Train Flags

[Anonymous]

This month's issue of Model Railroader shows a 1942 train with white flags on either side of the front of the locomotive. Does anyone know what the flag system was? What period of time was it is use and what did the flags represent? I think my locomotives would look pretty neat with those little flags on each side.

[dknelson]

As I understand the system
White flags indicated an Extra.
No flags meant it was a regularly scheduled train.
Green flags (and here I get a little uncertain) indicated a first section meaning a second section running on the same schedule was following. (Meaning that an inferior train would know not to run in opposition)
What I am not certain of is what the second section would fly. If it was a scheduled train I assume no flags.
Dave Nelson

[edblysard]

Dave, the second section, if it was the last section, would fly red flags, if it wasnt the last, then green. The last section would always have red flags, to notify opposing train no one was following. Flags were used only with extras, (white) and any train, scheduled or not that were run in sections. Although few extras were ever run in sections, it did happen, and it would display both. If it was an extra, and a second section was following, the lead train would display both a white flag and a green flag, and if the following section was the last part of the train, it would display a white flag and a red flag. And note that all sections are considered to be one train only, so anyone waiting in a siding couldnt foul the main untill the last part of the train passed. On some older diesels you can see a small round light on each side of the nose, these replaced flags, and had colored lens that could be changed to display white, green and red. By now, most have been removed and covered with plates, welded over the hole. Due to the advent of more reliable comunications, CTC, and other train control systems, flags went away in the early 70s, although they are still listed in the GCOR, and could be used today, if the need arose. Some new motors still have the bracket the flags were placed in welded to the hoods.
Ed

[wabash1]

Ed i never seen red flags on the engine. As i remeber it the green flags was the first. and the second did not fly flags until he pass the first section. all extra trains such as locals, work trains flew white flags. the train orders the crew got read as first section train and engine number you looked it up in the time table to see when it ran and where you was going to meet this train. another way to look at it at least on the southern was green flag was priority you didnt delay this train.

[dknelson]

Thanks for the further clarification fellows.
Dave Nelson