Semaphore Colored Roundel

Have been working on restoring a lower quadrant US&S type B semaphore, As we were going through parts to refurbish the spectacle, we found glass and plastic roundels. Red, yellow, and Green. But the green is not a true green, more of a blue color. So the question has arisen, were original glass rondels actually green, or always this blue color? Is it possible that the blue is easier to see (better optics), or was it a matter of manufacturing difficulty? We are curious as to the history. By the way, we have the mast reinstalled on top of the case, next is to get the actuating mechanism working.
-Dave-

 

It has been many years since I worked on Style B signals as the B&M removed most from service in the mid to late fifties. I can remember some of the older lenses were a greenish blue but when lighted at night it was green. You should also remember that when first installed the lamps were either oil or gas operated so the yellow flame in connection with the green/blue lense probably made the color more green. When they were electrified the old lamp was used and a base with the bulb replaced the oil or gas lamp. The B&M used a 3 volt bulb as the power was from primary batteries. I can't say what other railroads used. There is a web site for CORP who still use Style B signals so you might check there and see what they say. I will check and see if I can find their site.
Here is the unofficial CORP web site.

http://www.alpharail.net/corp/corp.htm

[ 03. May 2004, 04:25: Message edited by: signalguy ]

 

All old fragments of glass roundels that I have found on CORP have been the bluish green. I have never seen a true green lense or fragment for the semaphores.

 

Thanks for the reply Xingman. We have experimented since Gil Abars reply. With a bright 120v or bright 12v lamp the lens shines blue. With a dim lamp or flame the glass roundel does appear green. Working at an historical museum we have found great respect for the way that the old railroad men worked on things with limited technology. We like to discover how they handled different situations and complications. By the way you have a great website yourself. Dave

 

HI ,

As a matter of fact I do have a few. I have yet to get them onto my computer. I shall work on that. Also have a few of a working US&S Wig Wag. We also restored that one to working condition. Stay tuned. Dave

 

Thank you sir, but my website is no longer.