On the east coast,,one long and shot,,,when running against the current of traffic,,1 approaching station,curves,or other point's where view is obscured.2 Preceding the signal's prescribed by Rule 14 D,E and R to inclusive to recall flagmanon that track..
Now one long and two shot,mean's to call attendtion too yard engine's,extra train's,or train'sof the same or inferior class,or inferior right,and of train's at train order meeting or waiting point,also operators at open offices and when passing workman on or about track, to signal's displayed for a following section.
On single track if not answered by a train,the train displaying signal's must stop,and ascertain the cause,except in traffic control territiory..
This information taken from New York Central Rule's of the operating department,,,Effective 1956...
I hope this answer's your question,,Pat