signal tower
Definition
- Noun:
- A building from which signals are sent to control the movements of railway trains: A signal tower is a structure, typically housing levers or electronic controls, used by railway personnel to operate signals and switches along a track section to ensure safe train routing.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The old signal tower at the junction was replaced by an automated system.
- The dispatcher in the signal tower cleared the path for the oncoming freight train.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: In early railroading, signal towers were crucial operational hubs. Their function is now often centralized in modern dispatch centers.
- Many decommissioned signal towers have been preserved as historical landmarks.
Variants and Related Words
- Signal box (n): A British English term synonymous with "signal tower."
- The signal box at the end of the platform controlled the points.
- Interlocking tower (n): A specific type of signal tower where the levers mechanically interlock to prevent conflicting signal settings.
- Control tower (n): While often associated with airports, this term shares the concept of a centralized building for directing traffic.
Synonyms
- Signal cabin
- Switch tower
- Signal post (though this can refer to the physical signal structure itself, not the building)
Related Phrases
- To man the signal tower: To be on duty operating the controls within the tower.
- He was scheduled to man the signal tower for the night shift.
Noun
-
a building from which signals are sent to control the movements of railway trains
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