Re: (erielack) Speaking of radios & Speed Signs

[Dlw1el2_@_aol.com]

In a message dated 4/22/2005 7:45:39 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
Charles_Walsh_@_Berlex.com writes:

What  about permanent speed restriction signs for speed restricted curves?
The  DL&W used them throughout their system with a black rectangular  metal
sign market with the speed limit at that point --e.g., 65--cut out of  the
metal, for visibility day or night.  If another speed restriction  occurred
within 2(?) miles, a second diamond-shaped yellow marker (showing  the
second speed restriction) was placed above the black marker.   In
situations, such as on the NJ Cut-Off, where there were long  stretches
without any speed restrictions, a single yellow market was placed  in
advance of the actual speed restriction--it was a fixed distance, but  I'd
have to consult an old employee timetable to confirm the  exact
distance--and then a single black marker was placed at the actual  start of
the permanent speed restriction.  This was a simple and  elegant way to post
the speed limits and I wonder why these signs weren't  maintained or
replaced over time post-EL. 


 
 
To All
 
Just some thoughts!
 
I don't think distance came into play here.  If the next change of  speed was 
a 1/4 mile away or 5 miles away, the yellow diamond was informing (  
reminding ) you of it. If there is a posting of a set distance for a single  yellow 
diamond, please advise..
 
Some of the reasons for not keeping this system up to snuff, was that  the RR 
was constantly changing.  A forty mile an hour curve one year might  be a 35 
MPH curve the next. Then you get into who was speeding and who  wasn't  via 
what authority and why wasn't the speed sign corrected, etc  etc.  I believe 
these signs were not meant to convey authority, just act as  reminders.    Time 
Tables and Bulletin Orders conveyed  authority.   Just not having additional ( 
surplus ) signs   probable also added to territory's not being kept  up snuff. 
  Also track gang foremen probable had many other  pressing needs, than to 
worry about reminder speed sign correctness.   Probable ripping the sign out was 
more convenient than trying to keep it correct  for the track dept.
 
What's interesting, is these old Lackawanna signs are not mentioned in any  
old Lackawanna Rule books, but are very clearly described on page 59  of the 
Black 1964 Erie Lackawanna book of Rules. Maybe it was a given  on the 
Lackawanna, but something the EL officials figured they better get in  writhing for ex 
Erie people to understand since there were  hundreds of  them out there? If 
someone finds a reference to them in an old Lackawanna book  please advise. 
Maybe I missed it?
 
Did any of these get placed in former Erie Territory after the  merger?
 
Bob Bahrs


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