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ANOTHER GREAT FRISCO RAFFLE!

Trackside Details - Elevated Signal Instrument Shed - Telegraph Pole - Tell Tales

Discussion in 'Right of Way' started by mike, Oct 12, 2001.

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  1. murphy millican

    murphy millican Member

    I have a dumb question.

    I've always wondered this, but what exactly are tell tales and how do they function?

    I know what they look like, but what is the purpose for these?

    Ship it on the Frisco!

    Murphy Jenkins
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 17, 2024
    murphy millican, Jan 18, 2012
    #21
  2. pbender

    pbender Member Frisco.org Supporter

    As I understand it, they are a warning for a man walking/riding the roofwalk on a car that a low clearance area is approaching.

    It is better to get hit in the head with a chain or rope hanging below the bar than a bridge beam, tunnel portal or other low clearance structure.

    Paul
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 17, 2024
    pbender, Jan 18, 2012
    #22
  3. klrwhizkid

    klrwhizkid Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Paul is describing the use of telltales exactly.

    Take a look at these two pictures from Cape Girardeau.

    The telltales were not on the Frisco, but the MoPac spur, formerly the Cape Girardeau Northern - one of Louis Houck's railroads.

    They guarded the viaducts under Morgan Oak and Good Hope Streets.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 17, 2024
    klrwhizkid, Jan 19, 2012
    #23
  4. tmfrisco

    tmfrisco Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Telltales were installed in Tulsa east of the overpasses at the Tulsa Union Depot.

    The ones on the east end were still in place when I hired out in 1971.

    Those bridges were low with 1930ish clearances, and the telltales served their purpose well.

    I don't remember any on the west end, but they were probably there also.

    Terry
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 17, 2024
    tmfrisco, Jan 19, 2012
    #24
  5. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Keith, those are neat photos.

    I can remember when they filled in the old Houck line "cut."

    While not serving quite the same purpose, a modern-day version of tell-tales are being installed in Indonesia in order to deter "train surfing."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16596181

    Best Regards,
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 17, 2024
    yardmaster, Jan 19, 2012
    #25
  6. murphy millican

    murphy millican Member

    Ok, thanks for the answers.

    I might add a couple to my layout when it gets underway.

    Ship it on the Frisco!

    Murphy Millican
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 17, 2024
    murphy millican, Jan 19, 2012
    #26
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