Gene:
I'm going to "go out on a limb" and be subject to correction...or maybe
ridicule from those more knowledgable than I...but here's what i am going to
postulate.
You will note that the blades are of different shape and color combinations...
The top set of blades is the TRAIN ORDER SIGNAL...ie...when those blades are in
the horizontal position it indicates that there are train orders for a train.
The bottom set of blades indicate the condition of THE BLOCK ahead of the
approaching train.....ie it is clear or there is a train occupying that block.
Example. A westbound train finding the top blade on the right hand side (as
viewed from and approaching train) in the horizontal position would indicate
that there was an order for that train...If the lower blade was in the 45
degree down position it would indicate that the block was clear ahead was
clear. A train finding both blades "down" would know that there were no orders
for that train and that the block was clear ahead.
In the conventional configuaration of only one set of blades the blade in the
stop position would indicate that there were orders for that train or that the
block was occupied. In that case if the order was a "19" order (could be
picked up on the fly...without stopping)...With that order would be a Clearance
Form A which would indicate that there were X number of orders for that train
and the block was clear and that the train order signal was displayed "FOR
FOLLOWING TRAINS".
If my assumption is "in error"...I would like to hear from someone whose
experience and/or "solid knowledge" of this matter who
would explain.l
"PLease be advised" that I am aware that branch line trains running between
Edgar and Superior would require orders at Superior before leaving and that the
lower set of blades might govern that operation...but I really don't think that
that is the case...Usually in those cases the
timetable or "Special Instructions" would read..."No train order signal at
Superior...or....Train order signal at Superior does not govern trains on the
Edgar-Superior Subdivision.
The use of the TO signal as both a block signal and train order signal was the
usual arrangement on most railroads, but there was a potentially hazardous
possibility under this arrangement. A head on collision east of Norton
Kansas on the RI in the 1940's with fatalities resulted from an improper
handling of the TO signal/block signal. I'll not go into it here, but the
details are available on the ICC website.
Pete
-----Original Message-----
From: GENE TACEY <taceys@gpcom.net>
To: CBQ <CBQ@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Mon, Mar 3, 2014 3:24 pm
Subject: [CBQ] Another signal question [1 Attachment]
All,
Found another one that you signal gurus might be able to answer. This is an
unusual signal at the depot in Superior Nebraska. The top one would be the
train order signal but what is the bottom one for?
Thanks in advance
Gene Tacey
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