I am looking for a dictionary or source (web site; booklet; etc) that shows and describes what the different trackside signs mean and where to place them. Preferably, I’d like this information to be for modern (1980-present) Canadian railroads.
Does anyone know where I could find such infomation ? I live next to a railline and I’ve been trying to figure out what some of the signage means. I know what some of them mean (mile-posts; whistle-posts; speed limits); but there are others that I don’t know or am not sure about.
The “dictionary” is the employee timetable and operating rulebook. Those are not public documents but they show up at railroadiana swap meets by the handfuls.
Thanks; but railroadiana swap meets don’t exist anywhere near where I live. Besides, I want current information (ie: less than 25 years old); not from 75 or 100 years ago.
Surely there must be some source for this information that can be found online or in a store ? Don’t government regulatory agencies or railroad industry associations establish standards for signage that is published and available to the public ? What I’m looking for is similar to the pamphlet/booklet with pictures of all the road signs and their meanings that you might find at a drivers’ ed class or on the Ministry of Transportation’s web site.
You could try e-bay. I have never had problems on the railroad memorabilia side finding things and usually cheaper than at train show swap meets. (I’ve never had problems on the model railroad side either, just usually a lot more interest so items may go higher then they or I should.) Items being sold on-line or at swap meets aren’t always 75 or so years old. Some times you can find fairly recent items. Look for a timetable/special instructions or system special instructions. Some railroads share rule books, but not the same signs. Example, Both the IAIS and the UP share the GCOR book. The sign to begin whistling for a crossing on the IAIS (and most everyone else is a “W.” On the UP it is a “X,” not that you can’t still find some Ws that haven’t been changed.
You could also try contacting railroad historical societies, either specific railroad or regional type. They might have information or could put you in contact with someone who does.
If nothing else, ask questions about sign(s) you aren’t sure of here or on the Trains’ railroad forum. Someone would probably be able to answer.
I’d love to go to one; but, as I said, there are no swap-meets anywhere near where I live. The nearest train/hobby show where I might find this information is a 5 hour drive away and 7 months from now. [:(]
I’ve tried Transport Canada’s web site but found nothing about trackside signage – only about highway/road signs and signals for grade crossings. [:(]
I was hoping to find something akin to a magazine article, or web site (NMRA?) where this information might be listed. Surely someone has compiled this information for modelers and railfans to access easily. [%-)]
I got a chance to look over that site over the last couple days. However, while offering a lot of useful information about the various rules governing the operation of a railroad; it, and I hate to say it, had no information relating to what the different signs alongside the tracks mean. [:(]
Thanks anyways. [sigh]
If I get the chance, I’ll take photos of the signs and post them here to see if anyone can offer an explanation as to their meaning.
Go to E-Bay and search for “employee timetable” or “ETT” Chances are for less than $10 and about 2 weeks time you can have the answers to your questions plus a whole bunch more. Asking a list may get you some answers, but doing actual original research on your own will give you ten times the information (and unfortunately 10 times more additional questions).