[From mailing list archives] Wig Wag Signals

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

Here's the discussion 6 years ago about wig-wag signals:

==========================================================

Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2000 16:37:30 -0400
To: N&W Mailing List <mailing-list at nwhs.org>
From: N&W Mailing List <mailing-list at nwhs.org>
Subject: Re: Wig Wag Signals

[Tim Rose asked:]
The N & W used hundreds of Wig-wag signals.  They were often refered 
to as " Banjo" signals.
To my knowledge, they have entirely disappeared.  Why and when?
______________________________________________________

I believe the wig-wag signals were manufactured by the
Mechanical Flagman Co.  The wig-wag was a product of
the 20's and by the 80's required a lot of the signal
maintainer's time.  There was one at the North Street
crossing in Wavery, VA. in 1977, but it had disappeared
by 1983.  The Pulaski District (Walton-Bristol) was one
of the last hold-outs of Mechanical Flagman crossing
protection.

[Then later:]
Tim,

Following a trip to the Archives and review of N&W's Standard Plan
for grade crossing signals -- only the "banjo" gyrating mechanism
was manufactured by The Magnetic Flagman Co. (previously noted
to be the Mechanical Flagman Co.).  Apparently N&W did much
of the fabrication of the wig-wag.The cross bucks, "Stop When
Swinging" and "Slow Down - 5 MILES(sic)-VA. LAW" signs, and the
Magnetic Flagman mechanism were all bolted to 85# or 100#
scrap rail.

By1984, the wig-wags at Wyndale, Abingdon (Fairground Road),
Meadow View, Crockett, Wytheville (6th Street) and Clark Avenue
at Max Meadows had disappeared from the Radford Div. track charts,
having been replaced by flashing lights.  The crossing at Copenhaver,
however, was still protected by wig-wag.  Copenhaver MAY have had
the last active wig-wag installation on N&W.
                                              Harry Bundy

==========================================================

Date: Tue, 01 Aug 2000 22:38:43 -0400
To: N&W Mailing List <mailing-list at nwhs.org>
From: N&W Mailing List <mailing-list at nwhs.org>
Subject: Re: Wig Wag Signals

Ther was also a set of wig-wags in Welch WV that lasted into the 1980's. They
protected the crossing nearest the new Welch station.

                                              Zachary Scellato
__________________________________________
Weren't some Wig-Wag's mounted hanging down and some mounted upright?

Does anyone make HO scale Wig-Wags?

Gerry Albers
___________________________________________
What will be left that was/is distinctively N&W ?
The pole line, but that, too, is fast disappearing.
                                  Harry Bundy
___________________________________________
I remember vividly the wig wag signal that used to be at Copenhaver's
Crossing, just west of Marion, VA on the Bristol line.  If I remember
correctly it was taken out in 85 or 86.  I also know the person who has
it!  But, a signal collector like myself has had no luck in obtaining
it!  I don't know if he has both of them or not, or if it only had one
at the crossing.  To be honest, I'm surprised it survived the
derailment back in '74 that broke the original milepost which is still
laying in the grass beside the tracks.  The wig wag was only about 50
feet from the milepost as best as I remember.
Anyway, I concur with the opinion that it was the last one operating on
the N&W anywhere, it is certainly the last one I know of.  I would have
asked the local signal maintainer, but, he got the axe last year!
Ben Blevins

===========================================================

Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 20:51:39 -0400
To: N&W Mailing List <mailing-list at nwhs.org>
From: N&W Mailing List <mailing-list at nwhs.org>
Subject: Re: Wig Wag Signal Models

On the wig wag signals I checked my Radford  Division track charts for  Jan.
1,1977 and Jan. 1,1980. In the 77 edition on the Pulaski District there were
6 wig wag signals as follows.
{1} Max Meadors St 1006  Between mile Post N328 & N329 gone by 1980
{2} Marion Chatam Hill Road Between MP N364 & N365. gone by 1980
{3} Copenhaver Rt 660 MP 367
{4} Seven Mile Ford St 642 Between MP 371 & MP372
{5}North of Emory St 609 Between MP 382 & MP 383
{6} Meadow View  State Route 80 MP 386. gone by 1980
                                                         Harvie Jones