White Insulators

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

During a brief stint at Corning Glass I learned that insulators are an interesting subject. Except for specific uses like the white ones, they are made of cheap glass that is affected by age and weather, i.e., they will turn in color over the years. Insulators in the southwest will often turn many colors including purple and yellow depending upon the minerals in the glass. So, folks, I would not take too much stock in the various colors. The various manufacturers were not particular in their raw materials mix. Cal Reynolds.
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  From: nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org 
  To: N&W Mailing List 
  Sent: Thursday, December 16, 2004 9:54 AM
  Subject: RE: White Insulators


  Jim:  I have been told the same thing by N&W train crews regarding the insulators and the emergency use for train crew communication.



  On the Peavine, the location of the white ceramic insulators was on the trackside lower arm.  However, with the advent of radio communication, broken ceramic insulators were replaced by the typical green insulators as the need to connect to the dispatcher via a phone system had disappeared.  .



  I note that different insulators could be used along different districts.  It would seem that LYNCHBURG insulators, a pale, bluish-green were used in the Virginia state and lines to the west toward Bluefield.  Kinda Williamson and west, the Hemmingray type is much more common.  This one is a little more greenish but still pale and clear.  On older spots on the Columbus District and the Cincinnati District, one can find the bullet-shaped HB type which is dark green.  



  I note that the AC lines use a pale green-blue Hemmingray style.  The lightening arrestor line  on the top of the pole on the metal bracket uses a dark brown ceramic insulator.  



  I also see where the broken glass insulators have been replaces by a small hard rubber insulator and a clear plastic, injection molded type.  



  Gary Rolih 



  -----Original Message-----
  From: nw-mailing-list-bounces at nwhs.org [mailto:nw-mailing-list-bounces at nwhs.org] On Behalf Of nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org
  Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2004 9:24 PM
  To: N&W Mailing List
  Subject: White Insulators



  N&W used two white insulators on its lineside poles.  I believe these insulators were used on the lines (wires) that allowed communication with the dispatcher and station agents along the right-of-way.  In an emergency, the train crews could attach a portable handset to these lines in order to communicate with other personnel.



  My question involves the location/placement of the white insulators.  I believe they were always on the lowest arm of the lineside pole, and were the two insulators closest to the track.  I've looked through numerous books but can't seem to verify this.



  I believe all other insulators were green in color, but I'm not certain about this.



  Anyone have a better insight into this interesting detail?



  Jim Brewer

  Glenwood MD

  www.pocahontasmodels.com





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