CNW signals

[Anonymous]

OK i need some info on CNW signals but i can't go overboard on spending money. Does anyone have a clue what the cheapest closest signal is[?]

[Anonymous]

I forgot to say i need something that matches the signals from 1970 to 1984

[Anonymous]

also forgot this is in HO

[Anonymous]

Can any one even give me a picture or a link to a picture?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone help me?

[CG9602]

Well, CNW used ATC in real life, and ATC involved the use of inside-the-cab signals. I think. On their Twin Cities main, the UP has installed the CCS signal system.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have pics of a signal or know were i can find a pic?

[dknelson]

I suggest that this is the sort of question where the Chicago & North Western Historical Society might be able to help. They have a Q&A section in their magazine and it might be that an article in a back issue would answer the question. They also have a website
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

As I remember, CNW was still using lots of upper-quadrant semaphores for block and interlocking signals during the '70s. They used a 2-position lower quadrant semaphore back then for most train order signals.

The semaphores were replaced with color-light signals with oval targets. In some applications the lights were arranged horizontally, in others, vertically. Oregon Rail Supply probably makes the most economical signal of this type in HO.

For photos of the signals, try the C&NW locomotive pages on the Fallen Flags site:

http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/cnw

Also, the Mid-Continent Ry. museum has a CNW lower-quadrant signal in front of its CNW depot. You can find photos on its site;

http://www.midcontinent.org

Hope this helps.

--John

[Anonymous]

They also used ABS between Chicago and Milwaukee

DOGGY

[dmitzel]

CNW Fan,

Oregon Rail Supply makes some nice, reasonably-priced HO scale signal kits that will work for you. With a little effort, glue and paint, you can have some nice looking signals for your CNW layout. Another good option is Tomar signals, which come RTR and are made in brass. Their searchlights are available in single-head, double-head, and now triple-head versions.

Now, since you're looking for a "cheap" solution - nothing wrong with that - I would rule out operating semaphores and go with color-light or searchlight signals. CNW used all three types on their lines, depending on when the installations were performed or by the predecessor road. For example, on the former Rock Island Spine line (St. Paul, MN to Kansas City, MO), the Rock installed type-G color light signals, which have a round target with the G-Y-R lights in a triangular pattern. The RI also used searchlights, usually at interlockings with multiple signal heads.

On the former Omaha Road, you can find type-SA searchlight signals, and I also recall the classic CNW-style semaphores too. In addition, the CGW (Chicago Great Western) used searchlights as well as color-light signals in the vertical G-Y-R pattern.

As fiverings mentioned earlier, the CNW used a pecular type of color light signal around Chicago on their signal bridges, the G-Y-R lights were arrainged in a horizontal pattern. I don't believe any manufacturer makes these so it would be a scratchbuilding project to model this type. Also, you can find the more-traditional vertical style and UP is now installing their type of hooded vertical color lights, much like CSX is doing in the East.

To operate your signals, check out Logic Rail Technologies Signal Animator. It will simulate ABS signals for a reasonable price.

D. Mitzel

[dknelson]

Hi again (my fellow) CNW fan.
I am not sure exactly what info you are looking for BUT ... the January 1967 Model Railroader p. 44 has an article by William E Marshall called Detaling a Signal System which is entirely about C&NW signals and signal practices. The author was a telegraph operator for the CNW. By the way he also wrote a follow-up corrective letter that appeared in the February 1967 issue, page 22. Even if this article is not exactly what you seek it has enough good C&NW info, including modeling ideas, to be worth seeking out.
I was in high school when this issue was new and my copy is VERY well thumbed and worn and marked up. (sigh)
Dave Nelson