Western Railroad Discussion > Missouri & Northern Arkansas RR operational questions

Do freight trains use the radio when operating in the Branson area ?- I have their frequency programmed, Second question, are the red flashing "X"'s on each end of the station just for scenic train or are they indicative of freight movement aka. it changes color or goes out when a freight approaches into that signal?? Thanks again for any input on this as I liked to catch something even if it turns out to be in the dark.

richc Wrote:
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> Do freight trains use the radio when operating in
> the Branson area ?- I have their frequency
> programmed, Second question, are the red flashing
> "X"'s on each end of the station just for scenic
> train or are they indicative of freight movement
> aka. it changes color or goes out when a freight
> approaches into that signal?? Thanks again for any
> input on this as I liked to catch something even
> if it turns out to be in the dark.

If the red flashing Xs you describe are near grade crossings, they are probably quiet-zone or wayside-horn indicators for crews of all trains. Given Branson's touristy nature, it wouldn't surprise me at all if they have quiet zones.

http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?2,3716817
 

Thanx for the input - we have horn free zones in Chicago but I hadn't been around enough to see that.

richc Wrote:
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> Do freight trains use the radio when operating in
> the Branson area ?- I have their frequency
> programmed,

When I lived in Harison, AR, I listened and the only times I heard anything were generally related to a train leaving Cotter.  With the tourist train though, there should be more activity which I couldn't hear in Arkansas.  The tourist crew may be willing to share some info too.

Rob



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/15/15 16:27 by SilvertonRR100.