Bad train pictures

[Nora]

This question is about some signs I've seen beside the NS tracks where we take our walk. Each sign had a big black "A" on it, some of these signs were yellow, and some were white. They were down at track level, near a set of signals (within 30 or 50 feet), maybe a mile or so outside a yard. There are four tracks there and I think there was a sign for each one.

The odd thing is that workers would come out and cover the signs with black plastic for a few days or a week, then they would come out and uncover the signs, then a few days later they'd be covered again, and this went on for maybe a couple months. At some point the signs disappeared and are now gone. Does anyone have any idea what these signs meant and why they were playing hide-and-seek?

Another thing I noticed is that each of the 4 signals there have small signs with the letter C on them right next to the signals. I also looked at the signals near our house (same line, about 8 or 10 miles away) and one of the two signals there has the same "C" sign. I think the other one has a sign that says "D" but I can't get near enough at the right angle to see for sure. What are these?

--Nora

[Nora]

This question is about some signs I've seen beside the NS tracks where we take our walk. Each sign had a big black "A" on it, some of these signs were yellow, and some were white. They were down at track level, near a set of signals (within 30 or 50 feet), maybe a mile or so outside a yard. There are four tracks there and I think there was a sign for each one.

The odd thing is that workers would come out and cover the signs with black plastic for a few days or a week, then they would come out and uncover the signs, then a few days later they'd be covered again, and this went on for maybe a couple months. At some point the signs disappeared and are now gone. Does anyone have any idea what these signs meant and why they were playing hide-and-seek?

Another thing I noticed is that each of the 4 signals there have small signs with the letter C on them right next to the signals. I also looked at the signals near our house (same line, about 8 or 10 miles away) and one of the two signals there has the same "C" sign. I think the other one has a sign that says "D" but I can't get near enough at the right angle to see for sure. What are these?

--Nora

[locomutt]

Very interesting Nora. Were they doing any track-work
in that area,during that time span[?]
I live close to the NS &CSX and have never seen
signs like you are talking about. Maybe some else
with more smarts than I have can give an answer[?]

By the way,glad you are back[:)]

Later,locomutt[8D]

[locomutt]

Very interesting Nora. Were they doing any track-work
in that area,during that time span[?]
I live close to the NS &CSX and have never seen
signs like you are talking about. Maybe some else
with more smarts than I have can give an answer[?]

By the way,glad you are back[:)]

Later,locomutt[8D]

[dehusman]

UP 9000 is neither happy nor cantankerous. Its retired. UP 9000 was probably an ex-SP engine that's in a rebuild shop in Mexico. Its not a 6000 hp unit.

Dave H.

[dehusman]

UP 9000 is neither happy nor cantankerous. Its retired. UP 9000 was probably an ex-SP engine that's in a rebuild shop in Mexico. Its not a 6000 hp unit.

Dave H.

[Granny74]

Dave H: Thanks for the info. I guess I was thinking of some other engine.

Bob from AZ

[Granny74]

Dave H: Thanks for the info. I guess I was thinking of some other engine.

Bob from AZ

[edblysard]

Hi Bob,
Were your thinking about the SD90 that UP ordered from EMD, that will, at some point, have a 6000 hp prime mover?
So far, EMD has sold a lot of them to UP, but with a smaller diesel, the 6000 hp is active only on a few testbed locomotives.
Most of the SD90s sold to UP are under warranty, in that when the 6000 hp is ready, EMD will retrofit the current sold locomotives with it.
We got to use one to take a grain train out to Cargil Grain elevator, not much different that a SD70, but rode real nice.
When these things get the "big" engine, they ought to be a real bad beast.
Stay frosty,
Ed

[edblysard]

