Train Track Signals
I thought that braking systems were exciting, but when I began researching signal arms, I realized I had entered a whole new world and darn near wet my pants with excitement! There is an entire community devoted to railway signals. Numerous websites dedicated to revealing the darkest secrets of the lower quadrant, swapping milepost pictures and even a forum where you can talk about your experiences and feelings concerning signals.
In a way, this makes me really sad that I am selling my train set. I could have been a part of this society many years ago. A life wasted! I have been a little concerned about my heart over the last couple of years and perhaps this new surge of excitement would be enough to blow a gasket!
I was going to use this article to explain the different types of signals and how they are used………… but somewhere on the page I lost the will to live.
I am being unkind here. Very unkind. I am sure the people sharing their experiences on the signals forum are really nice people, far kinder and more harmonious than I could ever be.
…..but I DO have a life.
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So here they are, the signals in this jumbo Dublo train set. They are all manual signals, so you had better be swift on your feet if you are to run a clean outfit and not allow your imaginary train drivers to break any rules.
Box One (of course they are boxed!)
Double Arm - Upper Quadrant Signals
Box Two
Single Arm - Upper Quadrant Signals
Box Three
Single Arm - Upper Quadrant Signals
Unfortunately, the lever is missing from the signal on the right, but otherwise, the items are all in really good order ......and so are the boxes, ok? Also note that the box says 'D1'. Now that is a rarity! Means its early stuff.
....and an oddity to finish with. Made by 'Crescent'? ....maybe? One arm is disconnected and it's a bit chunkier than the average signal post, but it should work if your drivers are paying attention.
….and if you are dead from the waist up, I include here some very basic rules for signal operation:
Home and Distant are two…………phhhhhtttttt!
If you really are interested in learning about signals, try these websites:
http://www.railsigns.co.uk/home.html
http://www.signalbox.org/index.php
Otherwise stick around for some jokes instead
Search for The Matrix on ZML
A Brit, an American, a gorgeous blonde and a terrifying fat lady are sharing a compartment on a train.
As the train passes through a dark tunnel there is a loud SLAP!.
Once out of the tunnel, the blonde, the Brit and the fat lady all look at the American, who is sporting a big red slap mark on his cheek.
** The blonde thinks - "that American son of a bitch wanted to touch me and by mistake, he must have put his hand on the fat lady, who in turn must have slapped his face"
** The fat lady thinks - "that dirty old American must have tried to grope the blond and she whacked him"
** The American thinks - "That damned Brit put his hand on the blonde and she slapped me by mistake"
** The Brit thinks - "I can’t wait for the next tunnel so I can smack that stupid American again!"
There, that was more entertaining wasn’t it?
As for the signals
A stop signal has a red arm with a with band near to one end. When the arm is horizontal (consider when the beer is level in the glass), it means you have to stop (if YOU are driving the train).
If the arm is dangling (that’s the lower quadrant) then you don’t have to stop.
If there is a little notch cut out of one end then it’s a ‘Distant’ signal.
Beep Beep Beep….
Oh shucks! I’ve run out of time today. You’ll have to wait for the next thrilling article to learn more or alternatively nip down to your local newsagents and place an order for ‘Signalman’s Weekly’ or ‘Rail Signal Enthusiast’.
Until next time. zzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZ
