Going through an old NJI signals web site, I see them selling these low-to-the-ground boxes with 2 lights that they call "switch indicators". Is that a prototype thing? Did real trains use some kind of on-the-ground display near a turnout to indicate the position of the points? If so, was this just in yards or terminals? I just don't recall seeing such things in prototype photos.
Don Merz
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Yes, stations and terminals had such signals, where space was at a premium. Pennsy had such. That was the model Lionel used on their Super O switches.
Thanks. And here I thought Lionel just made up their switch motor light!
Don
I know BN used indicators in Northtown Yard in Minneapolis, I assume they're still there under BNSF. They were two small lights next to each other at rail level as I recall, one red and one green light. Which one lit was determined by the turnout setting. Much smaller than a dwarf signal.
Stix,
I spent a good part of my past life in Northtown yard. Until about 15 years ago, Northtown yard used GRS speedfreighter yard switch machines for many many years in the receiving and departure yards. They had Green and Yellow indicators located side by side which were integrated into the switch machine cover itself, located near the height of the rail. Green indicated straight, yellow indicated diverging. This Green and Yellow position indicators in yards I think is pretty common. I assume now they are using something different, probably a hydra switch with the vertical indicating lights.
Mike
Here on the Pocahontas Division of the NS , there’s switch indicators still in use in Portsmouth , Ohio under yardmaster control for two sets of crossovers in front of East Yard office and on the middle yard lead / the ladder and number one power switch .
There use to be one in Williamson WV at the East End of the North Yard for Martin Crossover controlled by the Pokey Dispatcher , but that’s no longer in service .
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