Hi Bob,
Were your thinking about the SD90 that UP ordered from EMD, that will, at some point, have a 6000 hp prime mover?
So far, EMD has sold a lot of them to UP, but with a smaller diesel, the 6000 hp is active only on a few testbed locomotives.
Most of the SD90s sold to UP are under warranty, in that when the 6000 hp is ready, EMD will retrofit the current sold locomotives with it.
We got to use one to take a grain train out to Cargil Grain elevator, not much different that a SD70, but rode real nice.
When these things get the "big" engine, they ought to be a real bad beast.
Stay frosty,
Ed

[wabash1]

Ed

I Was blessed with getting to have a sd90 in my consist a while back and was it sweet. it didnt know what a hard pull was. ( or it seemed ) when i opened the throttle ( i had a dash 9 and the 90) it just loaded up and began working never dropped below track speed. it even pushed the dash 9 for miles til it finnally loaded up. it was like having a corvette. and the dynamic was even great. the only way us ns guys will ever get tthem is the up letting us have them on run thru. Now if this one wasnt a true 6000 hp unit i cant wait for the upgrade.

[wabash1]

Ed

I Was blessed with getting to have a sd90 in my consist a while back and was it sweet. it didnt know what a hard pull was. ( or it seemed ) when i opened the throttle ( i had a dash 9 and the 90) it just loaded up and began working never dropped below track speed. it even pushed the dash 9 for miles til it finnally loaded up. it was like having a corvette. and the dynamic was even great. the only way us ns guys will ever get tthem is the up letting us have them on run thru. Now if this one wasnt a true 6000 hp unit i cant wait for the upgrade.

[JoeKoh]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Nora

This question is about some signs I've seen beside the NS tracks where we take our walk. Each sign had a big black "A" on it, some of these signs were yellow, and some were white. They were down at track level, near a set of signals (within 30 or 50 feet), maybe a mile or so outside a yard. There are four tracks there and I think there was a sign for each one.

The odd thing is that workers would come out and cover the signs with black plastic for a few days or a week, then they would come out and uncover the signs, then a few days later they'd be covered again, and this went on for maybe a couple months. At some point the signs disappeared and are now gone. Does anyone have any idea what these signs meant and why they were playing hide-and-seek?

Another thing I noticed is that each of the 4 signals there have small signs with the letter C on them right next to the signals. I also looked at the signals near our house (same line, about 8 or 10 miles away) and one of the two signals there has the same "C" sign. I think the other one has a sign that says "D" but I can't get near enough at the right angle to see for sure. What are these?

--Nora

Nora
the c might stand for ctc track control and the d for dtc track control.wabash ed (help?) which means diffrent operating instuctions on those lines.
stay safe
Joe

[JoeKoh]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Nora

This question is about some signs I've seen beside the NS tracks where we take our walk. Each sign had a big black "A" on it, some of these signs were yellow, and some were white. They were down at track level, near a set of signals (within 30 or 50 feet), maybe a mile or so outside a yard. There are four tracks there and I think there was a sign for each one.

The odd thing is that workers would come out and cover the signs with black plastic for a few days or a week, then they would come out and uncover the signs, then a few days later they'd be covered again, and this went on for maybe a couple months. At some point the signs disappeared and are now gone. Does anyone have any idea what these signs meant and why they were playing hide-and-seek?

Another thing I noticed is that each of the 4 signals there have small signs with the letter C on them right next to the signals. I also looked at the signals near our house (same line, about 8 or 10 miles away) and one of the two signals there has the same "C" sign. I think the other one has a sign that says "D" but I can't get near enough at the right angle to see for sure. What are these?

--Nora

Nora
the c might stand for ctc track control and the d for dtc track control.wabash ed (help?) which means diffrent operating instuctions on those lines.
stay safe
Joe

[techguy57]

Okay, here is a signal question that may be kinda specific to Chicago. So I'm driving back to Chicago from Indy along the Skyway and noticed a bizarre signal along the triple track (I think lines) lines that NS operates on just after you cross the state line from IN to IL. It was round, with maybe a dozen white lights all around the outside, looked a bit like a clock. There were 3 such signals mounted on the signal bridge, although only one was lit. I'd seen this signal when I drove down but since there were newer signals on the opposite side I figured they were old and no longer in use and that as a matter of convenience they just mounted them on the same structure. I was thinking maybe an interlocking signal of some sort but I can't say that I've seen anything like it elsewhere. Any ideas? thanks!

