Lanterns, Hand and Color Signals

Railroads use lights and hand signs so that train men and workers can "talk." The signs were first used over 130 years ago, before people had radios. Railroads needed men to be able to send signals from far or near. Many times, the signal man would be too far away to use a whistle or horn. Colors, lights and hand signals were all used.

Color Signals

On the railroad, different colors have meaning. Flags are colored to send a message. Flag color signals are:

Red - Stop

White - Go

Green - Go slowly - caution!

Blue - blue flags are placed on a car or other object on which men are working.

Lantern and Hand signals

The lantern and hand "talk" allows railroad men to signal each other, even when far away or when noise is too loud for whistles or shouting. Our pictures show a lantern, but men could also use flags or their arms. Lanterns allowed train crews to see signals at night.

Some conductor lanterns can be found in the museum.