Near Floral City in Citrus County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Whistle Markers
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, April 13, 2011
1. Whistle Markers Marker
Whistle markers were placed along the track ¼ mile before every road crossing, in both directions. They alerted the engineer to blow his train whistle. The horizontal bars on this concrete whistle marker — two wide, one narrow, one wide — tell the engineer to sound the railroad’s standard crossing alert… two long, one short, one long!
the Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee
Erected by Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 28° 41.796′ N, 82° 16.479′ W. Marker is near Floral City, Florida, in Citrus County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South Istachatta Road (County Road 39) and East Thomas Road. Marker is located along the Withlacoochee State Trail (rail trail), north of East Thomas Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Floral City FL 34436, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Great Train Wreck of 1956 (approx. 0.9 miles away); Pressing Onward (approx. 3.2 miles away); The Battle of Wahoo Swamp (approx.
this page online
Also see . . . Whistle Signals: Deciphering the Code. Trains website entry:
Before radio communication came into wide use in the 1960s, a locomotive's whistle was an important tool in conveying information to other employees, both on and off the train, and many signals were on the books. The General Code Of Operating Rules, used by many railroads, contains the following list of whistle signals and their meanings:
Note: "•" denotes a short sound; while a "-" is for a longer sound.
- When stopped, air brakes applied, pressure equalized.
- - Release brakes, proceed.
• • Acknowledgement of any signal not otherwise provided for.
• • • When stopped, back up; acknowledgement of hand signal to back up.
• • • • Request for signal to be given or repeated if not understood.
- • • • Flagman protect rear of train.
• • • -
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, April 13, 2011
2. Whistle Marker and Marker
- - - - Flagman may return from west or south.
- - - - - Flagman may return from east or north.
- - • - Approaching public grade crossing.
• - Inspect brake system for leaks or sticking brakes.
A series of short blasts is sounded in an emergency. (Submitted on September 13, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, January 16, 2013
3. Whistle Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 403 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 13, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
