Darley W.S. Darley manufactured traffic signals at least as far back as the 1930s. Darleys were unique in that their signals didn't change noticeably until they stopped production in the 1960s. Darleys were the "bargain" signal for small towns and were sold "bare" with no painting whatsoever. This is an example of Darley's D-480 single face head.
Plessey Tin Lantern Plessey manufactured signals that were seen for years throughout the U.K. in the 1950s and 60s although a number are still in service today. The earlier models appeared with the classic dual black and white colors and lettered "STOP" lenses. In the 1960s the U.K. adopted an all black standard and non-lettered lenses, and over time signals were repainted all black.
General Electric (G.E.) Streamline G.E. produced a futuristic "Streamline" series of signals from 1952 to 1957. (In 1957 G.E.'s signal line was bought out by Econolite when Econolite replaced the Streamline with its own "groove back" design.) A few streamlines are still in service today in various parts of the country.
G.E. Streamline Pedestrian Signal Streamlines (as well as most other brands) were used for pedestrian signals. Before the advent of neon and other "modern" pedestrian signals, two stack signals were often used by big cities as pedestrian signals. Typically the "WAIT" lenses were orange with two large stripes and the "WALK" lenses were simple white letters to prevent confusion by the illiterate or folks with poor vision who couldn't clearly read the letters across a wide boulevard.
Crouse-Hinds Type M Protected Left Turn In small towns with narrow streets it was not uncommon for through traffic to become backed up by cars waiting to make left turns. Therefore it was not uncommon for signals to display a short protected left turn indication before the green ball to clear left turning cars out of the front of the line of stopped traffic. This Type M has a fourth section added with a protected left turn arrow.

Signals can be repainted for specific set requirements. Many can either be wire hung or adapted for post mounting.
Additional models and designs can be located for specific requirements.

Continue to Part Six

Return to Part Four

Return to Signals Page