by nyandw
http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/patcho ... ignals.htm
For many years prior to flashing color train order signals located on the position light mast, train crews were notified of train orders to be picked up by a system of metal order boards and colored globe lanterns.
Each block station had a bracket lagged into the frame of the tower and/or depot building / block office. Into this bracket would be inserted a yellow train order metal board which was painted yellow on the side facing the train for which orders were to be picked up and black with a white stripe on the other side, signifying for trains approaching in that direction that the order board was not set out for them.
In earlier years (prior to 1927) a red board was used to indicate form 31 orders were to be picked up and, as they needed to be signed for by the conductor and engineer, they had to be distinctly different in aspect. The last year of form 31 orders was 1926. After that, only yellow boards were in use for form 19 orders.
The order flag or order board was used in daylight applications and at night, the board was hung with a lantern with matching globe (yellow for form 19 orders and red for form 31 orders).
This image shows a yellow train order board with lantern hung out at PD tower in 1971. As it was a very gray, dreary, icy, wintry day, the board AND the lantern were hung to further catch the attention of the engineer / conductor of the approaching westbound train and notify them that they had orders to pick up.
The days of kerosene lanterns had long passed, so the train order lanterns were wired for use with a yellow electric light bulb. (Dave Keller photo, archive and data)
For many years prior to flashing color train order signals located on the position light mast, train crews were notified of train orders to be picked up by a system of metal order boards and colored globe lanterns.
Each block station had a bracket lagged into the frame of the tower and/or depot building / block office. Into this bracket would be inserted a yellow train order metal board which was painted yellow on the side facing the train for which orders were to be picked up and black with a white stripe on the other side, signifying for trains approaching in that direction that the order board was not set out for them.
In earlier years (prior to 1927) a red board was used to indicate form 31 orders were to be picked up and, as they needed to be signed for by the conductor and engineer, they had to be distinctly different in aspect. The last year of form 31 orders was 1926. After that, only yellow boards were in use for form 19 orders.
The order flag or order board was used in daylight applications and at night, the board was hung with a lantern with matching globe (yellow for form 19 orders and red for form 31 orders).
This image shows a yellow train order board with lantern hung out at PD tower in 1971. As it was a very gray, dreary, icy, wintry day, the board AND the lantern were hung to further catch the attention of the engineer / conductor of the approaching westbound train and notify them that they had orders to pick up.
The days of kerosene lanterns had long passed, so the train order lanterns were wired for use with a yellow electric light bulb. (Dave Keller photo, archive and data)
