Spencer in Rowan County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Magnetic Signal Company
Wig Wag Grade Crossing Signal, Model 11
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, December 29, 2016
1. Magnetic Signal Company Marker
Inscription.
Magnetic Signal Company. Wig Wag Grade Crossing Signal, Model 11. The Magnetic Signal Company, formed sometime after 1910, received its first patent, on May 19, 1914. The Los Angeles-based company mainly sold its crossing signals to western railroads, such as the Santa Fe and Union Pacific. Pacific Electric Railroad was the first railroad to use the wig wag signal. Griswold Signal Company purchased Magnetic Signal Company and moved the headquarters to Minneapolis and continued produce these signals and replacement parts into the 1960s. Very few original wig wag signals still operate in the United States. , Displayed here is a Model 11, type KCR. This model had a special cage to protect, the swinging arm from damage at a grade crossing. A train approaching the crossing would activate this signal and continue to operate it until the train had cleared. At the same time, a warning bell would warn motorists of the impending tram. This signal could be activated by any of the three tracks it guarded at the crossing., This exhibit was made through the generous support of the North American Railway Foundation (NARF)
The Magnetic Signal Company, formed sometime after 1910, received its first patent, on May 19, 1914. The Los Angeles-based company mainly sold its crossing signals to western railroads, such as the Santa Fe and Union Pacific. Pacific Electric Railroad was the first railroad to use the wig wag signal. Griswold Signal Company purchased Magnetic Signal Company and moved the headquarters to Minneapolis and continued produce these signals and replacement parts into the 1960s. Very few original wig wag signals still operate in the United States.
Displayed here is a Model 11, type KCR. This model had a special cage to protect, the swinging arm from damage at a grade crossing. A train approaching the crossing would activate this signal and continue to operate it until the train had cleared. At the same time, a warning bell would warn motorists of the impending tram. This signal could be activated by any of the three tracks it guarded at the crossing.
This exhibit was made through the generous support of the North American Railway Foundation (NARF)
Erected by North American Railway Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location. 35°
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41.277′ N, 80° 25.945′ W. Marker is in Spencer, North Carolina, in Rowan County. Marker can be reached from South Salisbury Avenue. Marker is located on the grounds of the NC Transportation Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 411 S Salisbury Ave, Spencer, NC 28159, Spencer NC 28159, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, December 29, 2016
2. Magnetic Signal Company Marker
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, December 29, 2016
3. Magnetic Signal Company Marker
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, December 29, 2016
4. Magnetic Signal Company Marker
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, December 29, 2016
5. Magnetic Signal Company Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2017, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 518 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 1, 2017, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.