Billups Neon Crossing Signal facts for kids
The Billups Neon Crossing Signal was a special and very unusual signal. Its job was to warn drivers that a train was coming. It was placed at a dangerous railroad crossing on Mississippi State Route 7 in Grenada, Mississippi. This crossing was part of the Illinois Central railway line.
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What Was the Billups Neon Crossing Signal?
The Billups Neon Crossing Signal was created in the mid-1930s. An inventor named Alonzo Billups designed it. He and the railroad company were very concerned about the crossing. Many accidents happened there between trains and cars. Mr. Billups wanted to make sure drivers knew a train was coming. He wanted to give them a very strong warning.
How It Looked and Worked
The Billups signal was built like a giant steel arch. This arch went up and over the entire highway. It was similar to the large crossing signals you might see today. In fact, Mr. Billups' signal might have been the very first of its kind!
On top of this big arch, there were flashing red lights. These were like the warning lights used at crossings today. Below them were huge neon signs on each side of the arch. These signs lit up with the words "Stop-DEATH-Stop." They also showed a neon skull and crossbones symbol. This was a very serious way to tell drivers to stop!
Flashing neon arrows also pointed towards the train. This helped drivers know which direction the train was approaching from.
A Loud Warning Sound
The Billups Neon Crossing Signal also had a special way to warn drivers with sound. Instead of the electric bells we hear now, this signal used a very loud air raid siren. Imagine how loud that must have been!
Why It Didn't Last
The Billups Neon Crossing Signal was very unique, but it didn't last long. After World War II began, neon became difficult to find. The signal also started having electrical problems. Sometimes, the loud air raid siren would go off even when no train was coming. It would keep blaring until a repair crew from the railroad arrived to shut it down.
Because of these issues, no other signals like it were ever built. The only one ever made was taken down after less than twenty years.
