Hello and a question

[Class 37]

Its my first post so hello.

Got a question. I saw Railtrack staff workin on my local line today. They had the Orange Hi Viz on. One was carrying what looked like a Checkered flag.

What is this for?? Or is it similar to the horn they sound when a loco is approaching??

Sorry my first post is a question.

Thanks.

 

[O L Leigh]

The chap with the flag is the lookout. It's his job to warn the gang of approaching trains by blowing his little horn and waving the flag.

O L Leigh

 

[TheSlash]

Blue and white chequered flag. We normally use them when we have 2 lookouts. One with the work group and one further up the line who can see round a curve.
If you watch long enough, you'll see the two lookouts talking to each other through flag signals

 

[Nym]

What happened to shouting? or modernisation with radios?

 

[Craig]

Not fail safe I guess. Both may not be heard and a radio could potentially not work when you need it. Someone with a flag is easily seen by the second lookout and the other workers.

 

[Nym]

Good point, if it aint broke don't fix it...

 

[will1337]

Saw many out in high vis and one wielding a chequered flag today just past New Cross Gate working on the ELL extension.

 

[TheSlash]

There are more modern systems, but nothing is cheaper and easier than good old fashioned lookouts waving flags