Signal Demise

[NW Mailing List]

Well, it wasn't a "decision" not to maintain the signals, but rather the fact that other things took priority over the physical maintainence, such as pole line elimination and electrocode conversion, and there just wasn't enough money in the budget.  Now, its getting to the point that many of these things HAVE to be done because they are rusting out.
   
  As for whose fault it is?  Well, I haven't a clue, as I'm in the signal dept. and the Bridge & Building dept. is responsible for painting the signals.  So, I'm not pointing a finger.  I just don't know who said "don't bother painting the signals" if that was indeed the case.
   
  But, the fact is, most of this stuff is approaching the century mark in age, such as the bracket masts, signal masts and some of the cases, as well as footers.  You see, N&W reused most all of the semaphore equipment when they upgraded to position light signals, so the Style S cases, masts, ladders, and bracket assemblies were already 30 or 40 years old when they were changed to position signals.  
   
  Even the aluminum structures being erected now will be hard pressed to still be in service in 90 years.  If they do, that will be the year 2098.  While aluminum doesn't rust per se, it does oxidize, and flex quite a bit.  
   
  Ben Blevins
  

NW Mailing List <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
  This is a little of which came first, chicken or egg. Are they rusty 
because they need to be replaced,
or are they rusted because someone decided not to maintain that which is 
to be replaced soon.

We had some buildings (1939 vintage temporary) on Ft Monmouth that 
started to sprout signs
that they weren't going to be painted because they were to be torn down. 
Then it took 3 years
to tear the eye sores down.

Tom Cosgrove

NW Mailing List wrote:

> The N&W Color Position Light signals are being replaced as you all 

> know. Yes, they are going to be retired as soon as NS can get to 

> replacing them. They are becoming unsafe to climb, and parts are no 

> longer available. (And, from the signal maintainer's point of view, 

> the colorlights are easier to maintain, troubleshoot, and work on.)

> 

> But, don't expect them to totally disappear for a while. There are 

> some newer ones, made by Safetran, that have been installed in a few 

> places on the old N&W. Roanoke has at least one of these on a signal 

> bridge near the Hotel Roanoke. Also, there are a few on the Pokey 

> that I have seen. These will probably be the last to be replaced with 

> colorlight signals. Especially the interlockings around Roanoke. If 

> that entire interlocking plant is upgraded with colorlights, it will 

> take an entire ARMY to cut in a job of that size. 

> 

> The main emphasis is to get the old signals replaced, and this means 

> replacing everything. The signals themselves, the house cases and 

> signal relay cases, cables, just about everything that needs it. 

> Especially on the Pokey. 

> 

> Here are a few photos of the signals at the crossover at War Eagle. 

> It is on the list to be replaced soon, and when you look at the 

> photos, you will see why.

> 

> Ben Blevins



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