The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1908-03-26
Standard Rules for Use of Engi.
neers To Be Changed at Rec
ommendation Of Men
CHANGE IN CAUTION SIGNAL

The signaling and interloclzing com
mittee of the American Railway Engi-
neering Maintenance of Way associa-
tion has recommended six important
changes III the standard code which
governs signaling on all railroads Of
the United States.
The standard code, was originated
by the American Railway association,
which organization is now engaged in
the effort Of trying to better it. 1t
was announced, however, recently that
the signaling committee of that asso-
zeal changes in the code, which is re
garled by the association members as
being as nearly perfect as present con-
ditions will allow
The surprise occasioned was, there
fore, all the greater when it became
known that the committee Of the engi-
neering association had decided upon
important changes. The summary of
the report declares that "the requisites
of installatio recommended depart
from the standard code of the Ameri-
car Railway association in six import
ant features. "
These recommendations came at this
time with all the more force on ac-
count of the fact that committee Of
experts appointed by action of con
gress is investigating signaling on
American railroads with a view Of
making comprehensive report. The
American Railway association is en-
deavoring to assist in this work.
Probably the most important change
recommended is distinctive position
for what is known as the caution sig
nal. At present the position Of this
signal is the same as the position Of
the blade or semaphore Another
recommendation is that two lights
ne used on every signal instead
of one, two, three, four or even five
lights. This practice is stated to be
of advantage in distinguishing be-
tween different types Of signals.
Still another recommendation is that
adequate approach indications be pro
7ided for all high-speed signals, indi-
eating the condition in which the en-
gineer may expect to find these sig
mails. The committee also recommends
e clearer differentiation between the
various kind of stop signals and also
a clearer differentiation between per-
missive signals which permit trains
to proceed into occupied blocks with
caution and under control.
Although technical and difficult to
explain to the layman, the changes are
undoubtedly the most radical and i'm
portant recommended since the inaugu-
ration of the standard code. The rec
ommendation of the association is not
binding upon anyone, but great respect
is always shown it's recommendations
by the operating men of the country.
1T is therefore thought that in this
case it will lead to a joint confer
ence between the two committees and
the probable adoption of some if not
all OF the recommendations by most
roads.
The aim Of both associations is to
promote safety in train operation Dur
ing the sessions of the association at
the Auditorium, Chicago, yesterday, an
address of welcome was delivered by
President A. W. Johnson, the reports
Of the secretary and of the treasurer
and Of committees on uniform rules
signaling and interloeking, iron and
steel structures, -ballasting deck struc-
lures, water service, buildings and bal
lasting were received.