BNSF Railroad Signal

BNSF Railroad Signal. . This signal was retired from service on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Powder River Division, Butte Subdivision, Milepost 400 in Marsland, Nebraska on August 10, 2011. The Butte Subdivision is part of BNSF Railway's coal loop which operates in the states of Wyoming, South Dakota, and Nebraska., Much like a traffic light., Railroad signals control train traffic much like traffic signals control vehicle traffic. There are a few differences. Both signals have green, yellow, and red lights but the order is different. On a traffic signal red is on top and green is on bottom. With railroad signals green is on top, red on bottom. There are some differences in what the colors mean as well. On railroad signals green means proceed, flashing yellow means proceed and pass next signal not exceeding 40 mph, yellow means slow down to 30 mph and prepare to stop at next signal, red means stop., Railroad signals fall mainly into two categories, absolute and intermediate. An absolute signal governs a train's movement across a plant containing switches where a train can change tracks or through an intersection where two trains can meet. These plants are called control points. Absolute signals are remotely controlled by a control operator or train dispatcher. Intermediate signals are located between control points and are used to provide safe separation between trains. Intermediate signals operate automatically as a train moves down the track., So, what kind of signal is this?, This signal is an intermediate. Intermediate signals are identified by the presence of number boards. In this case the numbers 14000 and 14001. Each number has special identifying characteristics. In the number 14000 the first digit, one, identifies this as a main track one signal. If this signal were on single track this number would not apply. The next three digits, four hundred, identify the railroad milepost of the signal. The last digit, zero, has two meanings tenth of mile and direction. If the last digit is even it is an East or Northbound signal, if odd it is a West or Southbound signal. This signal is bi-directional so one side is marked even the other odd.