"Pole and Paddle" semaphores

[NW Mailing List]

On 8/5/2013 10:07 PM, NW Mailing List wrote:

Ed:

All clear.  Thanks.  Frank

> Frank =

> That's a train order signal and has two arms, one for each direction; 

> if one of the arms is horizontal, the signal light will be red and 

> will tell the approaching train that there are train orders to be 

> picked up.  When the arm is hanging down, the light is green 

> indicating no orders. These signals have nothing to do with the 

> automatic block signal system.

> EdKing

> *From:* NW Mailing List <mailto:nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>

> *Sent:* Monday, August 05, 2013 3:04 PM

> *To:* NW Mailing List <mailto:nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>

> *Subject:* Re: "Pole and Paddle" semaphores

> *Ed:**

> **

> **Thanks.  I am referring to the 2-arm semaphore as in the p. 32 photo 

> in your**_N&W in the Appalachians_**.  I do not know the correct 

> nomenclature for this device, which is why I put "pole and paddle" 

> within quotation marks.  Can you tell me the correct designation?**

> **

> **In N&W literature I find this top-of-the-pole, 2-arm (paddle) device 

> commonly pictured outside telegraph offices--at interlocking towers 

> and many (not all) stations.  I believe I have read that they were 

> integral to the telegraph block system predating the automatic block 

> system.**

> **

> **So you are saying, I think, that the p. 32 devices, erected before 

> ABS, were not deactivated with the coming of ABS, but in fact 

> soldiered on even with ABS.

>

> **I am modeling Boaz-to-Bedford, and photos verify the Villamont 

> interlocking tower and all stations (except the Bedford freight house) 

> with devices as on your p. 32.  Not static at all, I believe you are 

> saying, but operating still mid-century in connection with telegraph 

> offices.**

> **

> **Rail signaling strikes me, not a student of the field, as rather 

> bewildering**, so here's a salute to you and others who can unscramble 

> the field for **the untutored.

> **

> **Frank**

> **

> *

>

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