Signals at Stony Brook

Passed by Stony Brook LIRR station last night on -25A. Hadn't been out that way in a very long time. Anyway, very elaborate array of PRR-style position light signals controlling the vicinity. Nice to see there are still that type of signal in use.

Enjoy them while you can. I won't mind if they're eventually replaced with full-size color-light signals, but I hope those dopey looking "Reduced Aspect Signals" used on the Main-Line from Farmingdale to Ronkonkoma aren't extended to the rest of the system.

These?: http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/stonyb ... eller).jpg

Yes, and at the west end of the station controlling W/B movements. At the east end of the station, at the switch for the siding, there is also a stand-alone position-light signal. A lot of signals in a small area of railroad.

The Agency plans to use only Reduced Aspect Signals going forward. Sad.

Yeah, that would be sad. Imagine the Hicksville Station complex with all RAS signals.......... But plans sometimes change. Maybe this one will too.

Who else remembers the semaphore signal at Stony Brook station? It was like a cool drink of water in a vast desert for us old guys.

So, why does Stony Brook have so much signaling at the location????? Thanks.

Emery 1957 map: http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/portje ... 9-1957.jpg

I'll defer to any signalling folks to explain/answer.

I'm sure they had a reason when they did it, I'm guessing probably sight-lines approaching the siding from varying elevations. Even Post (Smithtown) has PL's except for the east end pedestals. Enjoy it while it lasts...

The 1957 map shows that Manual Block rules were in effect and the siding switches were hand-thrown; the signals in nyandw's link of Sept. 9 indicate that the siding (now designated a 2nd main track?) has an interlocked switch at each end and all movements are made on signal indication--no train orders necessary, and nobody has to get down on the ground to throw a switch and restore it afterwards. A quantum leap--19th to 20th century--in operating technology.

I want to say that when I worked there, the signals with the order board were at the west end of the station right after the switch for the southside passing siding. That was back in the middle 70's and mind is probably going.

It is sad to see the new RAS signals being installed all over.

This is a picture I have from Bob Sturm showing the machines for BK and Frank LoBianco (Agent)

The 1957 map shows two back-to-back position-light Manual Block signals "after 10-59" west of the station, so since you worked there after that your memory is fine.

BK was a part time block station.on the same mast was BK block limit station the P/L signal was turned off,and the BLS "Lanterns" were lit up
when the office was closed.
When the CTC went east to Port Jefferson,the passing siding switches went to power and the P/L signals showed up.