dwarf signals NS in multiple parts (part 4)

[NW Mailing List]

Thanks, Joe.  What you say makes a lot of sense.  The red light would deter
trying to throw the switch under a movement.
Jim Cochran

On Sun, Jun 23, 2024 at 7:29 AM NW Mailing List <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
wrote:

> Jim,
> I think the red light simply indicates that the switch itself is occupied
> - and thus the indicated switch position is locked from being changed.
>
> These switch indicator lights were installed several years ago when the
> switches were upgraded to be thrown via radio by the crews, apparently in
> conjunction with the elimination of a separate "utility man"
> (switch-tender) position that used to handle that task).
>
> There were several such switches that all had names (no, I foolishly
> didn't keep a list) they used to identify themselves when responding to
> radio commands. If the switch in your photos is the one I think it is, that
> one is/was the "top of the hill switch".
>
> Being in the middle of yard tracks (not CTC territory), I don't believe
> these provide any route ("signal indication") permission or indication of
> occupancy of adjacent tracks.
>
> It has been years (too long!) since I have railfaned Bluefield, so it it
> possible things have changed since.
>
> Another "outside observer opinion". :-)
>
> Joe Shaw
>
> On Sat, Jun 22, 2024, 9:01 PM NW Mailing List <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
> wrote:
>
>> Now let's suppose for a moment that I am correct about the function of
>> the green and yellow bulbs being switch position indicators.  There is
>> really no other "route" information needed as you know the switch is lined
>> for either the normal or diverging path.
>> Now imagine that the red light performs a completely separate function
>> from the other two and is housed in the same box with them simply for
>> convenience. What other types of information do signals convey?  Well,
>> control point signals provide route information and in conjunction with the
>> rule book, speed information as well . . . prescribed speed.  The other
>> type of signals are intermediates, and they provide block occupancy
>> information.
>> What if the red light in the dwarves is there to indicate whether the
>> track ahead of the switch is occupied.  Then a red-green aspect would
>> indicate that the normal route for the switch was occupied, and a
>> red-yellow aspect would indicate that the reversed route for the switch was
>> occupied.
>> Once again this is all speculation on my part (other than the info from
>> Chris D.), but check out this last sequence of photos which I think may
>> support my theory.  Note the movement is backing East (left) in these shots
>> taken short periods of time apart.
>> Thanks for your patience, and if anyone can add information, it will be
>> greatly appreciated,
>> Jim Cochran
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