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The Interchange: The Reading Modeler Forum
Modeling the Reading: General Discussion
Modeling banjo signals
This board is the place where questions and information specific to MODELING the Reading Company, its equipment and operations can be shared - questions like "What was the window arrangement of AF Tower in Alburtis?" and "What color paint do YOU use to paint the Reading's cream-and-brown buildings?" We also want to hear about YOUR Reading modeling projects!

TOPIC: Modeling banjo signals

Modeling banjo signals 9 years 7 months ago #3484

  • rdgfan
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I am interested in modeling the banjo signals used on the Reading. The NMRA bulletin years ago had a diagram (from Railroad Magazine) of the signal with all the necessary sizes. Several photos I have show the signal on a mast. From the photos, it appears that the signal had an opening in the back side to allow light to enter and pass through the color discs to show the signal indication from the front. Was this the only light source during the day? Were the colors displayed only red and green, or did some also display yellow? What was used to light the signals for night operation? Also there was a small 5" lens at the top, above the main 18" lens. How was this used and for what indications? Are there any commercial signals available?

Bill (rdgfan)
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Modeling banjo signals 9 years 7 months ago #3485

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If you want to see a real one. Go to the Reading and Northern's offices at Port Clinton and ask at the desk to see it.

The hole in the back of the housing behind the big disk was only to let natural light shine through to illuminate the disc. during daylight hours.

The upper disk had a hole in the back of the housing to mount a lantern for night time operation. This upper disc repeated the same aspect as the lower disc.

The banjo signal only showed 2 aspects. Not 3 as you assume. If a third aspect was needed at that location. Another banjo signal was mounted below the main signal in order to give the 3rd aspect.

see documents here rrsignalpix.com/hall_disc_signals.html

and here rrsignalpix.com/HALLCATALOG_SEC.pdf

John Caples
Last Edit: 7 years 2 months ago by rdg1187prr.
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Modeling banjo signals 9 years 7 months ago #3486

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Some pictures of a banjo.
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Modeling banjo signals 9 years 7 months ago #3487

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More banjo photos
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Modeling banjo signals 9 years 7 months ago #3491

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John,
Thanks for the information. That is interesting that the indications were clear(no disc, light) or not clear (cloth covered disc covering the ambient light or lantern or dark). The NMRA Bulletin article did not show the size of the opening in the rear side of the signal. It looks from the drawings that it is about the same size as the upper indicator - 5 inches.
Again,thanks

Bill Feairheller
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Modeling banjo signals 9 years 7 months ago #3503

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Interestingly enough, at the Modelers Meet this weekend while digging through the parts brought by John Greene of the Bethlehem Car Works he had cast metal banjo signals. Mr. Greene had noted the poor quality of this batch and has another company making them now. They are just the one side presently, and he is working on an idea for a back with LED illumination. I posted a photo of a half dozen showing each side, they are not listed on his site at this time, but clearly in the works. They are in HO scale.
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The Interchange: The Reading Modeler Forum
Modeling the Reading: General Discussion
Modeling banjo signals
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June 20-23, 1972
The Reading is devastated by Hurricane Agnes; washouts and damage across the system require significant effort to repair, and also hasten the abandonment of marginal branches.

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