The air-whistle, or bell cord-code of signals, is standard upon all
American railroads, and is as follows:
When the train is standing:
Two signals--start.
Three signals--back.
Four signals--apply or release air-brakes.
Five signals--call in flagman.
When the train is in motion:
Two signals--stop at once.
Three signals--stop at the next station.
Four signals--reduce speed.
Five signals--increase speed.
There also arises a necessity for communication between men who stand
outside the train and who seek to guide the movement of the locomotive.
This necessity has given rise to still another code, transmitted by the
hands--holding a flag, if possible--by day, and a lighted lantern at
night. This signal code follows:
Method of Transmitting Signal. Indication.
Swung across track. Stop.
Raised and lowered vertically. Proceed.
Swung vertically in a circle across the track:
When the train is standing-- Back.
When train is in motion-- Train has parted.
Swung horizontally in a circle:
When the train is standing-- Apply air-brakes.
Held at arm's length above head:
When the train is standing-- Release air-brakes.
Any object waved violently by any person on
or near the track is a stop signal.
By use of his locomotive whistle, the engineer is enabled to acknowledge
these signals, as well as to signal upon his own initiative. His code is
also a standard in railroading. It follows:
---- A short blast. -------- A long blast.
---- Stop, apply brakes.
-------- -------- Release brakes.
---- ---- -------- -------- -------- Flagman go back
---- -------- -------- -------- and protect rear
end of train.
------- -------- -------- -------- Flagman return to
train.
-------- -------- -------- Train in motion,
has parted.
---- ---- Acknowledgment of
signals, not otherwise
provided for.
---- ---- ---- Standing train--back.
---- ---- ---- ---- Call for signals.
-------- ---- ---- Calls attention to
following section.
-------- -------- ---- ---- Highway crossing
signal.
---------------- Approaching stations,
junctions or
railroad crossings
at grade.
A succession of short blasts is an alarm for persons on the track and
calls the attention of trainmen to danger ahead.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account