Iowa's Counties

[blhanel]

That's what I kinda thought it might be, but in my CRS-infected memory I don't recall there being any wig-wags on the MILW line through Marion- of course I didn't arrive on the scene until 1974, and MILW ceased being a high-traffic RR five years later!

[Los Angeles Rams Guy]

No, this baby was a banjo-type signal, I swear.  It was probably removed by '65, '66 or maybe even as late as '67 but it was there on 13th Street.  Wish I'd have been smart enough to have a camera back when I was a tyke.  But what memories I have of the MILW mainline through Marion from the long freights with pigs and autoracks to the Cities streamliners.  And Marion Yard would be CHOKED with all types of cars. 

What used to be and never will be again.

[Semper Vaporo]

No, this baby was a banjo-type signal, I swear.  It was probably removed by '65, '66 or maybe even as late as '67 but it was there on 13th Street.  Wish I'd have been smart enough to have a camera back when I was a tyke.  But what memories I have of the MILW mainline through Marion from the long freights with pigs and autoracks to the Cities streamliners.  And Marion Yard would be CHOKED with all types of cars. 

What used to be and never will be again.

Can you describe a "banjo-type signal"?  What does it look like?  How does it operate?  I have lived here since 66 and I don't remember anything that I would describe as a "banjo".

[jeffhergert]

The official name for a banjo signal is Hall Disc signal.  

If you go to http://mysite.du.edu/~etuttle/rail/sigs.htm and scroll down the page, on the left is a drawing of one.  They were used for early block signals.  There also was crossing signals of this type.  The only picture of crossing signals of this type I have found so far are in the book Train Wrecks by Robert C. Reed.  On page 152, the beginning of the chapter on crossing accidents there is a picture of a railroad crossing equipped with banjo crossing signals.  

I think these are the type that he is referring to.

Jeff   

[Los Angeles Rams Guy]

No, this baby was a banjo-type signal, I swear.  It was probably removed by '65, '66 or maybe even as late as '67 but it was there on 13th Street.  Wish I'd have been smart enough to have a camera back when I was a tyke.  But what memories I have of the MILW mainline through Marion from the long freights with pigs and autoracks to the Cities streamliners.  And Marion Yard would be CHOKED with all types of cars. 

What used to be and never will be again.

Can you describe a "banjo-type signal"?  What does it look like?  How does it operate?  I have lived here since 66 and I don't remember anything that I would describe as a "banjo".

The funny thing of it is, the way I recollect it is that I remember these crossing signals on 13th Street looking A LOT like the Lionel Banjo crossing signal (yeah, I know, laugh if you want but that's how I remember it).  It was mostly black, too.  Like I said, the MILW probably replaced these crossing signals by '65 or '66 anyway so it may be extremely difficult to find any photo confirmation for sure.  If anyone out there has something I'd sure LOVE to see it.

[blhanel]

First of all, thanks Bergie and your website gurus for fixing the Mississippi River Crossings first post.  Now, could you perform the same resurrection on the first post here?  Looks like the same problem...

[Bergie]

I just fixed it. If you notice that with any of Dale's other Trackside guides, please send me a Private Message and let me know.

Thanks,
Erik

[blhanel]

Hey Dale, check out this map that an acqaintance found on-line!!!