Brian Norden Wrote:
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> Very typical was a cab ceiling mounted gong that
> was connected by cord back to the passenger cars
> and the conductor would use it to communicate with
> the engineer. This was the predecessor to the air
> signal line used on passenger trains.
>
> BN
That was the purpose for the ceiling mounted cab bell in #9. The surviving passenger coach (J&S 1894) has the rope guides in the duck bill where the signal line ran through the coach. The rolling stock was built with vacuum brakes so no air, the bell was the best way to call the engine crew.