Trains.com

Hockey Stick-like Signage on the Right of Way

1563 views
7 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    September 2021
  • 5 posts
Hockey Stick-like Signage on the Right of Way
Posted by RichLikesTrains26 on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 7:47 AM

Hi! I drive along Vermont Route 103 a lot and see on the parallel trackage for Vermont Railways a number of signposts that look like upside down hockey sticks. Some have a single, 45-degree blade at the top, some have two on the opposite sides to one another at the top, and still some have two blades at the top on one side, and one on the other. These seem to be placed before bridges and narrow cuts in the rockface, but not always. What are they and what information are they supposed to tell a loco driver?

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Potomac Yard
  • 2,767 posts
Posted by NittanyLion on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 9:01 AM

First thing that comes to mind are the signs that tell a snowplow or flanger operator that there's an obstruction that they could damage.

Not sure what the two blade ones would be.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 10:06 AM

NittanyLion
Not sure what the two blade ones would be.

On our line, they warned of an upcoming narrow area - like a rock cut.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • 299 posts
Posted by adkrr64 on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 10:26 AM

If there are two blades, it means narrow cut on both sides of the track - bring in both sides of the flanger/ plow.

If only on one side, it means the obstruction is only on one side and thus only that side of the plow/ flanger needs to be brought in. Or maybe it means a railfan stole half the sign. Or that a hunter shot off half the sign.....

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 10:54 AM

Seems like I've seen these with the V on top, then another blade below, likely indicating a switch, in addition to whatever other obstruction is being warned on.

This is where knowing one's territory becomes extremely important...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Dallas, TX
  • 6,952 posts
Posted by CMStPnP on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 11:14 AM

NittanyLion

First thing that comes to mind are the signs that tell a snowplow or flanger operator that there's an obstruction that they could damage.

Not sure what the two blade ones would be.

All this time I thought it was a perk the Railway Unions came up with to give crew members a game to play on local frozen ponds while the traffic cleared in front of them.   I thought that is how Canadians became so good at Hockey, all their railway delays up there. Big Smile

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 4:44 AM

Depending on the railroad and the rulebook, it can also be speed related. Is the "hockey stick" white, yellow or green and does it have numbers on it?

Not enough info here. GMRY/VTR uses GCOR or NORAC? or something else?

Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 10:05 AM

I don't know about other roads but on South Shore the speed limit was indicated by a diagonal and yard limits by the V-shaped sign.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy