So, one thing I see in nearly every issue of Trains is some blurb about the Class 1s replacing their signals and signal bridges with Aluminum bridges. Now, I can understand replacing the oddball types and Semiphore (much as the fan in me hates it) makes sense, but why replace the signal bridges too? I mean, sure, some of them are height resricted, but not all of them. Why replace the old but solid ironwork? Why spend that money. It doesn't affect the electricals at all. It seems like a waste of cash to me.
Sounds like we should all keep our cameras handy. Yet another icon of railroading is disappearing! Boxcab E50
I know what you mean. I've noticed that the UP has replaced a few of SP's old searchlight signals with the traffic style ones. There used to be one about a mile north of the railroad crossing on North Street in Anderson (south of Redding). You could look up the track and if a train was coming or just came by the signal would be lit up and it didn't matter what the weather was like you could always see the signal aspect on the searchlight real well, but the UP replaced with a traffic signal one and now it can't be seen as easily anymore, plus it just doesn't look as good.
I've noticed that most of the Search light type signals Stayed on at all times but the traffic type only stays on when there's a train appoaching within a block mostly
There are several reasons why the signal gantries are being replaced. 1. The structure is unsound due to rust etc. 2. The structure does not meet safety compliance for workers to climb. The searchlight signals have an element of safety risk as they use a mechanical relay (Vane) to change signalling aspects. These have been known to give irregular indications in the past. Modrn LED signals are now replacing a majority of signals around the world.
Alot of these signal bridges and such were built when steam still ruled the rails! Even alot of the searchlight type sinals were built around the 2nd world war times. I've been taking pic's lately cause alot of them around the Seattle area here have come down, replaced by monster signal bridges with uni-directional signaling.
Both Norfolk Southen and CSX have replaced a lot of signal bridges around the Carolinas... Many of them have changed to the srouded "Darth Vader" type heads. Harold
Yeah, Everywhere on UP I see that. I guess it makes sense if they're structurally unsound. I just can't figure out how they wouldn't meet standards for being climed on.
