What's a Banjo Eye? - rec.railroad

Message from discussion What's a Banjo Eye?
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From: a...@hpfelg.HP.COM
Newsgroups: rec.railroad
Subject: Re: What's a Banjo Eye?
Message-ID: <17700004@hpfelg.HP.COM>
Date: 10 May 90 22:00:07 GMT
References: <439@jack.megatek.uucp>
Organization: HP Elec. Design Div. -FtCollins
Lines: 16
Posted: Thu May 10 23:00:07 1990

The banjo crossing signal, also called a wig-wag, was (and still
might be in some places) a round target with a hole in the center
that swung back and forth when activated. Looked somewhat like a
banjo being swung back and forth by its neck.

"Banjo eyes" must then mean moving ones eyes back and forth
like a banjo signal...in the context you refer, probably watching
people walk by.

Sometimes the banjo signals had red lights in the hole, for better
night visibility. 

I can't remember when I last saw a wig-wag. Think it was in the LA
area 10 years ago.

Hope this helps.