#railway semaphore

[drzewobojczyni]

World Watercolor Month day 4: Signal

There's hardly any fanart of Slice of Sea, huh? And I made almost all of it

Well, anyway. Trainyard is my favorite location in the game, mostly because of this music:

(Apologies for any errors in the semaphore)

DeviantArt

[railwayhistorical]

Anticipation A westbound Amtrak Southwest Chief approaches the semaphores at the east end of Colmor, New Mexico. One image by Richard Koenig; taken April 29th 2023.

[eltristanexplicitcontent]

David Clarke's Amazing 1930s GWR Model Railway, 38ft,16ft 6in

This.

Is.

Pretty darn cool.

[quotespile]

The only streetlights burning were those at the top of the stairs and the light they gave fell in dingy cones that shuddered in the intermittent gusts of winds assailing them because the other neon lights positioned in the thirty or so meters between them had all been broken, leaving them squatting in darkness, yet as aware of each other, of their precise positions, as of the enormous mass of dark sky above the smashed neon, the sky which might have glimpsed the reflection of its own enormous dark mass as it trembled with stars in the vista of railway yards spreading below it, had there been some relationship between the trembling stars and the twinkling dull red lights of semaphores sprinkled among the rails, but there wasn't, there was no common denominator, no interdependence between them, the only order and relationship existing within the discrete worlds of above and below, and indeed of anywhere, for the field of stars and the forest of signals stared as blankly at each other as does each and every form of being, blind in darkness and blind in radiance, as blind on earth as it is in heaven, if only so that a long moribund symmetry among this vastness might appear in the lost glance of some higher being, at the center of which, naturally, there would be a minuscule blind spot...

László Krasznahorkai, War & War

[vintage-london-images]

Did you have any idea that the first traffic lights anywhere in the world sprang into action outside the House of Parliament on 9th December 1868. Long before the motor car, the strange contraption was experimentally installed in the north east corner of Parliament Square, actually around where the statue of Winston Churchill is today.

The signal system was designed to bring order to a chaotic junction at Great George Street and Bridge Street with Parliament Street. In the months before its installation, two MPs had been badly injured and a traffic policeman was killed at this spot.

The traffic signal towered 20 feet above the roadway and had a gas light with sliding coloured lenses and semaphore like arms operated mechanically by a policeman.

The equipment worked along similar principles to those already used on the railways, and right from the start it operated on a red/green light system.

The experiment didn't go well, with many ignoring or being confused by the signal and not understanding their obligations, which made the chaos worse.

Unfortunately, they exploded on the night of 2nd January 1869 injuring the police constable operating them, and it was decided to curtail the experiment. London would have to wait until 1926 for its next traffic lights.

From the London Illustrated Weekly News - Saturday 9th January 1869:

'When the constable on duty opened the door to turn off the gas from the signal pillar an alarming explosion immediately ensued, which it may be supposed arose from the admission of the atmospheric air, and the consequent ignition of the gas accumulated from leakage. The constable's face was badly burned, his helmet was dashed off, and he was partially stripped. The report of the explosion, we are told, was heard in Whitehall, and at the end of Birdcage-Walk.'

[per-the-jellicle-magician]

Hi!! Just saw that warsaw skimble is named Semaforro. I love that. Does it mean stoplight? Sounds very similar to italian "semaforo" and I'm going crazy over it /pos

Hi! His full name is Semaforro, but it's shortened to Semafor in his song, and that one means semaphore, the railway signal

Also fun fact there used to be an animation studio here in Poland that also was called Semafor and I think it may be a little nod to it too, given Warsaw has this whole film studio theme

[guerrerense]

