l believe according to the rule green flag mean there is another section following. As I recall the final section does not carry flags.
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| Posted by Dana M. on March 11, 2025 | |
Mr. Sid Vaught - You are correct.
Here's a breakdown of how classification signals work in the railroad industry:
Green:
Indicates a second section is following, often used when demand exceeds a single train's capacity.
Red:
Indicates the end of the train and is a marker for the rear.
No Flag or Light:
The last section does not carry a classification flag or light, which signifies the train is complete.
White:
Indicates an "extra" train, not shown on the timetable, and operated as an extra.
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| Posted by Dana M. on March 11, 2025 | |
Interesting set of MofW Bunk and tank cars to the far right on the Wye here at Summit.
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To add one note to the green flag discussion, I believe that when meeting another train, the engineer (of the second section) blows a specific horn sequence to alert the train being met that another section is following him. The train in the siding must respond (with a horn sequence) that they have seen the green flags and know there is at least one more section behind this one.
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Will railroads and government agencies have promulgated sets of standardized operating rules (NORA, SCOR, GCOR etc) individual railroads have been at liberty to customize their rules. I have not heard of whistle signals to acknowledge sections following that is not beyond the realm of possibility, particularly before radio came into use. Several articles on whistle signals are on the web. I find the old “Train Order and Timetable” rules interesting, and frightening, considering that it was not uncommon or some trains to have as many as six sections.
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