Bell Cord Signals. One short pull of the signal cord when the train is standing is the signal to start.Two pulls of the signal cord when the train is running is the signal to stop at once.
Two pulls of the signal cord when the train is standing is the signal to call in the flagman.
Three pulls of the signal cord when the train is running is the signal to stop at the next station.
Three pulls of the signal cord when the train is standing is the signal to back the train.
Four pulls of the signal cord when the train is running is the signal to reduce the speed.
When one blast of the signal whistle is heard while a train is running, the engineer must immediately ascertain if the train has parted, and, if so, take great precaution to prevent the two parts of the train from coming together in a collision.
Movable Signals. Movable signals are used to govern the movement of trains in switching and other service where demanded. They are made with flags, lanterns, torpedoes, fusees, and by hand. The following signals have been adopted as a standard code by the American Railway Association:
Flags of the proper color must be used by day and lamps of the proper color by night or whenever from fog or other cause, the day signals cannot be clearly seen.
Red signifies danger and is a signal to stop.
Green signifies caution and is a signal to go slowly.
White signifies safety and is a signal to continue.
Green and white is a signal to be used to stop trains at flag stations for passengers or freight.
Blue is a signal to be used by car inspectors and repairers and signifies that the train or cars so protected must not be moved.An explosive cap or torpedo placed on the top of the rail is a signal to be used in addition to the regular signals.
The explosion of one torpedo is a signal to stop immediately. The explosion of two torpedoes is a signal to reduce speed immediately and look out for danger signals.
A fusee is an extra danger signal to be lighted and placed on a track at night in case of accident and emergency.
A train finding a fusee burning on the track must come to stop and not proceed until it has burned out. A flag or a lamp swinging across the track, a hat or any object waved violently by any person on the track, signifies danger and is a signal to stop.
The hand or lamp raised and lowered vertically is a signal to move ahead. Fig. 97.
The hand or lamp swung across the track is a signal to stop, Fig. 98.
The hand or lamp swung vertically in a circle across the track when the train is standing is a signal to move back. Fig. 99.
The hand or lamp swung vertically in a circle at arm's length across the track when the train is running is a signal that the train has parted. Fig. 100.
Table of Contents; Page 148; Page 150; Index
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