Old Time Trains

Crossing protection signals

All photographs: 11/07/1983 Clayton Langstaff

For many years wig wag signals were used to protect level crossings over busy roads. Very few remain in the 21st century. Their use was grandfathered in like so many other things on the railways. Getting parts had long been a problem. Some of the last ones were on the CPR Windsor Subdivision in Chatham, Ontario where there are many level crossings.

The above photograph shows the signal at rest hidden behind shields. In the event of a failure the stop signal will drop down into view. When operating the red light is lit and the banjo will swing back and forth in a wig wag motion and a bell rings.

Yard engine 6705 crosses over street in Chatham activating the wig wag signals.

Eastbound freight train passes over crossing with the wig wag signal swinging.

Another view of a working wig wag signal in Chatham, Ontario.

Queen Street level crossing in Chatham with both signals warning of the approach of a train.

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Old Time Trains © 2011

Crossing protection signals

All photographs: 11/07/1983 Clayton Langstaff

For many years wig wag signals were used to protect level crossings over busy roads. Very few remain in the 21st century. Their use was grandfathered in like so many other things on the railways. Getting parts had long been a problem. Some of the last ones were on the CPR Windsor Subdivision in Chatham, Ontario where there are many level crossings.

The above photograph shows the signal at rest hidden behind shields. In the event of a failure the stop signal will drop down into view. When operating the red light is lit and the banjo will swing back and forth in a wig wag motion and a bell rings.

Yard engine 6705 crosses over street in Chatham activating the wig wag signals.

Eastbound freight train passes over crossing with the wig wag signal swinging.

Another view of a working wig wag signal in Chatham, Ontario.

Queen Street level crossing in Chatham with both signals warning of the approach of a train.