Gartell Light Railway por Dunkable Bath Por Flickr: Can you imagine having your own railway in your back garden? Well one family do...The Gartell Light Railway is a privately run narrow gauge railway located at Yenston in the Blackmore Vale, south of Templecombe, in Somerset that opens to the public six times per year. It operates a 2 ft narrow gauge railway running for 3⁄4 mile through 4 stations. The track has an interesting forked layout, incorporating a section of the much lamented Somerset & Dorset Railway. More than just a garden railway, it is also a working museum of traditional railway practice, home to an array of semaphore and colour-light signals controlled from two signal boxes. These both house nineteenth century lever frames, and other heritage equipment. On open days, trains leave the main station at Common Lane every 20 minutes. Highlight of the trip comes when two trains leave Pinesway Junction simultaneously, one heading up the recent extension to Tower View, whilst the other heads down hill, and passes under the extension on its way back to Common Lane as the other train passes above. Motive power is usually provided by the railway's two steam engines and a diesel: The GLR's first steam locomotive, No 6 Mr G was built by the North Dorset Locomotive Works at Motcombe, near Shaftesbury to an 0-4-2T design based on the former Groudle Glen Railway loco Polar Bear which can now be found at the Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre. It entered service in June 1998. The other, No 9 Jean, entered service in 2009 and is an unusual tender tank hybrid based on the design of No 6. As well as providing additional water capacity, the tanks above the driving wheels help to provide much needed additional adhesion on the 1 in 32 gradient coming out of Common Lane. You may also be lucky enough to catch Faith. The 2016 North Dorset Locomotive Works built 0-4-2T No. 8 "Faith" has relocated back to the Gartell Light Railway, where she will remain until being sold. The diesel, No 1 Amanda, originated from the Southend Pier tramway. It was rebuilt in the GLR workshops with a new body that resembles a Crompton class 33. Possibly one of the 'Slim Jim' narrow bodied Class 33/2s from the Hastings line.

[ironhorsefan]

Another update! Along with the aforementioned BR brakevan, I've gotten more stuff done! -There is now tiles for the track ballast, & thanks to @shimbongulus informing me where he got the Chara and Frisk talk sprites (thank you so much), I've been able to finish almost all of the textboxes! -I also realized that I need a "start" to be showing green, so I've now made a fully animated semaphore signal. (I ended up going with an upper quadrant signal because the song takes place in the 1950s, and by that time the majority of Britain's semaphore signals were upper quadrant) Quick railway lesson for those who don't know what a upper/lower quadrant signal is: It basically means the signal's clear aspect is shown when it moves in that direction. Ie:

[master-john-uk]

10th December 1868 - The world's first traffic lights were installed outside the Houses of Parliament in London to help pedestrians cross the road.

Designed by John Peake Knight, they had semaphore arms similar to railway signals that could be seen clearly during the daytime, with a revolving gas lantern above with red and green signals that could be seen at night. The signals were operated manually by a police officer, who would blow his whistle to indicate when the signals were about to change.

This type of traffic signal did not last long due to safety fears. On 2nd January 1869, a leak in the gas line caused an explosion which injured the policeman operating the signal.

[railwayhistorical]

Notes from the Field

I've got a six-page "short take" article in the latest issue of Railroad History (no. 229). The subject is some of the remaining semaphore signals on the Santa Fe Railway in New Mexico; it's a follow-up to my much longer 2019 article in the same publication (no. 221).

Most of the aging semaphore signals of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway have come down in recent years, replaced by modern devices. But eleven of the 100-year old sentinels soldier on with no replacement signals positioned adjacently. My article provides the location of all, images of several, along with the appearance of Amtrak's Southwest Chief, which is the only train on the line currently tripping these ancient implements.

Three images by Richard Koenig; all taken April 2023.

[estheruary]

The standard CS education ruins everyone when it comes to threads. They aren't hard, they aren't scary, and there's nary a non-trivial program that doesn't use them in some manner. But CS teachers will act like they're some super advanced arcane magic that you shouldn't touch unless you're a 12th level technomancer.

A process is the railway system with depots, data is the cargo, threads are the trains. This metaphor is so apt that semaphores, a thing for coordinating threads, is named after the signaling system used for trains.

If you send two trains to pick up or drop off cargo from the same depot they'll get in each other's way. Many conductors can ask what's at a depot at the same time but sometimes they'll have to wait until one of the trains finishes dropping off their cargo to know what's there. You can't interrupt a train in the middle of unloading so you tell the dispatcher to have the other trains wait.

