Re: [CBQ] Signals (was Alignment Charts)

["Richard Gortowski via groups.io" <rgortowski=aol.com@groups.io>]

Glen,

I'm modeling between Steward, IL and Oregon, IL plus the Mt Morris branch.  I'm interested in how signaling in CTC territory is set up and works.  Looking at alignment chart AU 64 at flag Center, you have a combination of searchlights on a signal bridge, searchlights on masts, and color lights on masts, all within five miles.  I'm wondering what would dictate the use of searchlights on masts versus color lights?  I will be at Sheridan, so I'll bring the track charts and we can discus.

BTW, it was recommended that I pick up a Burlington Rules of the Operation Department booklet, and Railroad Signaling by Brian Solomon.  The rule book arrived today and I've started reading it.  I'm hoping the Solomon book arrives Monday.  Those should help a lot.

Rich

-----Original Message-----
From: zephyr98072 <glenehaug@msn.com>
To: CBQ@groups.io <CBQ@groups.io>
Sent: Fri, Apr 29, 2022 6:09 pm
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Signals (was Alignment Charts)

Rich:

I'm not sure if I understand all of your question, but will try to answer.  Color light signals and searchlight signals were just two styles of signals, and both were officially referred to as color lights, as opposed to semaphores.  Both styles were used extensively by CB&Q.  Color lights were dominant on some lines, searchlights on others, and there were some lines controlled by CTC that had searchlights as the controlled signals and color lights as the intermediates.

In later years the color lights were virtually all 3-color lights, capable of displaying 3 colors.  In the very early years of the use of color lights, many were only 2-color lights, because the signal system used a 'home' and 'distant' signal design, where the home signal displayed only two aspects (green and red), and was preceeded by a distant signal that displayed only two aspects (green and yellow).  The distant signal was located at, or in advance of, stopping distance.  By the 1940's, CB&Q had converted virtually all of the 2-color lights to 3 lights, and the distant signals  were removed.

If you are coming to Sheridan, we can have further discussion about the signals.

Glen Haug

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From: CBQ@groups.io <CBQ@groups.io> on behalf of Richard Gortowski via groups.io <rgortowski=aol.com@groups.io>
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2022 8:03 AM
To: CBQ@groups.io <CBQ@groups.io>
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Alignment Charts

 

Thanks!  That's just what I needed.  I'm particularly interested in the signaling information.  Unfortunately, I know nothing about signaling and it's time to start learning about it.

Looking at this version compared to the one Dave posted in the members only section, there is one difference.  In the Signal Key, this version shows the Search Light symbol and the Color Light symbol.  Looking at the alignment charts, you see the usage of both the Color lights and Searchlights on a pole (rather than a signal bridge.)   What is the difference in usage for the Colored light signals versus the Searchlight signals?

I realize this is pretty basic stuff, but I'm trying to understand how the trains were controlled, especially in CTC territory.  I just purchased a Burlington Lines Railroad Rules of the Operating Department: 1951 off of eBay, and hopefully, this will help me understand this better, but I'm just looking for some help from the knowledgeable members of this list.

Thanks,

Rich G.

-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Holding <sholding@sbcglobal.net>
To: CBQ@groups.io <CBQ@groups.io>
Sent: Wed, Apr 27, 2022 7:46 am
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Alignment Charts

The Scans I Did show the info on the track charts under    KEY

Attached might come thru

Steve in SC

On Wednesday, April 27, 2022, 12:22:56 AM EDT, Richard Gortowski via groups.io <rgortowski=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:

I was told that there is an index that explains the symbols used in the alignment charts.  I was looking in the Members Only area and could not find this index.  There are a lot of symbols and abbreviations that are difficult to interpret.  Am I missing it, or is this not available?

Thanks.

Rich G.

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