Yard Track Signals

[boisecity]

Hi

I was watching a "Cops" show on TV recently and they showed this night time view of Colton Yard, CA. As I am currently signalling my layout I took note of the track signals which I have not seen previously.  I took a photo of [ Guests cannot view attachments ] the scene, the signal appear to be red or blue but the blue could be a green.

Some of the signals are placed at the turnouts and some between the rails. There is also one in the foreground mounted on a short mast/pole.

I'm assuming that the signals are to indicate turnout position or occupancy, but I would appreciate if anyone give me any more details about these signals or where to look.

Thanks
JohnF

[nickelplate759]

I'm not a pro, but every time I've seen a signal on a stick obstructing  the tracks it's been a "blue flag".  Either a metal flag painted blue, or a blue light, or both.  I know a blue flag is a safety indicator; I believe it tells employees not to touch equipment that is protected with the flag, and I think that there are strict rules about who can remove the blue flag.

That said, it doesn't look to be a different color from what I think are green dwarf signals alongside turnouts, but the color rendering in the picture is a little iffy.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I think the blue ones are indeed blue flags.

The red ones might be indicators to indicate that the track is actively being humped into. I think I remember hearing something about that being a thing. But I am not familiar with Colton and it might be my mind playing tricks on me.

[C855B]

Been 40 years since I hung around West Colton; the signal system is news to me. Would make perfect sense, however. Back then they had three trim jobs working that end, and the radio was pretty active on the trim freq coordinating movements. Signal system like that would've probably cut 90% of the chatter and resulting opportunities for miscommunication.

[cv_acr]

but the color rendering in the picture is a little iffy.

Definitely iffy - the large streetlights in the background also have a distinct green tint around their light.

[sd45elect2000]

Hi

I was watching a "Cops" show on TV recently and they showed this night time view of Colton Yard, CA. As I am currently signalling my layout I took note of the track signals which I have not seen previously.  I took a photo of (Attachment Link) the scene, the signal appear to be red or blue but the blue could be a green.

Some of the signals are placed at the turnouts and some between the rails. There is also one in the foreground mounted on a short mast/pole.

I'm assuming that the signals are to indicate turnout position or occupancy, but I would appreciate if anyone give me any more details about these signals or where to look.

Thanks
JohnF

The signal between the rails are blue signals. Anything else is not a blue signal or an incorrectly applied and non compliant blue signal, I doubt that.
My guess is switch position indicators.
Randy

[Hawghead]

The "signals" next to the switches are switch point indicators (indicate which way the switch is lined).  The ones between the rail on the pole are "blue flags" indicating the mechanical dept. is working in that rail.  The low ones between the rail are part of the "shove light" system.  This allows a crew to shove cars into a rail without someone on the point.  When the cars get within a certain distance of the end of the rail, a light comes on and a siren sounds.

Scott

[boisecity]

Thanks for all your replies
JohnF