Mike

[techguy57]

Okay, here is a signal question that may be kinda specific to Chicago. So I'm driving back to Chicago from Indy along the Skyway and noticed a bizarre signal along the triple track (I think lines) lines that NS operates on just after you cross the state line from IN to IL. It was round, with maybe a dozen white lights all around the outside, looked a bit like a clock. There were 3 such signals mounted on the signal bridge, although only one was lit. I'd seen this signal when I drove down but since there were newer signals on the opposite side I figured they were old and no longer in use and that as a matter of convenience they just mounted them on the same structure. I was thinking maybe an interlocking signal of some sort but I can't say that I've seen anything like it elsewhere. Any ideas? thanks!

Mike

[Anonymous]

Mike [:)]

Sounds like a "Position" type signal. Mr. Hemphill answered a question like this from me earlier in this thread. If I can't find it then you can look also. I will see if I can locate it. [8D]

[Anonymous]

Mike [:)]

Sounds like a "Position" type signal. Mr. Hemphill answered a question like this from me earlier in this thread. If I can't find it then you can look also. I will see if I can locate it. [8D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mark W. Hemphill

Signaling is full of exceptions, but in very broad terms ...

Semaphores indicate stop in the horizontal aspect, proceed at reduced speed (per specific railroad rule) in the diagonal aspect, and proceed at maximum authorized track speed in the vertial aspect. This works the same whether the semaphore is upper- or lower-quadrant. Many semaphores do not have the diagonal aspect; to get a third aspect two blades are needed in combination (SP and UP Harriman standard).

Position lights replicate the semaphore arm's three aspects with three plain lights. The PRR and N&W were the major users of position lights; one of the best place to still see them is just east of Chicago along the Skyway.

Color position lights replicate the semaphore arm's aspects with three lights, and use the common colors as well -- red indicates stop, yellow reduced speed, green proceed. The B&O was the major user of the CPL; it installed them on the Alton when it owned it. Later this was the GM&O, then CM&W, then SPCSL, and now UP.

Cab signals are in broad use. UP has them on the former C&NW main line in lieu of wayside signals, and on its own main line between Omaha and Ogden to supplement wayside signals.

Torpedos to my knowledge are no longer in use. Yes, they're loud enough to hear in the engine. They're powerful enough to remove a hand from someone.

Mike [8D]

Here we are. I hope this helps. [:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mark W. Hemphill

Signaling is full of exceptions, but in very broad terms ...

Semaphores indicate stop in the horizontal aspect, proceed at reduced speed (per specific railroad rule) in the diagonal aspect, and proceed at maximum authorized track speed in the vertial aspect. This works the same whether the semaphore is upper- or lower-quadrant. Many semaphores do not have the diagonal aspect; to get a third aspect two blades are needed in combination (SP and UP Harriman standard).

Position lights replicate the semaphore arm's three aspects with three plain lights. The PRR and N&W were the major users of position lights; one of the best place to still see them is just east of Chicago along the Skyway.

Color position lights replicate the semaphore arm's aspects with three lights, and use the common colors as well -- red indicates stop, yellow reduced speed, green proceed. The B&O was the major user of the CPL; it installed them on the Alton when it owned it. Later this was the GM&O, then CM&W, then SPCSL, and now UP.

Cab signals are in broad use. UP has them on the former C&NW main line in lieu of wayside signals, and on its own main line between Omaha and Ogden to supplement wayside signals.

Torpedos to my knowledge are no longer in use. Yes, they're loud enough to hear in the engine. They're powerful enough to remove a hand from someone.