The math-heavy CS locking stuff isn't usually relevant to the kinds of normal things people use threads for. If you have a bunch of threads fighting over a contentious resources it's probably not a good fit for threads. And that's kinda the point honestly, the times you reach for threads is when they're easy because that's the sign that it's a good fit for your problem domain.

[olddominionrailways]

Exploring the World of LGB Train Parts: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction:

The world of model trains has captivated enthusiasts for generations, offering a miniature universe that mirrors the charm and intricacies of real-life railroads. Among the various scales available, LGB (Lehmann Gross Bahn) has emerged as a leading name, known for its high-quality and durable products. In this article, we delve into the fascinating realm of LGB train parts, exploring the components that make these miniature locomotives and railways function seamlessly.

I. Understanding the LGB System:

Before delving into the specific parts, it's crucial to grasp the basics of the LGB system. LGB trains are typically designed in the G scale, making them larger than other model trains. The standard gauge of 45mm between the rails contributes to their realism and allows for intricate detailing. LGB trains are also renowned for their durability, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

II. Locomotives and Power Sources:

A. Locomotives:

Drive Mechanism: LGB locomotives boast robust drive mechanisms that power the wheels, enabling smooth movement along the tracks. The gearing system is precision-engineered, ensuring reliable performance and a realistic driving experience.

Motors: High-quality electric motors are at the heart of LGB locomotives. These motors are designed to provide ample power while maintaining efficiency. The precision of these motors contributes to the precise control and speed variations that enthusiasts appreciate.

B. Power Sources:

Track Power: LGB trains can be powered through the tracks, with electricity supplied by a controller. This traditional method is reliable and straightforward, making it a popular choice for many model train enthusiasts.

Battery Power: For those who prefer a wireless setup or want to run their trains in outdoor settings without access to electricity, battery power is an excellent option. LGB offers battery-powered locomotives and retrofit kits for existing models.

III. Track and Accessories:

A. Track Components:

Rails: LGB track rails are crafted from durable materials, ensuring longevity and resistance to weather elements. The robust design allows for smooth operation and minimal wear, even in outdoor environments.

Turnouts and Switches: Turnouts and switches play a crucial role in directing trains along different paths. LGB offers a variety of turnouts with manual or motorized options, enhancing the flexibility and operational possibilities of the layout.

B. Accessories:

Signals and Lights: LGB provides a range of signals and lights to add realism to your miniature railroad. From traditional semaphore signals to modern LED lights, these accessories contribute to the visual appeal and authenticity of the model.

Bridges and Tunnels: Elevate your model train landscape with LGB bridges and tunnels. These accessories provide visual interest and can be used to create varied and exciting layouts.

IV. Maintenance and Replacement Parts:

A. Cleaning and Lubrication:

Track Cleaning: LGB offers specialized track cleaning solutions to ensure optimal conductivity and prevent dirt buildup on the tracks. Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining smooth locomotive operation.

Lubrication: Proper lubrication of moving parts, such as gears and axles, is vital for preventing wear and ensuring the longevity of your LGB trains. LGB provides lubricants designed for their specific components.

B. Replacement Parts:

Gears and Wheels: Over time, gears and wheels may experience wear. LGB offers replacement gears and wheels to keep your locomotives running smoothly.

Motors and Electronics: In the event of motor or electronic component failure, LGB provides replacement parts to restore your locomotive to its original functionality.

Conclusion:

As we've explored the world of LGB train parts, it's evident that the brand's commitment to quality and detail sets it apart in the realm of model trains. From locomotives and power sources to track components and accessories, LGB provides a comprehensive ecosystem for enthusiasts to build and customize their miniature railroads. Whether you're a seasoned model train collector or a newcomer to the hobby, LGB train parts offer a gateway to a world of creativity, craftsmanship, and endless possibilities.

