Clear Eyed Signals

[Anonymous]

I'm a somewhat new, but very enthusiastic rail fan. I was watching a video on Conrail's Chicago area operations over the weekend and the tape referred to clear eyed signals. I know basically how trains are controlled by signals, but what specifically are clear eyed signals and what are the advantages?

Thanks,
Ross Ruehle

[zardoz]

Ross,

I have not seen the video to which you refer; however on the old CNW, the 'clear eye' signals were officially known as a "Lunar" aspect, indicating 'procede at restricted speed, not to excede 20mph, being able to stop within 1/2 of visual distance'.

Before "lunar" signals, CNW used a yellow-orange sort of color for its restricting signals.

The only advantage I could thing of was that the lunar would not be confused with an "approach" signal; the disadvantage of the lunar signal is that it is very difficult to see if the sunlight shines on the lens.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info. The tape I was referring to is one of Trains' magazine's On Location series. It's called Conrail's Chicago Gateway and examines Conrail's operations between Chicago and Porter, Indiana. Good series of tapes.

[edblysard]

Hi Ross,
It sounds like your are describing a signal whos aspect is lunar, indicataion as "proceed at restricted speed, not to exceed 20mph, prepared to stop with 1/2 the visiual distance of men or equipment fouling the track, and switchs not lined for the proper movement."
We use them here to protect the entrance to our yards, some sidings, and the enterance to joint CTC trackage. The advantace is it allows a crew not familar with a section of track to know they are approaching a yard, or a controlled siding.
Stay Frosty,
Ed

[Anonymous]

Thanks much, Ed, for the info. Interesting.

Ross

[CShaveRR]

Boldly going where nobody on this thread has gone yet...

Is it possible that the video narrator has mixed up the terms "clear signal" and "green eye"?

The name given to a signal with a green light in the topmost position is "Clear", according to Conrail rules. A common nickname for a clear signal is "green eye".

Without seeing or hearing the video in question, I suspect that a train receiving a clear signal would be more interesting to shoot and/or observe than one having to slow down to restricted speed.

Also, I've never heard a lunar aspect referred to as "clear". It's not--those lenses are bluish in color. A clear lens would give off the color of a normal light bulb, as opposed to the snowy white of a lunar signal. Besides, Conrail itself did not use lunar signals (it did, however, have clear lenses in dwarf signals, signifying routes operated only at low speeds...so if your train was moving right along, forget that!)

I know it might be an extreme hardship for you , but try to look at the video again!

Carl

[Anonymous]

I'll have to take another look; but I thought it was clear eye. Gives me a reason to watch it again! I spent last weekend in Fostoria, Ohio. What a great place for trainwatching!

Thanks,
Ross

[wabash1]

there is a signal used and is called lunar white its not blue it is white bright white. and its meaning on our division is restricting. i have heard new hires calling a lunar signal clear but we corrected them real quick.

[edblysard]

Same down here, our lunar looks exactly like a fluorscent bulb, the same white glow. The only blue we ever use is the blue flashing lights our car men have and use to flag a track when working air on a track at night, and the diesel shop guys have them to mark locomotives they are servicing at night. We are fired son of a guns if we enter a track flaged with blue anything!
Stay Frosty,
Ed

[jeffhergert]

My guess, and it's only a guess, is that "clear eye" just refers to a clear signal indication.
I've worked with some switchmen that refer to a switch lined against them as a "bad eye."

[CShaveRR]

Both of you guys...check out the color of the lens on a lunar signal sometime. The color of the light that you see is white, but that lens is definitely a pale blue.

As a railroader, I'm well aware of the difference between this blue and the blue of the blue-flag protection.

[wabash1]

with out starting a fight at night it is white. pale blue is a possible but not what i call pale blue. like i said i didnt want a fight. its just my observation.