First off, if there is a "signal" forum subsection, I missed it. One of our members has come up with a windfall in the form of a train order signal from an unspecified depot. We can figure out most of what we need to tell him about it, except, the "doll" arm. We have no idea what that was for. You guys seem to be able to ferret out stuff like this. Anyone's opinion, conjecture, advice or evidence will be more than appreciated. See photograph. Buck Dean ACL & SAL HS
Buck, I'll offer conjecture just to start the process. I wonder if this arm would have attached the order board to a depot or adjacent building to provide added stability? I have no reason or photographic evidence that leads me to believe why it would be this way, but I can not seem to come up with another plausible explanation. Hopefully someone else will have one! Does your member know the origin of the train order board , e.g. railroad and/or station location? Best Regards,
When used in conjunction with a block signal a "Doll Arm" is used to signify that there is a track between the signal mast and the track governed by the signal. I have even seen two Doll Arms on the same mast when two tracks intervened. Is it possible that the same meaning was conveyed here. Was a track between the train order signal and the main track? I confess that I can't recall ever seeing that arrangement. Gordon
Buck, I just came across this old Frisco Museum "All Aboard" magazine cover of the Billings, MO prototype depot and Vince Griesemer model. The train order signal appears to be similar to what you have in your possession, but looks like it would not be an identical twin. http://condrenrails.com/Frisco/Frisco-Museum-All-Aboards/AA1997.v11.2.pdf Best Regards,
Thanks, This is an interesting photo. With a little extra detective work, we've determined that they used a doll arm attachment as a bracket to hold the signal to the eave of the roof. However, I thought this unique that the Frisco opted to mount the signal out right over the tracks. Buck
Is there a good scale drawing, model or prototype, of a "Frisco Style" train order signal available anyplace? Showing the dimensions of the mast, ladder, blade colors, etc.? Maybe in the All Aboard or FMIG literature? And now for something completely different: Anyone have a station track plan at the Frisco depot at Afton, OK? Thanks, Tom
Here's another unique example of Frisco train order hardware from Stroud, OK via the John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library: https://www.flickr.com/photos/barrigerlibrary/12238939515/in/album-72157640360511664/ It doesn't appear to be as close of a match to Buck's example as the Billings, MO, but seems to share some similarities. Best Regards,
