Ball signals

[coalminer3]

Get a copy of the Fall 2003 issue of Classic Trains. Jim Shaughnessy has done a first-rate job with an article titled "Ball Signals of Vermont." Brought back a lot of memories and had some excellent information.

work safe

[coalminer3]

Get a copy of the Fall 2003 issue of Classic Trains. Jim Shaughnessy has done a first-rate job with an article titled "Ball Signals of Vermont." Brought back a lot of memories and had some excellent information.

work safe

[Anonymous]

These are also referred to as highball signals. Two balls would be permenantly atatched to two hanging ropes. The last two of these were used by the Boston & Maine and were in operation until the 1970's. One of these was located near Waumbek Junction, N.H. It was located at a crossover of the B.&M. and Maine Central. If one ball was raised it would give B.&M. trains the right-of-way. If both balls were raised it would allow for Maine Central trains to proceed. Both balls would be lowered when switching was being done. All trains had to stop within 500 feet of the crossover. The balls would be hoisted up manually. While the way this signal was operated was used in this case, at some other crossings how the balls were raised had different meanings. Perhaps someone else will enlighten us on them.

[Anonymous]

These are also referred to as highball signals. Two balls would be permenantly atatched to two hanging ropes. The last two of these were used by the Boston & Maine and were in operation until the 1970's. One of these was located near Waumbek Junction, N.H. It was located at a crossover of the B.&M. and Maine Central. If one ball was raised it would give B.&M. trains the right-of-way. If both balls were raised it would allow for Maine Central trains to proceed. Both balls would be lowered when switching was being done. All trains had to stop within 500 feet of the crossover. The balls would be hoisted up manually. While the way this signal was operated was used in this case, at some other crossings how the balls were raised had different meanings. Perhaps someone else will enlighten us on them.

[Anonymous]

How were ball signals used? When you had to display more than one ball, did you attach the ball manually to the rope and then hoist it up? And were there ever aspects where balls would appear side-by-side, or in other patterns?

[Anonymous]

How were ball signals used? When you had to display more than one ball, did you attach the ball manually to the rope and then hoist it up? And were there ever aspects where balls would appear side-by-side, or in other patterns?