Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Acquiring Semaphores from CORP

Q.  What did you pay for the Semaphore?
A.  I paid the going rate at the time I made the deal.

Q.  What do Semaphores cost now?
A.  $1800 for a double bladed signal and $1500 for a single.

Q.  Will the railroad deliver and erect a signal for me?
A.  No.  You will be notified when a signal is available, but it will already have been removed to Roseburg, Medford or Grants Pass, Oregon.

Q.  Then how would I get it from the railroad to my place.
A.  You'll have to arrange your own transportation including loading.

Q.  What does a Semaphore weigh?
A.  They weigh around 1200 pounds.  Half of the weight is in the base and being 30' long, they are awkward to handle.

Q.  Could I take it apart to transport it?
A.  Yes, but bring big tools and be prepared to spend some time.  One inch bolts that have been in place for 90 years don't come loose easily.

Q.  If I buy one, will someone help me get mine working?
A.  Rick helped me as a personal favor; we've been friends for a long time.  You would be on your own, but there are several Internet groups whose members have signal experience and might give you some tips.

Q.  How big a base does it take to mount a Semaphore?
A.  Mine is 36" x 48" and doesn't include the ladder.  It's dug in about 3 feet and contains over a cubic yard of concrete.

Q.  What about the bolts in the base?
A.  Four -- 1" bolts (threaded rod, actually) are placed 23" on center both directions in a square.

Q.  I don't have (or have access to) professional expertise to help get a Semaphore working.  Is there any way a dummy can make the signal do anything?
A.  There sure is!  The two wires going up the mast that power the bulb(s).  Disconnect them from anything in the lower part of the signal and hook them up to a 10 volt (either AC or DC), 4 amp power supply.  The signal will then be lit up.  To move the home blade to "Clear" push up on the mechanism inside the case and block it up with a piece of wood.  I did this with 4651 for a month before Rick got it working for real.

Q.  Are any Semaphores available now?
A.  Yes, there are a few and more are coming out in 2003.

Q.  Who do I contact if I'm interested in buying one?
A.       Signal Department
           Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad
           333 S. E. Mosher
           Roseburg, OR  97470

Q.  I have more questions, who should I contact.
A.  For serious inquiries about buying a Semaphore  from CORP, contact the railroad at the above address.  For questions about my experiences with the 4651, contact me at Semaphore@alpharail.net.    For technical signal questions the best bet would be one of the signal groups such as Yahoo Railroad Signals  or Railway Signaling.   Several active and retired signal maintainers and signalmen are regulars on these groups.