Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
I have heard there are some still operating on the BNSF, on the old Northern Pacific route out west, maybe in Washington State. <br /> <br />When a semiphore is near a station, it is called a train order signal. It lets the trainmen know there are train orders to pick-up at the station. Yes, semiphores were used like target signals now in use. The semiphore was a mechanical devise and more prone to malfunction than the solid state electronic devises used now. Semiphores gave two indications, both a light and a signal arm. There where upper and lower quadrent semiphores. Uppers went from the arm horizontal, to the arm vertical up and lowers went from horizontal to arm vertical down. The indications were red-stop, Yellow-proceed and prepair to stop at the next signal and green-clear track ahead. <br /> <br />This is a simple explaination and almost the end of my knowledge of the subject. Probably someone else can add more!
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!