RAILWAY SIGNALING Railway signaling is a very important subject and one to which a great deal of attention has been directed in recent years; it is by no means a new subject, however, nor has its development been rapid. It early became evident that signals are necessary in governing the movement of trains, so we find that as the traffic and speed of trains increased, the demand for improvements in signaling likewise increased.
Although there are a great many kinds of signals on the market, they may all be classed under four general types, namely, audible, movable, train, and fixed signals. The audible signal is well known as the bell, whistle, and torpedo.
Whistle Signals. One long blast of the whistle is the signal for approaching stations, railroad crossings, and junctions. (Thus _____.)
One short blast of the whistle is the signal to apply the brakes to stop. (Thus __.)
Two long blasts of the whisle is the signal to release the brakes. (Thus ____ ____.)
Two short blasts of the whistle is an answer to any signal unless otherwise specified. (Thus __ __.)
Three long blasts of the whistle to be repeated until answered is the signal that the train has parted. (Thus ____ ____ ____.)
Three short blasts of the whistle when the train is standing, to be repeated until answered, is a signal that the train will back. (Thus __ __ __.)
Four long blasts of the whistle is a signal to call in the flagman from the west or south. (Thus ____ ____ ____ ____.)
Four long, followed by one short blast of the whistle, is the signal to call in the flagman from the east or north. (Thus ____ ____ ____ __.)
Four short blasts of the whistle is the engineman's call for signals from switch tenders, watchmen, trainmen, and others. (Thus __ __ __ __.)
One long and three short blasts of the whistle is a signal to the flagman to go back and protect the rear of the train. (Thus ____ __ __ __.)
One long, followed by two short blasts of the whistle, is the signal to be given by trains when displaying signals for a following train to call the attention of trains of the same or inferior class to the signals displayed. (Thus ____ __ __.)
Two long followed by two short blasts of the whistle is the signal for approaching road crossings at grade. (Thus ____ ____ __ __.)
A succession of short blasts of the whistle is an alarm for persons or cattle on the track and calls the attention of trainmen to the danger ahead.
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