How were dwarf signals ( Green over Red) used?
Were they ever used to show the position of the switch (turnout)?
Jerry
All of the railway videos I have seen seem to indicate that dwarf signals were used only to indicate the position of a switch.
A Google search using “dwarf signals” (without the quote marks) as the search phrase turns up more information than you ever wanted to know about dwarf signals.
Dwarf signals were often used in interlocking plants for reverse moves.
Have fun
Dwarf signals are used for ‘Interlocking Plants’ where they protect movements in the plant(usually a crossing or junction). There are similar looking signals that are attached to switches and show the status of the switch. It is usually mounted next to switch motor or hand throw, and face in both directions. This sort of a replacement for the kerosene switch lanterns that used to be mountedon the top of a switch stand.
Jim
Dwarf signals are not limited to interlockings. They can be used anywhere a signal is needed, but there is no room for a high mast signal. Such as between two tracks. They have the same meaning as high mast signals.
They could also be used to indicate the position of a switch. These are properly called “switch position indicators”.
Nick
What never made sense to me is why is it high-mast signals are often approach lit, but I have never seen a dwarf signal approach lit…they are always on. We have a bunch of reasons to implement approach lit and then what do the RRs do…stick in a dwarf or two at the same place and have them constant lit.
Most of the time (at least from the limited amount of what I’ve read on the subject) the dwarf signals are/were used in interlockings, yards, and the like where there were tons of switches packed close together and slow speed. They also seem to have been used in other places as direct replacements for the switch-stand lanterns.
I wonder if the constant-on was a way to solve (earlier, or maybe even recurring) problems with the fact that if a signal light is out, no matter what the actual condition of the road ahead is, is full Stop (and wait). If this happens everywhere there is a switch on the mainline it would get very time consuming (and costly) for the railroad…
I know of interlockings where the high-mast signals are constant lit, and others are approach lit, yet always the dwarfs are lit…never approach-lit. My point is if an interlocking can have approach-lit high-mast signals then shouldn’t the dwarfs be so too? It just seems hypocrite. All the talk about saving power, extending lamp life, and reducing the attractiveness of a signal or ‘target practice’ by vandals…all these darks signals and one or two dwarfs lit right up…seems to defeat the whole point.
Calling them Dwarf Signals is not political correct it’s little signals or height disadvantage signals.[:-^]
hmm… dunno then, perhaps the always lit ones are protecting the switches, and the approach-on are simple block detection…?
Gentlemen,
Thank you for your help. I wasn’t sure of the use and position for these signals.
I machined 22 of them yesterday and today I’ll install the LEDs.
Jerry