T-2 Dwarf Signal

Union Switch & Signal Co.
Model T-2 Dwarf Signal

The Union Switch & Signal Company of Swissvale, PA introduced the Model T-2 line of signals in the early 1900's.
The T-2 signal 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.

The following T-2 Dwarf signal was signal "51" at Red Bank Interlocking on the New York and Long Branch in Red Bank ,New Jersey. This line was jointly owned and operated by the Central Railroad of New Jersey and the Pennsylvania Railroad. The CNJ was responsible for signal maintenance on this branch.

Pictures of the signal in the back of my vehicle which had to be taken apart to get it out because of the weight. I reassembled it and put power to it and it worked after sitting for probably over 30 years.

Click on each thumbnail for full size image
Rear of the signal Front of signal Cover removed Motor removed Motor & Slot

Rear Cover Gear case removed Gear case & controller Main housing Semaphore bearing

Signal at Stop Signal at restricting Signal at Slow Clear Rear of signal assembled

The first phase of the restoration was the circuit controller.  The following pictures show the controller as removed,taken apart then finished.

Circuit controller as removed (Top) Circuit controller as removed (Bottom) View with contacts removed Top view showing cams Cam shaft removed from assembly

Circuit controller completed (Top) Circuit controller completed (Side)

The second phase of the restoration was the motor slot assembly.  The following pictures show the various parts after they were cleaned and ready for assembly. All parts were removed and ultrasonically cleaned.  Both the main housing and magnet case were glass beaded and painted.

Stop Drum & Ratchet parts The stop drum & ratchet housing Back ratchet housing and stop drum Motor armature w/o stop drum assy Rear ratchet case on armature shaft

Ratchet wheel installed Stop drum & ratchet complete Armature with stop drum assy and cone clutch Slot housing Slot contacts

Slot housing made ready for paint Slot housing made ready for paint Painted slot housing and magnet Closeup view of slot contacts Finished Assembly

Slot cover Slot cover blasted

The third phase of the restoration was the motor.  The following pictures show the various parts of the motor before and after they were cleaned and ready for assembly. All parts were removed and cleaned.  The housings were glass beaded and painted.

Rear motor housing Rear housing blasted Motor frame blasted Painting Painting

Field assembly Armature installation Rear housing Motor and slot assembly Motor and slot assembly

The fourth phase of the restoration was the gearcase.  The following pictures show the various parts of the gears and case.   The housings were glass beaded and painted.  Not much needed to be done on this, it was in great shape.

The fifth phase of the restoration was the door, housing and bearing.  The following pictures show parts under restoration.

Stripped ready for paint Primer paint applied Semaphore Bearing Parts Bronze shaft bearings Internal parts

Bearing housing after cleaning Bearing housing after cleaning Primer coating applied Removing studs

Inside of housing before cleaning Paint removal Ready for primer Ready for primer Primer applied

Interior of housing primed Interior painted Return springs installed Bearing installed Housing & Bearing in primer

Finished Signal Restricting Slow Clear

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Last Updated on August 2, 2012