Old signal lantern information please.

[Ktgit]

Hi
Just bought an old gwr signal lantern, dated 1920.
This one has no handle with a large bulbous glass light on the front and a smaller one at the back. Can anyone tell me what it was used for and where the lantern might of been placed, on the platform or maybe on a train??
Any information would be much appreciated
Cheers Kevin.

 

[John Webb]

It is designed to be fixed on a bracket on a signal post so that the light through the large lens from the flame on the burner inside the lamp casing shines through the 'Spectacle' at the end of the arm to show the required colour to approaching trains.

Seen here at the preserved St Albans South Box are two of our demonstration signals - a relatively modern distant signal and an old-style Midland Railway stop signal. These two signals are actually lit with LED bulbs for convenience!

The small light (the 'back light') can be seen by the signaller when the main light is facing away from them to help show the light is lit at night. A 'blinder' moving with the signal arm covers the back light when the signal is operated to show correct operation.

Lights for placing on trains will have a large socket on the back or side (depending on their function) to go on the lamp 'iron' on a locomotive, tender, brake van or carriage.