Lineside Sign Query

[Mr Fizz]

Hi,

longtime reader, first-time poster!

I have a query regarding some 'signs' at my local station Tame Bridge. I can only describe them as raised whitish discs on metal sign plates and poles. There are three in a row just beyond the Birmingham- bound platform. Anybody know what there purpose is?

If you do a Google image search for 'Tame Bridge Parkway flooding' the first result from a Flickr site shows them nicely, in between the temporary signs.

 

[Tomnick]

I'd say that they're the equivalent of 'off' indicators, indicating to the driver of a freight train that the signal (in rear of the train) is cleared for a propelling movement (into Bescot?)

 

[Freightmaster]

If you do a Google image search for 'Tame Bridge Parkway flooding' the first result from a Flickr site shows them nicely, in between the temporary signs.

Picture here:

 

[najaB]

Are they actually signs? Are they perhaps bells to warn track workers?

 

[edwin_m]

I think Tomnick is right. They look just like (and may actually be) bulkhead light fittings, and are also used on staff crossings at platform ends to indicate when it is safe to cross.

 

[najaB]

I think Tomnick is right. They look just like (and may actually be) bulkhead light fittings, and are also used on staff crossings at platform ends to indicate when it is safe to cross.

I was thinking that they might be, but they aren't normally perpendicular to the track but rather parallel.

 

[Cherry_Picker]

Perhaps they are related to Bescot TMD which is a few hundred yards away?

 

[Mr Fizz]

Thanks people. Some good possibilities there.

 

[The Planner]

Nothing shown on the signalling diagrams, the seem too close to Newton Junction to be of any use as length indicators for propelling back.

 

[D6975]

There used to be a white light on the northbound line just south of Stapleton Road station, facing north (ie visible looking 'backwards'). Its purpose was to inform the driver of the Avon binliner that the points had been set for reversal into the siding at Lawrence Hill. Could this possibly be a similar thing?

 

[najaB]

Could this possibly be a similar thing?

One would expect it to be listed on the signalling diagrams and as ThePlanner points out, they aren't and are also rather close to the junction for that purpose.

 

[Railops]

Are they signs to indicate deep and shallow end.

 

[Harbornite]

Are they signs to indicate deep and shallow end.

No....

 

[Mr Fizz]

Took a closer look this morning (as close as I could get without looking suspicious!) and they look like wall lights mounted on poles but they are in need of a scrub so you can't really tell.

 

[Jamesb1974]

Deleted

 

[Mr Fizz]

Nice one. That solves that one then!