Train Order Signals

 I adopted TTTO just a few days BEFORE mailing a $2500 deposit check to the guy that was going to build and install a CTC system on AIR1. Whew!

The seven train order signal installations were themselves about $100 EACH. The Tomar train order semaphores were $52 each and then there was the TWO tortoise switch machines for each signal: the signals had two blades, one for eastward traffic and one for westward traffic. Additionally I began to use the Circuitron remote actuator (Or whatever it’s called), because this GREATLY reduced the need to squeeze two tortoise switch machines directly under the train order signal.

I was pretty well worn out by the train order signal installation, the remote actuator really helped here, and thought I’d scrap the semaphores and go with lights.

After reflection, and the passing years fogging the memory of lying under the benchwork, on my back, struggling to install these damn things, I’m going with the semaphores once again.

At this moment I have no idea how many signals I’ll need. I currently own seven. It’s not the cost of additional signals. I just want to get an idea of the panel I’ll need to build.

Each signal will be at a TO office. On AIR 1 there were 7 intermediate Train Order Offices which had signals. Additionally there were additional offices at East Littlerock/Littlerock, East Webster Springs, and Moss with no signals. The reason for this was that these three stations were the originating or terminating point of their respective lines, so trains either got orders in their packet to depart from these stations or they got orders of a schedule that authorized them into three stations, so there was never a need for a train order signal at these points.

The train order signals can be used as a way to control traffic, but they are not block signals, they are only an indication that the dispatcher has orders for a train at one of these stations. By leaving the TO signal set to “stop”, trains must then stop and check for orders. If there are no orders they must receive a clearance with “No orders” in order to proceed. Now once stopped, the dispatcher can ask the train order operator to “Hold” the train in question.

We played fairly fast and loose with our ability to issue an order at a particular station.  I had several stations where there were no TO signals, but I stated, and noted in the time table, that there was a company phone at each station. So a train could call from any siding and request an order.

Some prototype train order signals could give three different indications;  proceed, no orders; pick up orders on the fly, form 19’s; and stop and sign for firm 31’s.

I did not configure my signals to do this, the work to accomplish this was nightmarish. 

Prototype train order signals, again with the prototype (!), are usually under the control of the operator. The dispatcher would telegraph or call the operator to set the signal to stop for “an eastward train”, or what ever he needed; “Copy two west”.

And again I chose NOT to configure my signals in this manner. I built a panel to control all my signals and placed it on the dispatchers desk. When the dispatcher was ready HE set the train order signals. On AIR2 I plan to do this again, and hopefully this time I’ll get rid of that operator too! (In case you haven’t guessed by now, I hate the operator position).

What I have settled on is to go back to the train order semaphore, not lights. I am thinking of some sort of repeater on the fascia, probably LED’s. This remains to be seen.