aizutou

[miyakoji]

 

That it's the Kururi Line is coincidental .  I saw a conductor do this with a flashlight on my local commuter line this evening, apparently to signal to another conductor that it was all clear.  I was surprised that I'd seen it before in Japan.  Does this light or indication have a name in English?

[Jcarlton]

A white or green lantern means proceed if fixed.  A red lanter means stop and a yellow lantern is for train orders(Us?)  In this case the station master is using the lantern as a signal and is using the veritacal up and down movement which is proceed.

[bikkuri bahn]

These hand signal lamps are also nicknamed "kantera" apparently derived from the Dutch "kandelaar".  They are sometimes used by subway station staff here in Sapporo (non-ATO lines) in the rush hour, as the platforms are sometimes so crowded that the guard's view is blocked.

 

Site detailing signal lamps used in Japan.  The latest models use LED.

http://www.railmec.info/lamp/index.html

 

At Sotetsu Ebina Station, an express for Yokohama:

 

One of the LED lamps:

[westfalen]

We used to do the same thing on Queensland Rail back when we had loco hauled trains and before radio, commonly called 'right away' but 'all right' in the rule book. Station staff, and/or conductor on long distance trains would show a white light to the guard who would give a green to the driver (right away), if the platform was curved the station staff would repeat the guard's green to the driver. These days a raised hand is all you get as I don't think many platform staff these days would have even seen a hand lamp.

 

Ever since my first trip to Japan I've been wanting to get my hands on one of their hand lamps. It is quite common to see them used on Shinkansen platforms after dark, presumably it is easier for the guard eight or more cars away to see.

[bronzeonion]

These style lamps are known as 'Bardic lamps' in the UK, used by shunters in yards mainly these days and carried by drivers/guards to signal to other trains/staff if the need arises. Dispatching trains from platforms are carried out using what looks like an extended table tennis racket called a Dispatch batton, used on curved/busy platforms. Some train operating companies have battons with a bright white LED light in the circular bit to make it easier for the conductor to see.

[bronzeonion]

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/version-3-point-1/6264076347/in/set-72157629277660336

 

The 1973 tube stock trains on the London Underground Piccadilly line even have a holder for one