Bardic lamp
The Bardic Rail Signalling Lamp was the original name of a particular type of battery powered railway signalling handlamp made from 1962 by Bardic, Ltd.[1] for use by rail and trackside workers. It became the standard battery operated handlamp in use on British Rail, replacing oil-lit lamps.
Most Bardic lamps allowed red, green, yellow and white lights to be shown for hand-signalling purposes, although some were not equipped with a yellow aspect. Today, the term ‘Bardic’ has become a common term in the UK for almost any battery operated handlamp used for hand-signalling.[2][3][4]
Bardic lamps are still in use today on the British national network and on heritage railways, although newer versions have been developed and smaller pocket torches have become common for handsignalling by traincrew and platform staff. Network Rail have now approved a smaller, more convenient lamp that uses super bright LEDs.[3][5] The trade name Bardic has been owned by Honeywell since 2004, when they took over Novar plc.[6][7]
They were also used by the British Army, other military groups,[4][8] the National Coal Board and other public services, with special airtight versions being developed for use in gaseous conditions.
References
[edit]- ^ "Signalling News". Modern Transport. 93: 22. 1965. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ Bardic Lamp at Network Rail
- ^ a b What is a Bardic Lamp?
- ^ a b The Killowen Series 2: Militias and Rebellions
- ^ LED Bardic Lamps
- ^ "Hostile bid for Novar flushes out Honeywell". Voltimum. 17 December 2004. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ "Honeywell Completes Acquisition of Novar plc". Business Wire. 31 March 2005. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ Testimony to Courage: The History of the Ulster Defence Regiment 1969-1992