help please: C&O must have had some of the most complex signal heads around

[DigitalGriffin]

I can't make head nor tail of C&O aspects with rules like these:

http://broadway.pennsyrr.com/Rail/Signal/aspects_us_co.html

All I want is Clear, Slow (proceed with caution), and Stop similar to the Pennsy

[cv_acr]

Most complex? Not at all. Pretty much in line with other similar systems.

The simple indications you're looking for are Clear (C-281), Approach* (C-285), and Stop (C-292). Those are your basic Green, Yellow and Red aspects.

* - not "Slow", "Caution", "Restricting", etc.

Stop there if you don't want to get too involved.

That's really if you have straight track and blocks and no controlled switches though. Once you have diverging routes, the additional speed indications (anything with "Limited", "Medium" or "Slow" in the name) come into play. But if you only ever just have slow switches, then you can at least throw out the complicated "Limited" and "Medium" aspects.

There is actually a basic logic to these colour light systems.

Generally,

- Green is more permissive than yellow, which is more permissive than red

- The higher on the signal the green/yellow is located the faster the allowed speed(s) (example: Green/Red = Clear, Red/Green = Slow Clear)

- A signal with a flashing light is more permissive than the same combination of colours but solidly lit (often used to upgrade Medium speed indications to Limited)

There are some subtle differences between rules on different railroads, but generally this sort of logic applies.

Also, technically for anything other than "Clear" and "Stop" (or "Stop and Proceed" or "Restricting") aren't technically telling you how many clear blocks there are ahead of you (as some say), but they give you instructions to pass this signal, and also a clue as to the next signal. e.g. "Approach" [next signal Stop], "Aproach [next signal] Slow", etc.

[crhostler61]

I would suggest taking a look at NORAC signal rules. A long list of n.e. US roads created signal and operating rules to be a standard for those as members...CSX as one of them. The signal chart includes color position...as used by B&O and C&O, as well as Pennsy position signals, and NYC searchlight type...etc. 

Generally speaking. Green, Green/red...indicates clear. Yellow, Yellow/Red indicates Approach. Solid red for stop. 

http://rail.pgengler.net/signals/fixed_norac.html

I am building a signaling system based on NORAC signal rules.

Mark H

[BRAKIE]

DigitalGriffin

I can't make head nor tail of C&O aspects with rules like these:

http://broadway.pennsyrr.com/Rail/Signal/aspects_us_co.html

All I want is Clear, Slow (proceed with caution), and Stop similar to the Pennsy

 

As a Chessie(C&O) brakeman I found them quite easy to understand unlike PRR's signals I had to learn in my new hire safety class way back in '66.

I never could pass the B&O signal aspects test-I had thought of transferring to the B&O in '83 but,decided not to since the B&O already had extra brakeman with lots of seniority since FRED was already  stealing brakeman jobs on the B&O...

[cv_acr]

crhostler61

I would suggest taking a look at NORAC signal rules.  

The problem with looking at that NORAC link is that it covers at least three or more completely different systems (including color lights, position lights and color-position lights) so it's even way more confusing for a newbie to jump in. You're basically comparing 3-4 older rule books at once that had to be consolidated as railroads were merged into larger entities now using multiple different systems in different areas.

At least the link in the original post was just for one coherent independent system.

[DigitalGriffin]

Thanks guys.

I really appreciate your answers.  Signal aspects is one area I'm sorely lacking experience in.

History Great

Electronics Awesome

Actual operations and prototype practicies not so much.