WRRS Autoflag, S Main St. Galena, IL

This is one of the last lower quadrant WRRS autoflag signals still in active service. The teardrop bell no longer exists. It has been replaced by an electronic bell.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• wig
• wag
• wigwag
• railroad
• crossing
• WRRS
• autoflag
• teardrop
• bell
• train

[Bellwestern80]

Bad wiring and lack of maintenance may lead to the bells downfall. Such a classic wigwag and a good catch to find one with a teardrop. History in service.

[HighIronofWisconsin]

Nice! Glad somebody got this-it's one of the only WRRS cantilever autoflag wigwags left in active service (outside of museums). The last one in Wisconsin, on a UP ex-CNW branch line in Bloomer, was removed and replaced with standard gated signals within the last 4 years or so. All surviving wigwags are now WRRS Harpes or WRRS peachbasket style.

That bell doesn't sound too healthy, though.

[MrCraig1930]

I remember ATSF removed the last one in Kansas in 1974.

[ChaosDemonwolf]

what happened to the SP railroad? I always see UP loco's heading multi engine trains now, and where i grew up the SP spurs and simi main lines are gone. what happened?

[PereMarquette1223]

An electronic bell on a wig-wag. Go figure.

[TheZeke1974]

Very cool horn on that SD!

[Petemonster62]

The Old Sentry is still at work; doing as the High Iron intended!

[ctw100s]

Did this wigwag retire or not？

[ACAPENETRATOR]

I REMEBER STOPPING BY THIS OLD SIGNAL BACK AROUND 1995-6 ON MY WAY TO OLEWEIN,IA. IT'S NICE TO SEE IT IN ACTION!! I HOPE THE CN WILL LEAVE IT ALONE, AND NOT REPLACE IT!!! I WORKED ON THE CC&P, BUT NEVER GOT OUT THAT WAY TO SEE IT, I GUESS I'LL HAVE TO GO CHECK IT OUT & SEE IF IT'S STILL THERE! GREAT VIDEO!!

[bcschmerker]

@gaycowboy31 Actually, the Southern Pacific INVENTED the Magnetic Flagman; it has its gong on the opposite end of the shaft from the lantern arm, with two strikers. Magnetic Signal Company built it for multiple railroads, including the UP, WP, AT&SF, &c. The WRSS Autoflag doesn't have an integral gong; it dates from the expiration of the SP's patents.

[gaycowboy31]

@HighIronofWisconsin I have one out here at my farm but its not WRRS I dont believe it is from magnatic flagman its off the old SP and when the UP retired it they destroyed it they first tried to cut the post with a torch unsucessfully so they cut the bolts on the base and let it drop bending the banner badly and than cut the bridge holding the motor on it so i have alot of restoration work to do to it before it will ever look good again

[cindy1000000]

How long has that wig-wag been around?

It sounds abit old.