BNSF signal crews replaced the historic semaphores at the following locations:
• WES Watrous at MP 751.1
• EES Watrous at MP 750
• Two intermediate semaphores at MP 748
• Two intermediate semaphores at MP 746.3
• Two intermediate semaphores at 744.3
A total of 12 semaphores were decommissioned in the railroad’s latest signaling project that aims to equip the route with new signaling infrastructure. The route does not operate any freight trains, but serves Amtrak’s daily Southwest Chief Trains Nos. 3 and 4 in both directions.
BNSF spokesperson Joe Sloan tells Trains News Wire that the project is not a positive train control project, but is a replacement and improvement of infrastructure and power to signals. The project is to upgrade signals, which in some cases are 40 to 50 years old.
When asked about will become of these old semaphores and how to acquire used equipment, Sloan says that each inquiry is handled case-by-case with most requests coming from non-profit organizations or local governments. The equipment must be designated as surplus and the use of the donated equipment must meet BNSF requirements.
William P. Diven contributed to this story.
Anyone know if there are any semaphores left in NM?
I worked a track gang in the area in the early 80's and saw some of those semaphores stamped 1918.
The semaphores are Union Switch & Signal type T-2. I believe they were installed during the 1920s.
I have heard rumors that all those semaphores were claimed by BNSF management types. Has anyone heard the same information?
Semaphores will not support PTC, which must be employed on all passenger lines.
Does anyone know who manufactured these signals? US&S? GRS? Other? I'm glad BNSF is considering offers for preservation. These are museum worthy. Regarding why replace them, semaphores (and searchlights), with their moving parts, generally require more maintenance than color-light signals.
40 to 50 years old? I'm 61 and those semaphores are much older than I am.
Given only one (passenger) train per day (and no current freight traffic) is the La Junta (or Trinidad) to Lamy sector of the SW CHIEF route exempt from PTC? East of La Junta freights are common and just west of Lamy the fairly frequent "Rail Runner" commuter trains from Santa Fe join the ex-Santa Fe route. In the Albuquerque region all types of trains still frequent (frequently) the line.
The NECR VERMONTER line north of Brattleboro was exempted due to low traffic volumes.
With so little traffic on this line, why is BNSF taking the trouble and expense to replace the existing signals? Are they not functioning satisfactorily?