What signal system did CB&Q use in Burlington between
the Mississippi River bridge and the West Burlington hill in 1953? Wood tower
was still operational then. I have one picture from the late 1940s showing a
three target block signal in Burlington. I think the main was controlled by
timetable and train order then, so how were train order signals given? Were the
target signals in Burlington controlled by track detectors or by Wood tower?
I’ve heard that the Washington branch line was dark, but I have several
photos of the Washington branch line taken in the BN era that show upper
quadrant semaphores with three position lenses, and a single target signal at
the Rock Island grade crossing near Havre, and near the M&StL crossing and
interchange near Winfield. The M&StL crossing was gate protected, with
primacy accorded to the M&StL, so I don’t know why there would be a
target block signal there. I’ve heard that the Q used lower quadrant
train order signals, but I haven’t found any pictures circa 1950 to
determine if that’s true by that date. I don’t know when the upper
quadrant semaphores were installed on the Washington branch line.
I’d like to hear from anyone with firsthand knowledge of the
signaling systems used in Burlington and on the Washington, IA
branch line circa 1950 so I can design the signal system on my layout.
Nelson Moyer