Re: [CBQ] Flashing Aspects

[Michael Matalis <mmatalis@sprynet.com>]

Just saw a flashing red on Monday in Downers Grove, and as you said, it was the lowest target.  Thank you very much for your insight, it helps me understand the current and past signal systems much better.

Thank you kindly,

Michael Matalis

Downers Grove IL

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On Aug 7, 2012, at 4:00 PM, GLEN HAUG wrote:

Actually on the East End, until recently, the flashing relay was for the entire control point, or signal location.  Signals were always in synchronization if more than one was flashing.  This was particularly evident at intermediate locations two signals in advance of a control point, like Stone Avenue in the photo, when the direction was set the same for two mains.  In the photo, the direction (sometimes referred to as traffic) for Mains 1 and 2 is probably set for westbound.  If the control point at Highlands is not lined up for Mains 1 and 2, then the intermediate at Western Springs would be solid yellow, and the intermediate at Stone would be flashing yellow, which is probably what is being depicted in the photo.
 
In the CB&Q era, the only flashing aspect was yellow.  In the late 70's, BN modified the 'permissive' aspect at control points, by removing the Lunar top target, and installing Flashing Red, which I believe was nearly always installed on the low target.  When they did this, they wired the new aspect through the same flashing relay.  As a result, you can often see synchronized flashing yellow and flashing red (on separate tracks) at the same time at control points.
 
You can tell which locations still have the CB&Q flashing relays (yes, some of them are still in service), because they flash at a slower rate (20 times 'on' and 'off' per minute).  This slow rate of flash made it easier for photographs to catch a signal dark.  In 1982, entirely new control points were added at East and West Lisle and East and West Naperville, and the flashing aspects at these locations are at a faster rate of 30 times 'on' and 'off' per minute.
 
More recently, many of the former CB&Q signal bridges have been replaced, and the searchlights replaced with color lights.  At these locations, the flashing aspects are no longer synchronized.
 
Glen Haug 
 

---

To: CBQ@yahoogroups.com
From: mdecker@gwtc.net
Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2012 19:19:48 +0000
Subject: [CBQ] Re: PRR-UP power

Mike & Larry......

At least until "solid state" stuff, the signals had individual "flasher" relays. Sometimes two signals would syncronise, but sooner or later, one of them would get out of "sync" and they'd be different. You probably caught the two when they were both "dim"....they're not supposed to go completely out.

Mike

--- In CBQ@yahoogroups.com, "Larry" <lsallee@...> wrote:
>
> That's an even better possible explanation, as I think they did (and still do?)flash in unison?
> 
> Larry
> 
> --- In CBQ@yahoogroups.com, Michael Matalis <mmatalis@> wrote:
> >
> > Could they have been flashing yellow and you happened to catch them between beats? 
> > 
> > Thank you kindly,
> > 
> > Michael Matalis
> > Downers Grove IL

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