Dispatch Baton

[Isaac123]

I was at Liverpool Station yesterday and saw multiple dispatch using batons,only the white part was being used,anyone know what the other side is used for?

 

[AlterEgo]

Was the reverse black?

The black side is black so it doesn’t get mistaken for the white side, and a signal for any staff in the opposite direction to the signal’s intention.

 

[John Luxton]

I have always been a bit puzzled as to why they are white and not green.

 

[zwk500]

I have always been a bit puzzled as to why they are white and not green.

Presumably because White is a bit more visible? I think (but might be wrong) some designs have the central portion with green lights.

 

[irp]

I have always been a bit puzzled as to why they are white and not green.

Contrast and Visibility would be my guess

 

[Ashley Hill]

I have always been a bit puzzled as to why they are white and not green.

Giving a green would be akin to giving right away! The white bat is the equivalent of the dispatcher giving a white light. Modern ones do also have a red/green function to either give a stop handsignal or relay a green handsignal from the guard to the driver.

 

[Tilting007]

I have always been a bit puzzled as to why they are white and not green.

There are LED ones now, all Avanti stations other than Euston have them now following a trial

 

[185143]

I got told years ago that the "other" side (ie. The side that isn't being shown to the conductor/driver/other dispatcher) was black as opposed to any other colour as it doesn't reflect light.

Is there any truth in that or something someone just made up!

 

[Ashley Hill]

I got told years ago that the "other" side (ie. The side that isn't being shown to the conductor/driver/other dispatcher) was black as opposed to any other colour as it doesn't reflect light.

Is there any truth in that or something someone just made up!

It’s black so only the person the handsignal is intended for sees a white side.