order board on the former Reading train station
This is a semaphore type signalling device that used to be common to see on the roof of train stations. The lenses were illuminated by an oil lamp, with the blue lens used for a green signal (the yellow light from the lamp made the result green.) I'm not sure why there are 2 different shades of red.
After there was some discussion here about a recent picture I had of the order board at the former station in Andover, I decided to check this one out more closely. Other than the Andover one, this one in Reading is the only other order board I've ever seen. If you view larger you may be able to read the embossed letters on the circular part, "B&M Signal Department."
This one appears to be in even better shape than the Andover one, at least the lenses -- although there is no paint left on the blades. If one of them is a replica it would make more sense to be this one, where the station building at least still has some association with trains (the platform is still used.) In Andover neither the platform nor the building is used by train passengers. However, both buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places which could be a motivator to recreate or carefully maintain the history of the building. Both order boards are mounted on the overhang part of the roof.
order board on the former Reading train station
This is a semaphore type signalling device that used to be common to see on the roof of train stations. The lenses were illuminated by an oil lamp, with the blue lens used for a green signal (the yellow light from the lamp made the result green.) I'm not sure why there are 2 different shades of red.
After there was some discussion here about a recent picture I had of the order board at the former station in Andover, I decided to check this one out more closely. Other than the Andover one, this one in Reading is the only other order board I've ever seen. If you view larger you may be able to read the embossed letters on the circular part, "B&M Signal Department."
This one appears to be in even better shape than the Andover one, at least the lenses -- although there is no paint left on the blades. If one of them is a replica it would make more sense to be this one, where the station building at least still has some association with trains (the platform is still used.) In Andover neither the platform nor the building is used by train passengers. However, both buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places which could be a motivator to recreate or carefully maintain the history of the building. Both order boards are mounted on the overhang part of the roof.