dwarf signals NS in multiple parts (part 4)

[NW Mailing List]

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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