by Rockingham Racer
The former B&M used to have "holding signals" at some locations. One was on the Andover side of Ballardvale station, and it consisted of two lunar lights vertically placed, and two red lights horizontally placed; a little like the Pennsy position-light signals. When it was red, it required a train of 50 car lengths or more to stop. I guess so as not to block the crossing at Ballardvale, I don't know. The crew was then to call the dispatcher on the phone. [Obviously before radio days!] In any case, there were a few others of these around the system. Are they still there, and functioning?