Semaphore Mast Replacement Project
What is a semaphore?
The semaphore, or signal mast, is the apparatus atop the depot that was once used for signaling information to oncoming railroad vehicles. The semaphore mast is the large wooden timber that extends beyond the roof-line of our depot. This mast holds the signaling mechanics and lantern.
Why is ours being replaced?
After many years of serving its purpose, our semaphore has fallen victim to significant weather and rot damage. Our semaphore is constructed of wood timber and after over a century of being exposed to the elements, we have determined that the risk of failure is too great to ignore.
The semaphore, or signal mast, is the apparatus atop the depot that was once used for signaling information to oncoming railroad vehicles. The semaphore mast is the large wooden timber that extends beyond the roof-line of our depot. This mast holds the signaling mechanics and lantern.
Why is ours being replaced?
After many years of serving its purpose, our semaphore has fallen victim to significant weather and rot damage. Our semaphore is constructed of wood timber and after over a century of being exposed to the elements, we have determined that the risk of failure is too great to ignore.
What will the work consist of?
Phase One: We will begin work to remove the mechanical and electrical components. Once the parts are removed from the mast, they will be stored and will undergo proper restoration work. COMPLETED - Fall 2018
Phase Two: We will work with a local crane operator (Reen's Towing) to hoist out the old mast. We will take accurate measurements of the existing mast and have a new mast hewn to the appropriate size. We will prepare the new mast by measuring and pre-drilling for all the mechanical components of the semaphore. COMPLETED - May 19, 2019
Phase Three: Selecting the new mast will take some time. The new mast will come from a fresh cut piece of hard-wood timber. The tree will need to be located by the mill and cut to size after drying for a couple of seasons. COMPLETED - October 19, 2020
Phase Four: Once the new mast is cut and retrieved, the mast will need to properly cure. Newly sawn wood generally takes about 1 year per inch of thickness to properly cure, however, this mast should only need about 2 years total to cure using the proper methods and by covering or uncovering the mast depending on weather. The mast will be rotated frequently to avoid any sagging or warping. During this phase, precise measurements and pilot holes will be made in order to accept the restored mechanical components. COMPLETED - September 2022
Phase Five (*new*): During this phase, a new box enclosure will be built within the depot roof to allow natural movement of the mast once in place. This type of box will essentially prevent the mast from coming into contact with the roof, thus preventing major water damage and rot in the future. While we do not believe the Contoocook Depot historically had something like this, we know that other railroad depots of our time period do/did. Previous installments of the signal mast on our building have proven to cause major issues with water and ice over the years. COMPLETED - June 2023
Phase Six: After the mast is cured, painted, and mechanics installed, we will hoist and set the mast through the roof and reattach to the depot. We will then reassemble the remaining mechanical and electrical components to be in working order. Once the project is complete, the semaphore "signal" will work properly and allow train orders to be carried from inside the stationmaster's office by hand. COMPLETED! Fall 2023
Check out the replacement video created by community member Bob LaPree:
Phase One: We will begin work to remove the mechanical and electrical components. Once the parts are removed from the mast, they will be stored and will undergo proper restoration work. COMPLETED - Fall 2018
Phase Two: We will work with a local crane operator (Reen's Towing) to hoist out the old mast. We will take accurate measurements of the existing mast and have a new mast hewn to the appropriate size. We will prepare the new mast by measuring and pre-drilling for all the mechanical components of the semaphore. COMPLETED - May 19, 2019
Phase Three: Selecting the new mast will take some time. The new mast will come from a fresh cut piece of hard-wood timber. The tree will need to be located by the mill and cut to size after drying for a couple of seasons. COMPLETED - October 19, 2020
Phase Four: Once the new mast is cut and retrieved, the mast will need to properly cure. Newly sawn wood generally takes about 1 year per inch of thickness to properly cure, however, this mast should only need about 2 years total to cure using the proper methods and by covering or uncovering the mast depending on weather. The mast will be rotated frequently to avoid any sagging or warping. During this phase, precise measurements and pilot holes will be made in order to accept the restored mechanical components. COMPLETED - September 2022
Phase Five (*new*): During this phase, a new box enclosure will be built within the depot roof to allow natural movement of the mast once in place. This type of box will essentially prevent the mast from coming into contact with the roof, thus preventing major water damage and rot in the future. While we do not believe the Contoocook Depot historically had something like this, we know that other railroad depots of our time period do/did. Previous installments of the signal mast on our building have proven to cause major issues with water and ice over the years. COMPLETED - June 2023
Phase Six: After the mast is cured, painted, and mechanics installed, we will hoist and set the mast through the roof and reattach to the depot. We will then reassemble the remaining mechanical and electrical components to be in working order. Once the project is complete, the semaphore "signal" will work properly and allow train orders to be carried from inside the stationmaster's office by hand. COMPLETED! Fall 2023
Check out the replacement video created by community member Bob LaPree:
