Whistle Signals

When Douglas Station was operating to its full extent and all movements were controlled from the Signal Box, there was a comprehensive set of whistle codes, as there was for all trains approaching the station for the benefit of the signalman. These were of such importance that they were listed in the 1922 issued Rules & Regulations issued to all employees, which is reproduced verbatim below and shows the complexity of knowledge required by operational staff to run the yard.

Today the last remaning vestige of these codes happens daily, as all trains approaching the terminus still give two long whistles in a connection with the past. These are given when entering the Nunnery Cutting, effectively for the Distant Signal which once stood just south of the Nunnery Bridge. In the yard it is still necessary to give one short whistle prior to any movement being made, be it lighe engine or shunting. All signalmen will have had a keen ear and comprehensive knowledge of these whistle codes and “crows” (these being a very short flick of the whistle).

From The Rule Book (1922)

Locomotive Whistle Signals

Rule No.61

To whistle Signals off at Stations one prolonged Whistle with sharp turn when signal is lowered. This does not apply to Douglas Station - See Rule No.65-83 inclusive.

Rule No.62

When approaching all Level Crossing Gates, whether the same be in charge of Gatekeepers or not, one prolonged Whistle.

Rule No.63

For the Brakes to be applied, three or more short sharp Whistles, according to urgency.

Rule No.64

For the Brakes to be released, one long Whistle between two short ones. For Douglas Station, which must be given distinctly by the Engine Drivers and Drivers must see that the proper signals are taken off before leaving the Lines from which they may wish to proceed.

Rule No.65

When approaching the Distant Signal for Douglas Station on the Peel Line, ONE LONG WHISTLE when the Home, Outer Home and Distant Signals must be taken off, if the Line into the Station is clear; but if there is any obstruction on the Line, these Signals must be kept at Danger , and the Driver of an approaching Train must immediately turn off steam and reduce the speed of his Train, so as to be able to stop at the Distant Signal; but if he sees the way clear, he must proceed slowly and cautiously up to the Outer Home Signal, having such control of his Train as to be able to stop short of any obstruction there may be between the Distant Signal and the Outer Home Signal.

Rule No.66

When approaching the Distant Signal for Douglas Station on the Port Erin Line, TWO LONG WHISTLES when the Home Outer Home, and Distant Signals must be taken off, if the Line into the station is clear; but if there is any obstruction on the line these signals must be kept at danger, and the Driver of an approaching Train must immediately turn off steam and reduce the speed of his Train, so as to be able to stop at the Distant Signal; but if he sees the way clear, he must proceed slowly and cautiously up to the Outer Home Signal, having such control of his Train as to be able to stop short of any obstruction there may be between the Distant Signal and Outer Home Signal.

Rule No.67

Before leaving the Steam Shed road for No.1 Line:

FOUR SHORT WHISTLES

Rule No.68

Before leaving No.1 Line:

TWO SHORT WHISTLES & ONE LONG ONE

Rule No.69

Before leaving No.2 Line for Shunting purposes:

ONE SHORT WHISTLE

Rule No.70

Before leaving No.2 Line for “Right Away” for Peel:

ONE LONG and ONE SHORT WHISTLE

Rule No.71

Before leaving No.1 Line for Shunting purposes:

ONE SHORT WHISTLE and ONE CROW

Rule No.72

Before leaving No.3 Line for “Right Away” for Peel:

ONE LONG WHISTLE

Rule No.73

Before leaving No.4 Line:

ONE SHORT WHISTLE BETWEEN TWO LONG ONES

Rule No.74

Before leaving No.5 Line for Shunting purposes:

THREE SHORT WHISTLES

Rule No.75

Before leaving No.5 Line for “Right Away” for Port Erin:

TWO LONG WHISTLES

Rule No.76

Before leaving No.6 Line for Shunting purposes:

ONE CROW AND ONE LONG WHISTLE

Rule No.77

Before leaving No.6 Line for “Right Away” to Port Erin:

TWO LONG AND ONE SHORT WHISTLES

Rule No.78

Before leaving No.7 Line

ONE CROW BETWEEN TWO SHORT WHISTLES

Rule No.79

Before leaving No.8 Line:

TWO CROWS

Rule No.80

Before leaving No.9 Line:

ONE LONG WHISTLE BETWEEN TWO SHORT ONES

Rule No.81

Before leaving No.10 Line:

TWO SHORT AND TWO LONG WHISTLES

Rule No.82

Before leaving No.11 Line:

TWO SHORT WHISTLES

Rule No.83

Before leaving Lines numbered 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 for the Peel Line, THREE LONG WHISTLES. This Signal must be given after whistling off the proper Signal from the road which the Engine or Train is proceeding from.

Mouth Whistle Signals For Shunting & C.

Rule No.84

One long Whistle: GO AHEAD away from the man whistling

Rule No.85

Any number of short, sharp Whistles, STOP

Rule No.86

Two long Whistles: Come Back towards the man Whistling

The whistle blowing on No.12 Hutchinson at Castletown Station; this was the method of communicating with the signalman at Douglas Station and involved a complex system of long and short whistles and “crows” as detailed here in the extract from the Rules & Regulations.

The South Line distant signal with its distinctive “fishtail” and aspect glasses missing, just south of the Nunnery Bridge (this was captured by Mike Tucker in 1979 after it had fallen over, the photograph is not slanted!

No.5 Mona shunting one of the drop-side wagons beside the carriage shed, this movement will have involved adherence to the Rules & Regulations as stipulated here.

M.N.Ry. No.4 Caledonia shunting two “pairs” carriages on reopening day, note the shunting signal arm with its figure “S” has been dropped to authorise the movement from the box. No.8 Fenella takes water on the release road.

No.4 Loch shunting on Road Seven with one of the saloons in all-over red with bus windows with an array of other stored stock in the former goods yard in the distance.

No.4 Loch shunting rolling stock after hjaving banked “Queen’s Special” on 27th August 1970, photograph by Steve Harris, note the use of hand signals from the guard on the platform.

Marshalling rolling stock from the yard beside the carriage shed in 1969, note the shunte on the running board of the rear carriage guiding the driver, this practice, now referred to as “hitching and surfing” has been outlawed in more recent time.

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