Source URL: https://bit.ly/48UdVyr

[tovarishfungus]

I recently watched a documentary about the East German Railways in the 90s, after the collapse of the GDR. They were using really old rolling stock on some of the more remote lines and in one scene a kid wanted to take their dog with them on the train. So the friendly conductor opened a little hatch on the side of the passenger car, sat the little dog down in it and closed it again. Like "Off you go into the dog storage compartment, bye!"

That documentary also featured semaphore signals that were lit not by electric lights, but with propane (?) tanks attached to the posts, which I assume had to be manually lit and extinguished each day.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 12.9 (before 1950)

536 – Gothic War: The Byzantine general Belisarius enters Rome unopposed; the Gothic garrison flees the capital. 730 – Battle of Marj Ardabil: The Khazars annihilate an Umayyad army and kill its commander, al-Jarrah ibn Abdallah al-Hakami. 1432 – The first battle between the forces of Švitrigaila and Sigismund Kęstutaitis is fought near the town of Oszmiana (Ashmyany), launching the most active phase of the Lithuanian Civil War. 1531 – The Virgin of Guadalupe first appears to Juan Diego at Tepeyac, Mexico City. 1636 – The Qing dynasty of China, led by Emperor Hong Taiji, invades Joseon. 1688 – Glorious Revolution: Williamite forces defeat Jacobites at Battle of Reading, forcing James II to flee England. (Date is Old Style; the date in the New Style modern calendar is 19 December.) 1775 – American Revolutionary War: British troops and Loyalists, misinformed about Patriot militia strength, lose the Battle of Great Bridge, ending British rule in Virginia. 1822 – French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel, in a memoir read to the Academy of Sciences, coins the terms linear polarization, circular polarization, and elliptical polarization, and reports a direct refraction experiment verifying his theory that optical rotation is a form of birefringence. 1824 – Patriot forces led by General Antonio José de Sucre defeat a Royalist army in the Battle of Ayacucho, putting an end to the Peruvian War of Independence. 1835 – Texas Revolution: The Texian Army captures San Antonio following the Siege of Béxar. 1851 – The first YMCA in North America is established in Montreal. 1856 – The Iranian city of Bushehr surrenders to occupying British forces. 1861 – American Civil War: The Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War is established by Congress. 1868 – The first traffic lights are installed, outside the Palace of Westminster in London. Resembling railway signals, they use semaphore arms and are illuminated at night by red and green gas lamps. 1872 – In Louisiana, P. B. S. Pinchback becomes the first African American governor of a U.S. state following the impeachment of Henry C. Warmoth. 1905 – In France, a law separating church and state is passed. 1911 – A mine explosion near Briceville, Tennessee, kills 84 miners despite rescue efforts led by the United States Bureau of Mines. 1917 – World War I: Field Marshal Allenby captures Jerusalem from the Ottoman Empire. 1922 – Gabriel Narutowicz is elected the first president of Poland. 1931 – The Constituent Cortes approves a constitution which establishes the Second Spanish Republic. 1935 – Student protests occur in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, and are subsequently dispersed by government authorities. 1935 – Walter Liggett, an American newspaper editor and muckraker, is killed in a gangland murder. 1937 – Second Sino-Japanese War: Battle of Nanking: Japanese troops under the command of Lt. Gen. Yasuhiko Asaka launch an assault on the Chinese city of Nanking. 1940 – World War II: Operation Compass: British and Indian troops under the command of Major-General Richard O'Connor attack Italian forces near Sidi Barrani in Egypt. 1941 – World War II: China, Cuba, Guatemala, and the Philippine Commonwealth declare war on Germany and Japan. 1941 – World War II: The American 19th Bombardment Group attacks Japanese ships off the coast of Vigan, Luzon. 1946 – The subsequent Nuremberg trials begin with the Doctors' Trial, prosecuting physicians and officers alleged to be involved in Nazi human experimentation and mass murder under the guise of euthanasia. 1946 – The Constituent Assembly of India meets for the first time to write the Constitution of India. 1948 – The Genocide Convention is adopted.