T

HOUGH the block system with visual semaphore signalling appears to assure complete safety to the railroad passengers, and although the system has been brought to a high standard of efficiency yet it possesses certain drawbacks. These deficiencies, however, are not of an inherent mechanical character, but are peculiar to the engineer engineer of the railroad locomotive concerned, for should he either inadvertently or consciously ignore a danger signal then disaster swift and certain ensues. In fact in Great Britain, which country possibly possesses the finest railroad signalling organization in the world, several accidents have arisen from failure to observe or from confusing the visual warning extended, and the Board of Trade engineers, who investigate the cause of every railroad accident, have time after time urged the necessity of providing some reliable mechanical contrivance for the purpose of audibly warning the engineer that he is rushing past a danger signal.

At first sight the fulfillment of such a requisition appears a simple matter, but only those versed in railroad operation are aware of the intricate and difficult complexities involved in the problem, and every railroad has attempted some means or other of achieving the desired end. The great thing is to secure simplicity both in construction and

operation so that the possibility of failure at a critical moment is reduced to the minimum.

Some years ago the Great Western Railroad resolved to endeavor to meet the requirements of the problem, since such would conduce towards the maintenance of the high speed long-distance expresses for which this railroad is so famous. The signalling and traffic departments accordingly set to work toward the evolution of an apparatus which could be carried in the cab of the

locomotive, right in front of the engineer's eye, and which he could neither confuse nor overlook. The object of their quest was a means of providing positive indication in the cab of all the customary signals given beside the track. At first owing to the far-reaching character of their endeavors they decided to render the system only applicable to the distant signal, since success in this direction would be a decisive step towards the total abolition of the ordinary semaphore beside the track.

As a result of their elaborate experiments complete success has been achieved and both audible and visual signals are extended to the engineer within his cab so that he has the strain upon his nervous system considerably relieved as he has not to keep his eye on the look out for the track signals. "Danger" is denoted by a specially constructed steam siren, with the word "Danger" simultaneously thrown on the red ground of the visual indicator; "Line clear" is indicated by the loud ringing of a bell and the appearance of a white disk on the indicator. If either the bell or siren is

sounded it continues to give its warning until actually stopped by the engineer, who thus performs a definite action and acknowledges the receipt of the signal. And lastly, the most vital point is, that in the event of any part of the apparatus failing in its action, the "Danger" warning is extended whether the line is clear or otherwise. Accident is thus absolutely protected against.

The ordinary semaphore signal beside the track is dispensed with. Instead, there is a short length of iron of T-shaped section mounted on a wooden base centrally placed between the two rails. The iron constitutes an electrical conductor amply insulated. It is so disposed that its level is four inches above the track rail on either side. This ramp, as it is called, is connected to a switch which is operated from the signal cabin by the usual lever. That is to say, instead of manipulating the latter to move the semaphore arm, it operates the switch. On the locomotive is mounted a shoe which normally projects 11⁄2 inches below the level of the ramp. The ramp itself has a gradual curve at either

end; consequently when the engine passes over the ramp the shoe is raised by the contact and in so doing operates the visual indicator, bell or steam siren as desired.

Suppose for instance the line is obstructed and the "Danger" warning is given. The audible whistle which notifies the engineer of this fact is built on the same lines as the ordinary safety valve to the boiler. In passing over the ramp, an electric circuit is broken, the electro magnet de-energized, and the armature holding the whistle valve working in conjunction with this electro-magnet drops. The whistle is blown at the same time as the word "Danger" appears on the indicator. To stop the siren the engineer moves a lever which resets the apparatus. In order to insure a sufficient steam pressure for the siren being maintained, as well as to save current, there is another special switch provided which keeps the electrical circuit closed until the pressure within the boiler falls below 20 pounds per square inch.

When the line is clear, in moving the

lever in his signal-cabin, which would correspond to the lowering of the semaphore arm, a switch is closed, and the ramp connected to an electric battery. The locomotive in passing over the ramp has another electro-magnet brought into operation, which is electrically connected on one side to the contact shoe, and the other to earth, through the engine and track. As it passes over the ramp an electric magnet is energized which keeps the valve of the steam siren closed, but rings the bell and operates the indicator board, showing the "Line clear" intimation. To stop the bell's ringing, the engineer simply has to press a button and the whole electrical apparatus is restored to its normal position.

The system is applicable to either single or double track. In the latter case two ramps are laid down, one intended for locomotives going in one direction, and the second for those traveling in the other. In this case the levers in the signal cabin are so disposed as to prevent the operator inadvertently setting the wrong ramp for a certain train.

BOOTH TARKINGTON was talking in Indianapolis about the stage. "There were two actresses in an early play of mine," he said, "both very beautiful; but the leading actress was thin. She quarreled one day at rehearsal with the other lady, and she ended the quarrel by saying haughtily: 'Remember, please, that I am the star.' 'Yes, I know you're the star,' the other retorted, eyeing with an amused smile the leading actress's long, slim figure, 'but you'd look better, my dear, if you were a little meteor.'"

A Young Philosopher

TIME is a relative quantity. Some minutes seem like hours, and some hours seem like minutes. How to control this flight is beyond most persons, but the little boy mentioned below seems to have progressed pretty well for a youngster.

The teacher was surprised to see that he remained perfectly idle all through recess, and accordingly asked him why he did not play.

"'Cause," he said, slowly, "it makes recess too quick if I play, and I want it to la-a-ast!"

Cured

THE SMITTEN MAN (fervently)—“Love you, darling? Why, before I met you, I thought only of having a good time in life."-Puck.

These Corporations

BRIGGS "Is it true that you have broken off your engagement to that girl who lives in the suburbs?"

GRIGGS "Yes; they raised the commutation rates on me and I have transferred to a town girl."-Life.

No Pull at All

MRS. MUMPS-"Your husband wears 'is 'air terrible short, Mrs. Gubbins." MRS. GUBBINS-"Yes, the coward!"-M.A.P.