General Railway Signal Co.
Model 2A Dwarf Signal
The General Railway Signal Company of Rochester, NY introduced the Model 2A line of signals in 1908 and first sold them to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.
The 2A utilizes an AC or DC electric motor and gear train to move the signal arm to the 45 and 90 degree postions. When the signal is in its 45 or 90 degree position and returns to the 0 degree or STOP position, the motor rotates backwards and dynamic braking is used to keep the speed of the motor at a low speed.
Additionally when the 2A signal is used with the Model 2 Interlocking Machines, the dynamic braking is used for "Dynamic Indication" which operates an electro magnetic latch on the lever controlling the signal, which when energized allows the leverman to return the signal lever to the Normal postition. When used in conjunction with GRS Model 2 Electric Interlockings, the Semi-Automatic version of the 2A is normally employed.
The following 2A signal came from "JN" Interlocking on the New York Central Lines near Chicago.
I completly disassembled it, sanblasted and painted it. I tried to match the paint as close as possible to the original grey and maroon that GRS used. The original spectacle was missing so I installed a 3 color recast one. The original spectacle was a 2 color (red & yellow). Please forgive the improvised lamp holder, I need to find the correct one yet. I had to modify the circuit controller to accomodate the 3 postions, 0, 45 and 90 degrees. This 2A is a Non-automatic 110 Volt D.C. signal.
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The following 2A I aquired over 5 years ago and thought it was about time I restore it. It came from the New York Central Lines Grand Central Terminal in New York City. These signals were unique as the shaft bearing was shorter than normal and the spectacle rotated on top of the signal instead of the bottom as in the standard 2A's. I believe that GCT was the only place these short bearing signals were used. This 2A is a Non-automatic 110 Volt D.C. signal.
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