Well, I am week 2 into my training and am still foundering on my definitions for the Seaboard Signals. We are using a program called Signal Shootout. Does anyone have an idea where I can purchase this program?
Yes, I guess you could say that I am part of the Nintendo Generation and like to use my computer as a flash card holder.
Thanks[bow]
Without knowing anything about this program (or where to find it), I’d say that it sounds like a potentially dangerous invitation to commit vandalism!
There’s a logic to block and interlocking signals that will transcend any session with flashcards. The late John M. Armstrong had an amazingly helpful diagram in his book The Railroad–What it Is, What It Does, which should still be available from Simmons-Boardman (the folks who publish Railway Age). He also wrote a pair of articles for Trains decades ago, which were reprinted into a booklet called All About Signals; it had a similar diagram.
All About Signals, if available, is a great reference to have. It was written years ago, I purchased it in the 70’s and actually re-read it a couple of months ago. No doubt the technology has advanced, but the basics are covered.
ed
Don’t worry–you’re as smart as they are, and what you’re learning is more of a kind of language than a set of operating instructions or strategies.
By all means buy the software if you like, but IMHO I think that kind of thing works best to test a person, not to teach him. Motivated people learn what they need to learn. Don’t sweat it; you’ll catch on quickly enough and then start having “aha” moments. - a.s.
PS: Have you tried eBay?
You should have went to National Academy of Railroad Sciences aka NARS.
As usual you all have provided me some great info and support. Thank you.
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I remember struggling with signals at first, names i had never seen before terms i had never seen. What finally got me over the edge was figuring out that the signals grant authority and that authority is dimishing as u get through the signals. OJT (on the job training)is a great place to learn signals as you begin to realize what information each conveys. Stick with it and you will learn.
I know some places you get strange signals, like in Topeka KS, UP has a signal that has 5 aspects, but if you know the fundemantals of signals its much easier to understand what each light is telling you. Learn the basics and the harder aspects will become second nature. Remember that unlike traffic signals your signals are telling you what is ahead. What situation might be ahead, yellow or approach means your probably gonna stop, clear or green keep trucking, diverging signals your gonna take another route, or restricting signals that a condition exists where your route may be blocked.
The basics are important and the rest will come with knowing those basics.
As far as I know the Signal Shootout software is not available to the general public. Like all of the other training software, it’s secure property of the railroad. Read the 6600 rules in the HAZMAT book regarding rail security.
The best way to learn the signals, is to learn the patterns. In my opinion the Seaboard signals stink. Why on earth do you need a Medium Approach Slow. [%-)]
The NORAC signals are far easier to learn.
Learn the basics and you should pick up the more exotic ones during OJT. If the school test requires you do know all of the aspects and indications, well, the only thing to do is memorize them. And remember Medium Approach, and Approach Medium are not the same thing.
Nick
Red = Stop
Green = Go
Yellow = Slow down.
Everything else is just a variation on the theme…
A truly challenging aspect of the whole signal thing has to be learning what a given aspect means at a given location (ie, in an interlocker).
Wouldnt have done a thing. Just study,study,study.