Thanks, Overmod.
Since timetable and train order operations are almost non-existent these days, why would an accurate watch be necessary in a modern operation? Is it just for FRA hours of service? I'm having trouble figuring out why a watch that was, say, 2 or 3 minutes off would cause a significant problem.
The 16 size requirement did not go away with the advent of wrist watches. The 16 size requirement was for pocket watches only.
The time interval requirement of checking of watches by inspectors changed over time. The last that I saw under the "railroad approved" era was 24 months.
Jeff
adkrr64 Thanks, Overmod. Since timetable and train order operations are almost non-existent these days, why would an accurate watch be necessary in a modern operation? Is it just for FRA hours of service? I'm having trouble figuring out why a watch that was, say, 2 or 3 minutes off would cause a significant problem.
There are still elements of operation that use time. Beginning and ending of MOW exlusive work zones, signal suspensions, time limits on track warrants, track and time, and other permits, etc.
That being said, the watch standards have been very much relaxed because of some differences in how the end of time limits are handled. In the "old days" if there was a specific end time for main track authorization, if you couldn't be clear and couldn't contact the dispatcher/control operator to extend that authority you had better be prepared to flag trains. Trains were going to run when that time expired.
Now, if you have an authority with a time limit, if you can't be clear or get into contact to extend the time limit, the authority is automatically extended until the holder releases the authority to the dispatcher/control operator.
Time is still revelant, but not maybe to the extent it once was.
jeffhergert I don't want my watch sent anywhere for repair.
http://linuxfocus.org/~guido/hamilton-992b/TM_9-1575.pdf
The specific technical instructions for 992Bs are pp.84-193
Here are some picture details
http://www.rdrop.com/~jsexton/watches/museum/hamiltonc415382.html
Well I do have a Hamilton, "The Watch of Railroad Accuracy," but it's not railroad, it's one of these:
https://www.thepocketwatchguy.com/product/gtc/
You can find a lot of good stuff at gunshows, and not just guns!
Flintlock76Well I do have a Hamilton, "The Watch of Railroad Accuracy," but it's not railroad,
I believe a fair number of 4992Bs were converted from government service, some with the sweepwork removed, and sold for private (often railroad) service. As I recall, yours has a white 12-hour dial and in that form might have been 'accepted' on a number of railroads as such... how well do you know the provenance?
Overmod jeffhergert I don't want my watch sent anywhere for repair. Here's a guide to do it yourself, or to make sure the right things are done: http://linuxfocus.org/~guido/hamilton-992b/TM_9-1575.pdf The specific technical instructions for 992Bs are pp.84-193 Here are some picture details http://www.rdrop.com/~jsexton/watches/museum/hamiltonc415382.html
Here's a guide to do it yourself, or to make sure the right things are done:
Thanks for the links. I don't think I'll be doing any "DIY" though. Taking it apart wouldn't be a problem. Putting it all back, that will be a problem.
One of my co-workers collects pocket watches. He was at an auction where a set of watchmaker's tools and parts were on the block. I think he said it went as a package and went quite high. I think he also has a Hamilton salesman's demonstrator watch that has a crystal cover on the back.
For those who may have worked across two time zones, there was an option for having two hour hands. One was black and one was red. For railroad purposes, the time zone changes would be at a division point. Most crews probably wouldn't cross the line, but there were interdivisional runs, usually passenger that might. In addition, dispatchers might have a territory on both sides.
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