PL Dwarfs Get Color: 9/1/1964

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

Adam, et.al...

The "genderless" dwarf signal drawings remained through the 1970's (at
least) as the rulebooks I have up this time show these obtuse
drawings...

The NS rule book I have from 1990 reverts back to the classic look of
the PL dwarfs. Guess someone figure out what they looked like.

Does anyone know if N&W ever published a signal and communications
standards book? I have one for the PRR, B&O, C&O and ultimately CSX.
These books were typically full of technical drawings and dimensions
of signals and signal appliances and other track side items that dealt
with signalling and communication.

Thanks!

Eric



On 9/9/06, nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org> wrote:

> Attached is a scan of a document dated September 1, 1964, issued by

> J. G. Karlet, Supt. Signals & Communications, captioned "Conversion

> of Position Light Dwarf Signals to Color Position Light" and

> "Supplement to Book of Rules."

>

> It states that "Effective this date, train and engine crews may

> expect to find either Position Light or Color Position Light aspects

> displayed at Dwarf Signal locations until the work of conversion has

> been completed."

>

> Note the goofey shapes of the drawings.  They resemble neither the

> old nor the new style dwarfs.  This is probably an early example of

> "gender inclusive language," so that neither the old style signals

> (male) nor the new style signals (female) would be offended !  The

> unfortunate result is that in the future people may look at this

> document and think that the N&W really had dwarf signals of such an

> ugly shape.  Mercy !

>

> On August 20, 1964, each Division issued a Bulletin putting Karlet's

> "Supplement" into effect.  Those Bulletins read as

> follows:  "Effective 8:01A.M., Tuesday, September 1, 1964, be

> governed by the attached "Supplement to Book of Rules" covering

> conversion of position light dwarf signals to color position.  You

> will acknowledge receipt by signing form below and returning to this

> office."  (One wonders how many employees actually signed and

> returned the receipts, what happened if they didn't send in a

> receipt, and how many hours were wasted alphabetizing and filing the receipts?)

>

> -- abram burnett,

>          Curmodgeonis Ordinis Secundam

>             (curmudgeon of the second order)

>

>

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