Train Time
Bathed in light from an approaching train, the old SP searchlight signal at Niles Jct in central Houston beckons a westbound to continue on. However, this signal may not show 'Clear' aspects for much longer as a much newer replacement signal stands by (the new signals would be cut over in June 2025).
Southern Pacific signaling practices dictated that, at a control point with a multi-head signal, only the top-most head would be lit when routes are lined on the normal route through the control point. Despite the SP being gone for nearly 30 years now, this practice can still be found on this former SP searchlight signal in Houston. Since a westbound train is lined straight-through the junction here, only the top signal head is lit green. The lower lamp, which is dark, will light up and show that it is red when the train passes.
Houston, TX
September 2nd, 2024
Train Time
Bathed in light from an approaching train, the old SP searchlight signal at Niles Jct in central Houston beckons a westbound to continue on. However, this signal may not show 'Clear' aspects for much longer as a much newer replacement signal stands by (the new signals would be cut over in June 2025).
Southern Pacific signaling practices dictated that, at a control point with a multi-head signal, only the top-most head would be lit when routes are lined on the normal route through the control point. Despite the SP being gone for nearly 30 years now, this practice can still be found on this former SP searchlight signal in Houston. Since a westbound train is lined straight-through the junction here, only the top signal head is lit green. The lower lamp, which is dark, will light up and show that it is red when the train passes.
Houston, TX
September 2nd, 2024