Mike [8D]

Here we are. I hope this helps. [:D]

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

There are still a fair number of position light signals left on ex-PRR trackage. There is (was?) a signal bridge just west of the Hammond-Whiting Amtrak station that had a full complement of these signals.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

There are still a fair number of position light signals left on ex-PRR trackage. There is (was?) a signal bridge just west of the Hammond-Whiting Amtrak station that had a full complement of these signals.

[northwesterner]

In Buffalo Grove, IL this morning I crossed the ex-WC at Deerfield Pkwy., where they (Metra?) are installing a second track. Just north of the crossing there is a sign right next to the existing track that is abut two feet square, yellow with a red diagonal stripe from lower left to upper right. Anyone know what this means?

Thanks.
Have a happy (and safe) Thanksgiving Day.

[northwesterner]

In Buffalo Grove, IL this morning I crossed the ex-WC at Deerfield Pkwy., where they (Metra?) are installing a second track. Just north of the crossing there is a sign right next to the existing track that is abut two feet square, yellow with a red diagonal stripe from lower left to upper right. Anyone know what this means?

Thanks.
Have a happy (and safe) Thanksgiving Day.

[wabash1]

Nora and Joe

The signs you are seeing is for the type of signal. the "D" is for a distant approach it will never change even with a train going past it the signal will always be yellow. the other signal ( and this is a guess as i dont know the territory) but according to my time table it should be a sign stating it is a automatic "A" ( never seen one at ours) or "C" controlled interlocking.

The meaning for the distant approach is that you are approaching a positive signal and that at anytime this signal can be dropped so be prepared to stop . Now i KNow there are some that will say the rule says that before a signal can be taken away from the train the control station must cantact the crew to make sure they can stop before this signal. In anycase where you have a distant approach or a repeater signal if your speed goes below 25mph this does not apply if you drop below 25mph the train must appraoch next signal prepared to stop.

[wabash1]

Nora and Joe

The signs you are seeing is for the type of signal. the "D" is for a distant approach it will never change even with a train going past it the signal will always be yellow. the other signal ( and this is a guess as i dont know the territory) but according to my time table it should be a sign stating it is a automatic "A" ( never seen one at ours) or "C" controlled interlocking.

The meaning for the distant approach is that you are approaching a positive signal and that at anytime this signal can be dropped so be prepared to stop . Now i KNow there are some that will say the rule says that before a signal can be taken away from the train the control station must cantact the crew to make sure they can stop before this signal. In anycase where you have a distant approach or a repeater signal if your speed goes below 25mph this does not apply if you drop below 25mph the train must appraoch next signal prepared to stop.

[dehusman]

The yellow-red sign or "flag" indicate that 2 miles (or so) beyond the flag there is a gang working on the track.
If it was solid yellow it would indicate a temporary slow order 2 miles away.
If it was red it would indicate the beginning of the gang work area and is a stop signal.
If it was solid green that would indicate the end of the work area.

Dave H.

[dehusman]

The yellow-red sign or "flag" indicate that 2 miles (or so) beyond the flag there is a gang working on the track.
If it was solid yellow it would indicate a temporary slow order 2 miles away.
If it was red it would indicate the beginning of the gang work area and is a stop signal.
If it was solid green that would indicate the end of the work area.

Dave H.

[Modelcar]

....In ref. to ditch lights as to whether they flash or not....I witnessed a train coming from the west on NS into our city today and they were not flashing. 2 of the 3 engines were Union Pacific and one of them [UP], was leading, hence no flashing. Difference being, all of the NS engines that I've seen do have flashing ditch lights that come through here. Just an observation. [8D]

[Modelcar]

....In ref. to ditch lights as to whether they flash or not....I witnessed a train coming from the west on NS into our city today and they were not flashing. 2 of the 3 engines were Union Pacific and one of them [UP], was leading, hence no flashing. Difference being, all of the NS engines that I've seen do have flashing ditch lights that come through here. Just an observation. [8D]