dwarfs

[Mookie]

What is the dwarf signal used for as opposed to the overhead bridge signals. We have a place that has dwarfs for the 4 westbound and overheads for the 4 eastbound. (same tracks) They are within 3/4 of a block of each other. Could the dwarfs be used for the engines that the hostlers use to make up the trains (they seem to back up until the engine is just beyond the dwarfs before they start back in.

So many questions, so little time!

Jen

[JoeKoh]

Hi
Yes Dwarf signals are used primarialy to guard switches and sidings in a yard.A freindly Csx conductor gave me a copy of a guidebook they had for the area.It showed a swich track that wasn't there anymore. I took a picture of the dwarf guarding the main track(it was red of course) and sent it to the office.The dwarf found a new home down the line.Hope this helps you out.
have a happy easter
Joe

[Mookie]

Thaks Joe - and Happy Easter to you, too!

Jen

[Anonymous]

In a "nutshell", the dwarf signals are mainly used on sidings, yard tracks, and where space is limited. Much less costly, and easier to maintain than high mounted signals. You will soon see the signal bridges disappear. Along with the old favorites like the PRR and N&W position light signals. B&O's are just about toast now too. The good old "searchlight" signal is also being phased out as new "tri-color" 3 lens signals are replacing them as well. With the elimination of hundreds of signal maintainers, thr RR's need a less maintanence intensive piece of hardware.
The old position light signals had too much wiring, and bulbs. The old target, or searchlight signals were nothing more than an enclosed semaphore mechanism. (too many moving parts). Todays Tri-light signals are simplicity in the extreme, when coupled with modern CTC, and microprocessors replacing the old relay sheds of old. That is how the RR's are able to employ just one single signal maintainer in the same territory that 20 years ago took about 10. Now, is this a good thing? I guess that all depends on what side of the paycheck you are on... Also, I'm more than a little bit concerned about a local RR crossing that sees at least 75 school busses a day, but gets the attention of a signal maintainer perhaps but once a week.... I hate to even think about what could happen. Yes, the busses are supposed to stop and look anyway, but what if the driver is having a "bad day"?
Just food for thought...
Todd C.

[JoeKoh]

First of all if a bus driver has a bad day can you say major lawsuit? If you want to see the old B&O signals pack up the car and head for Deshler Ohio.They are also in Perrysburg Oh(a Toledo suburb).From what my friends in deshler tell me the signals will stay as part of the railroad park for this important crossing of CSX.
have a great weekend
Joe

[CShaveRR]

At one time, we had instances of dwarf signals right under the signal bridges! On main lines, the dwarf signals were used to give permission to trains moving against the current of traffic. The only indications possible on dwarf signals were to proceed at slow speed (often 15 m.p.h.; it depends on the railroad) or restricted speed (prepared to stop short of a whole bunch of stuff; not to exceed 15 or 20 m.p.h., again depending on the railroad). The dwarf signals we had showed only a red light (stop and stay at the interlocking home signal) or a lunar light (restricted speed); because of the rules for running against the current of traffic other aspects weren't necessary. Now, of course, this line is CTC, there isn't a current of traffic, the bridge has high signals for every track, and the dwarfs are gone.