Signals

Torfiedoes.—In the event of an accident or other unusual circumstance requiring the stoppage of a train, or when it is feared that the optical sig nals cannot be distinguished (owing to storms, fogs, etc.), it is customary to attach to the rail small capsules containing an explosive mixture of some kind (torpedoes), which are exploded by the blow of the engine wheels passing over them.

Signal is, in addition to the foregoing, a variety of sig nals in use by the engine-drivers, conductors, train-hands, flagmen, and others, which are important means of conveying intelligence. There is no uniform code of signals Of this order among the railroads of the United States, but to give the reader a g-eneral idea of their character the code in use on the typical American road (the Pennsylvania) is given as a speci men. These signals, though not identically followed by other roads, are substantially those employed by them—namely: Red signifies a'allger, and is a sit),-nal to stop.

Green signifies caution, and is a signal to run slowly.

White signifies safety, and is a signal to proceed.

Green-and-white is a signal used to stop trains at flag-stations. Blue is a signal used by car-inspectors.

Flags ana' Lainfis of the proper color must be used, the former by day and the latter at night or in foggy weather. Red flags or red lanterns must never be used as caution signals: they always signify a'angei----"stop." A lantern swung across the track, a flag, hat, or any object waved violently by any person on the track, signifies danger", and is a signal to stop. An exploding cap or torpedo clamped to the top of the rail is an extra danger signal, to be used in addition to the regular sig,nals at night, in foggy weather, and in cases of accident or emergency when other signals cannot be distinctly seen or relied upon. The explosion of one of these signals is a \yarning to stop the train immediately; the explosion of two of them is a warning to check the speed of the train immediately and look out for the reg,ular danger-signal.

A Fusee is an extra caution-signal, to be lighted and thrown on the track at frequent intervals by the flagmen of passenger-trains at night whenever the train is not making schedule speed between telegraph stations. A train finding a fusee burning upon the track must come to a full stop, and not proceed until it is burned out.

Train-sig-na/s.—As it is important to provide means whereby the con ductor and other train-hands may communicate with the engine-driver, and whereby the passengers may signal in case of necessity to the engine driver, conductor, or guard, various forms of intercommunicating signals have been introduced. These are almost exclusively mechanical; electric devices are rarely employed. On European railways there is usually car

ried along the outside of the train a cord so placed that it may be reached through the window, to summon the guard. In other cases an attachment is made with the cora on the inside of the compartments. The universal practice on American railways is to provide through the entire length of the train a signal- or bell-cord which communicates with a bell in the locomotive-cab. This cord is suspended overhead within easy reach of the train-hands and of the passengers. By its use, according to a prearranged code, the conductor signals for starting or stopping. A recent innovation introduced on some American roads is a signal operated by compressed air through a tube passing under the train and connecting each car with the engine-cab. This is in addition to the usual signal-cord, and is used by the conductor to signal to the engine-driver.

Cona'uctors' the signal-bell, placed overhead inside the engine-cab, is attached a cord which passes through to the rear plat form of the train. One tap of this bell when the engine is standing is a notice to start. Two taps when the engine is standing- is a notice to call in the flagman. Two taps when the engine is running is a notice to stop at once. Three taps when the engine is standing is a notice to back the train. Three taps when the engine is running is a notice to stop at the next station.

Conductors' lamp swung across the track is a signal to stop. A lamp raised and lowered vertically is a signal to move ahead. A lamp swung in a circle is a signal to move back.

short blast of the engine-whistle (thus, –) is a signal to apply the brakes. Two long blasts (— —) is a signal to throw off the brakes. Two short blasts (– –) when running is an answer to signal of conductor to stop at next station. Three short blasts (– – –) when stand ing is a signal that the engine or train will back. Three short blasts (– – –) when running is a signal to be given by a passenger-train when carrying; signals for a following train, to call the attention of passing trains to the signals. Four long blasts (— — — —) is a signal to call in the flagman or signal-man. Four skort blasts (– – – –) is the engine-man's call for signals. Two long followed by two short blasts (— — – –) when running is a signal for approaching- a road-crossing at grade. Five short blasts ) is a signal to the flagman to go back and protect the rear of the train. A succession of short blasts of the whistle is an alarm for cattle, and calls attention of trainmen to danger ahead. A blast of the whistle of five seconds' duration is a signal for approaching stations, railroad crossings, and drawbridges.