North Conway in Carroll County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

Ball Signal

Photographed By Alexander Schwarzmueller, October 14, 2014

1. Ball Signal Marker

Inscription. This BALL SIGNAL was once located at WAUMBEK JUNCTION, a crossing of the Maine Central R.R. and Boston & Maine R.R. in the Town of Jefferson, New Hampshire. The signal was operated by a member of the train crew. One ball raised to the masthead allowed trains of the Boston & Maine to cross the Maine Central tracks, two balls at the masthead gave Maine Central trains the right to cross the B&M. Ball signals were once commonplace at railroad crossings throughout the United States, and were the origin of the term "Highball". The last ball signal in regular service on an American railroad still stands at Whitefield, N.H.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.

Location. 44° 3.105′ N, 71° 7.738′ W. Marker is in North Conway, New Hampshire, in Carroll County. Marker can be reached from Norcross Circle, 0.1 miles west of White Mountain Road (U.S. 302). Marker is on the grounds of Conway Scenic Railroad. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway NH 03860, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Railroad Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Crossing Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); Wig Wag Signal (within shouting distance of this marker);

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Roundhouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Water Standpipe (about 300 feet away); To Those Who Served in the World War (about 400 feet away); Maine Central Instruction Car No. 2001 (about 500 feet away); Schouler Park (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in North Conway.

Regarding Ball Signal. The signal is not used. It was tested in 2013 and it worked.

Also see . . . Conway Scenic Railroad. (Submitted on November 7, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

Photographed By Alexander Schwarzmueller, October 31, 2014

2. Ball Signal

Photographed By Alexander Schwarzmueller, October 31, 2014

3. Ball Signal

A tower of the North Conway station is at right - behind and above the train.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 936 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 7, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.