The earlier post by Warren about train and engine crews dressing the part brough to mind something that I have thought about from time to time. How many trouist railroads out there are still using signal lines? I think many places have gone to radio and are missing the boat in loosing part of the feel of recreating history. I know everyone throws up safety as a reason but I don't buy that as a signal line and dump valve can provide the same level of safety for a train plugging along at 10 miles per hour.

I was a crew member at Strasburg back in the signal line days. I always thought it was an interesting technology and fun. It also was useful, especially as an instant warning of broken couplings, which occassionally happened at the Paradise curve with specific combinations of locomotive and coach. We used both radios and signal line (maybe that was part of a transition period).

On a recent return visit, I asked one of my old bosses why the signal equipment had been removed, and he put it plainly that it was a lot of work to maintain for "a couple of bweep bweeps". Imagine a complete duplicate of the brake system that needs the same inspection and rubber replacement schedule.

I imagine they put all that gear in deep storage, right Kelly? If somebody really cared, somebody could put together a signal equipped train, but it would be really hard to find any visitors who would notice, since the only people who see/hear the signal in action are the engine crew and the conductor on the platform pulling the cord.