Why does each RR have to have only one signal brand?

[NSrailfan4life]

I have noticed throughout the years that each railroad has one signal brand in particular. For example, Norfolk Southern has a lot of Safetran equipment,and mostly safetran. But another example,Union Pacific,BNSF, and Florida East Coast will always have WCH equipment.Why does this happen?

[TrainmanKight]

I have noticed throughout the years that each railroad has one signal brand in particular. For example, Norfolk Southern has a lot of Safetran equipment,and mostly safetran. But another example,Union Pacific,BNSF, and Florida East Coast will always have WCH equipment.Why does this happen?

Railroads like to have standards across the system, also railroads buy in bulk and with contracted bidding.
Recently WCH lost the bid to NEG for Union Pacific. All equipment is ordered through NEG. National Electric Gate Company doesn't make gate mechs or crossing lights so NEG buys them from Safetran/WCH/GE to sell to UP.

[NSrailfan4life]

Thanks for the info. It really helps.

[ZachL]

I have noticed recently that within the last few months or so CSX has been using 12x24" WCH 2nd Gen LED lights in newer crossing installs/upgrades while using Safetran type 2 e-bells.. however, in 2011, they used 12x24" Safetran light heads with 2nd Gen WCH LED inserts on new installs then, with mostly Safetran type 3 e-bells (or those GE e-bells).

Also, if we're talking crossing standards, CSX has been beginning to install bells in the middle of the mast instead of at the top lately, too.

[TrainmanKight]

I have noticed recently that within the last few months or so CSX has been using 12x24" WCH 2nd Gen LED lights in newer crossing installs/upgrades while using Safetran type 2 e-bells.. however, in 2011, they used 12x24" Safetran light heads with 2nd Gen WCH LED inserts on new installs then, with mostly Safetran type 3 e-bells (or those GE e-bells).

Also, if we're talking crossing standards, CSX has been beginning to install bells in the middle of the mast instead of at the top lately, too.

Those bells are from NEG not safetran, NEG also now has contracts with CSX and NS
UP has been installing them on the side of the mast above the gate mech since 2011, but not on the same bracket cover that covers the junction box for the lights like CSX has done.

[weatherdan882002]

Most of the crossings around here use WCH equipment, but of course, the redone Viall Ave 1 now has US&S equipment.

[NSrailfan4life]

Most of the crossings around here use WCH equipment, but of course, the redone Viall Ave 1 now has US&S equipment.

And thats because besides WCH, many railroads also use US&S equipment for new installs.