Signals: What I don't know . . .

[NW Mailing List]

Any other "block" signal aspects, special circumstances/situations?  I'll start on interlocking signals in a later message
Jim:
There were three aspects not shown in the Operating Rules in effect during the 60's  and 70's:
Rule 286 A   Name: Block Approach  (Red over Flashing Yellow) Proceed on main track to
                    stop at next signal at end of siding.  If exceeding medium speed immediately
                    take action to reduce to that speed.

Rule 295 - Name: Take Siding Signal. (Red over Flashing Red)  Indication: Movements governed
                    by this signal will proceed into the siding at restricted speed when the switch is
                    properly lined.

Rule 296 Name: Line Switch.  (Flashing lunar) Indication: Stop; line switch preparing to leave.



These indications were still being used in the 70's on the Moberly Division's so-called Manual Block-
Remote Control territory.  In railroad lingo, it became known as hermaphrodite traffic control.  It had
been the Wabash way of eliminating train orders.  The dispatcher controlled the signals, but the train
crews had to line the switches.  Indications appeared in Moberly Division timetables and I believe
the former P&WV between Rook and Connellsville used the same method. It had its drawbacks,
but certainly was an improvement on predicting where trains should meet, issuing a train order, then
 waitng only to find one train had been delayed.  Sidings on the Hannibal District was 12-15 miles apart
WITH NO INTERMEDIATE SIGNALS.  So a follow-up move found it time-saving to wait until the lead
train had cleared the approach signal to the next siding rather than drag 12-15 miles at restricted speed.
                                                                                               Harry Bundy
 





 
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