I found this cool accessory advertised in the latest OGR.
I am curious how it is/was used. Were the "stop car men" referenced in the ad the brakemen that rode in the caboose? Would they set the blue fag up in the yard when they were building trains? Maybe it would be set out at the entry to a spur that was occupied. I just think it be a fun item to play with and it would be cool to know how it was used.
thanks for any feedback
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A blue flag/lantern indicates men are on, about or under an engine(s) or car(s) and they must not be moved or operated in any manner until the person(s) placing the flag/lantern has removed same. When placed on track, it indicates that no engine or train may enter or pass on this track for whatever reason. No ifs or buts about this rule. Blue flags can be placed on a track or piece of equipment which places marked item off limits except to those working on equipment/track.
Basically, the blue flag indicates a man is working on, under or around the car. It may not be coupled to or moved in any way. Only the man who places the blue flag may remove it.
Rusty
thank you both for the education!
Did all railroads use the same flag/lantern configuration or did each railroad have its own style? I have a work area on my layout that's just begging for this application; so I would like to properly represent it.
That's interesting about the Blue Flag rule! Also the first I ever heard of it.
Used to use track torpedoes to warn an oncoming train if a track was occupied. The device was a small powder charge that made a very loud & noticeable noise when run over and the engineer knew to stop his train, that was back when cabooses were still in use.
Lee F.
That's interesting about the Blue Flag rule! Also the first I ever heard of it.
Used to use track torpedoes to warn an oncoming train if a track was occupied. The device was a small powder charge that made a very loud & noticeable noise when run over and the engineer knew to stop his train, that was back when cabooses were still in use.
Lee F.
Lee,
The use of torpedoes was for main line, or siding, usage and was to warn that a train ahead had stopped, and MAY still be there. When running over two torpedoes, the Engineer quickly reduced speed to restricting (or below 20MPH), for two miles, being prepared to stop short of an obstruction or flagman. After two miles, and nothing encountered, you may resume authorized track speed.
The "Blue Flag" rule applies to yard or locomotive shop tracks, where personnel are working on, around, or under equipment. No torpedoes involved at all.
I've never heard of it either. 
There is no "operating" to it.
How does the accessory work? By the description it can go horizontal but is there enough room with the 3rd rail for it to stay on the track or would you remove it?
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