What kind of signal systems did narrow gauge lines use, back in the day?
Mostly a semaphore train order board at an agency or a crew member waving a lantern. I’ve heard of “signaled” narrow gauges, but none in the US.
For the most part - Nothing. Unless they crossed a larger standard gauge railroad or were ‘dual gauged’ there usually no block signals. Most of the line would be ‘dark’ with only train order signals at depots. Remember, even today - many line are not signaled.
Jim
So nothing…boy, narrow gauge is so simple, has it’s perks…Also know that they would use hand signals, and on the portage railway, they waved a flag out the side of the read car, to say, get going.
There is one, and only one, on the island of Hawaii. There were some track plans for it in MRP 2008.
They used timetable and train order operation, which is a study in itsef.
Why would they need signals when there was usually one or 2 trains on the line?
Then thing to remember most narrow gauge railroads was short and operated by time table.
I know of a 21 mile NG Railroad that operated “you go/I go”.Since there was only one passing siding the train that got there first waited on the other.Here’s the kicker…Since both trains only operated once daily in each direction the crew would exchange trains so they could return home.
The train hauled lumber and veneer lumber Westward and empties Eastward.The lumber was transloaded from NG boxcars and flat cars to standard gauge cars.
Yep, the Oahu Railway was a 3 foot gauge railroad which was busy enough during World War II to warrant full signaling.