NYC Train Order Signals

[ALEX WARSHAL]

Hello guys, I have been researching the above topic, but to no accurate avail, could some tell me what the traditional NYC semaphore train order signal looks like ie. upper/lower quadrant, blade style/color,etc. I model the NYC c.1950 near Buffalo, NY in HO Scale. If anyone has photos that would be great. Thanks you to all in advance.

-Alex Warshal

[gmpullman]

Hi, Alex

I'm sure I have some photos around here somewhere. I had posted an earlier photo of the NYC depot in Jefferson, Ohio but, wouldn't 'ya know, the traion order semaphore at the time of the photo was laying on the ground! It had cracked at the base and toppled over.

You can see it in front of the bay window...

If you scroll to the bottom of this page there is a copy of a page out of the NYC Rulebook. http://www.railroadsignals.us/rulebooks/nyc37/nyc37.htm

New York Central did use upper quadrant semaphores for Train Order signals and the blades had a rounded end.

I'll try to get you more photos when time permits,

Ed

 

[wabash2800]

It depends on what NYC Line you are referring to and what time period. I've seen photos of upper quadrant and lower quadrant semaphores on the New York Central. it was a big system and some nuances applied based on what subsidiary or region you are looking at.

But then again, many NYC train order signals were not semaphores at all and many stations and towers didn't have them.  Given that, I'll bet you can find examples of round and flat end blades on NYC trainorder signal blades.

If you can get your hands on a copy of New York Central Facilities in Color by Geof Doughty there are a few  examples. If you can't afford it, maybe you can get it Inter-library loan? I have a copy and only found a few examples but did find lower and upper qudrant with rounded end blades, and, of course, example of electric light train order signals.

http://morningsunbooks.com/products/new-york-central-facilities

 

[gmpullman]

Hi again, Alex

Here is a little more about train order signals. 

ALEX WARSHAL

I model the NYC c.1950

This is scanned from my October 28, 1956 NYC Rulebook.

I see, too, that you were specifically requesting information about semaphore signals which, as you can see are upper quadrant and have round blade ends.

Note the [TO] sign board.

ALEX WARSHAL

NYC semaphore train order signal

...And that you are modeling the Niagara Branch through Tonawanda, Suspension Bridge and on up to Lewiston which would be part of the New York Central's Buffalo Division as shown in the map.

One thing I might suggest is to browse old post cards from these cities on Ebay. Sometimes you can find photos of the depots and get an idea of what the TO semaphore looked like.

I'm still looking for that elusive photo I have from the Jefferson depot in my post above. 

I hope that helps you a little more, Ed

[ALEX WARSHAL]

Thank you to both of you for the info, I was recently in contact with some people from the NYC Historical Society and I will add the info they shared with me later today. -Alex Warshal