RAILROAD SIGNALS of the U.S.

SEARCHLIGHT SIGNALS

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► Searchlight Basics
► US&S Searchlights
► GRS Searchlights
► Pictures

Searchlight signals are actually pretty neat.  They have only one set of optics (lenses) and a single light source, but in between them, there is a relay mechanism that pulls one of three small (approx 1" diameter) roundels to a point that is in between the light source and lenses.  They are inherently fail-safe, for if actuating power is lost, the red filter is returned to position by a set of springs - power is required to keep the signal at either green or yellow (or whatever color(s) they have put in the spectacle.... lunar.... purple).

PICTURES

Corfu NY - Ex NYC Mainline Buffalo to NYC (it's now CSX)
This easy to access signal bridge is located about halfway between Buffalo and Batavia NY, about a 100 yards south of Hwy 33.  When I lived in Batavia back in 64-65, this was a nice 4 track mainline!

Buffalo NY - Ex NYC Mainline to NYC
Signal bridge adjacent to Niagara Frontier Hobby Shop in Buffalo

   (08/18/06)

Buffalo NY - Ex NYC Mainline to NYC
A couple of GRS dwarf Searchlights a few hundred feet from the above signal bridge

         (08/19/06)

Buffalo NY - Ex NYC Mainline to NYC
Cantilever signal bridge near the two above sets (yea, I know, crappy day for pictures!)

         (08/19/06)

Atlanta GA - Ex Georgia RR Line to Augusta GA (now CSX)
   A Pair of H-2's in the Atlanta area

Houston TX - Pierce Junction - ex SP now UP
A pair of H-2 searchlight signals on the eastbound approach side of the diamond at Pierce Junction in southwest Houston.  Note that the the high signal has a sight bracket and background, where the low signal does not - the low signal controls the siding.  Note both signals are mounted on the top of the mast.

For a complete review of the diamond, click here.

Mason City IA - UP
This US&S H-2 Searchlight controls northbound NB UP traffic at a crossing with with the Iowa Traction.  The the signal is mounted to the side of the pole, and sits atop the relay cabinet.  More pictures of this diamond can be found here.
              

Houston TX - Settegast Yard/Kirkpatrick Junction - ex SP, now UP
A lone SA-2 searchlight amidst all of the color signals in the area.  Note the different hood compared to the US&S style.
For more pix of the signals around Tower 87, click here.

St Paul MN - Pigs Eye yard - BNSF and CP
Two sets of GRS SA-2 searchlight signals in the St Paul MN area.
The top set is south of the yard,
The bottom set is about a mile north, adjacent to the holding tracks for the hump yard.

Toronto Ont - West side of Union Station - CN and GO
This first set of pictures are of signals mounted to a pedestrian overpass connected to one of the premier hotels in Toronto, and offers the signalfan a close-up view of the signals.

These dwarf signals are located trackside below the above set of pictures.  Note the unique triple signal searchlight dwarf housing!
              

These pictures were taken on the west side approach to Union Station.  TUS is the busiest railroad station in Canada, and services GO, VIA, Amtrak, and Ontario Northland.  For more info, click here.
         

New: 10-6-2006
Last Mod: 27-Jan-2010