quite similar
> across the territory. All CTC "home" signals were Search Light type(one bulb
> and the mechanism "searches" for the correct color filter [lens] to display
> the aspect) while the intermediates were three color light signals.
> Interlocking signals were also searchlight type.
>
> In multiple main track territory the bridges had single searchlight signals
> for intermediates and "stacked" searchlights for "route boards" or "home
> signals" such as at crossovers. The top indication governed movements on the
> main track, the middle signal, if there were more than two, governed
> movements through the turnout and the bottom signal, if present, prescribed
> restricted speed, regardless of the route.
>
> Searchlight signals give maintainers the "chills" since there are so many
> moving parts and, therefore, so many more chances for things to go wrong.
> They are only surpassed by the semaphore as the most hated signal device
> still in use.
>
> CTC intermediate signals and ABS signals usually look alike because they are.
>
> Wayside signals are known as "fixed signals" since they are at fixed
> locations (not repaired signals).
>
> The Q used Green, Yellow and Red to signal trains. In later years these
> signals were displayed in different manners to increase the safe distance
> between trains by adding a FLASHING aspect to the yellows and reds. Each
> aspect prescribed a specific operating method to trains passing them. Still
> later the LUNAR, (bluish-white) RESTRICTING aspect was added as a means of
> further keeping trains separated when following each other. Lunar prescribes
> operating in a manner that allows stopping in ONE HALF the range of vision
> but NEVER exceeding 20MPH. These aspects replaced the "BOTTOM YELLOW" at the
> entrance to NON-BONDED sidings. This means that regardless of the frog angle
> you can NOT go over 20 when "heading in". Leaving a siding, however, you can
> go as fast as you think the cars will stay on the track.
>
> Does this help?
>
> Karl
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
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