Switchmen's Lantern Signals -- Lantern raised from down low in a straight line and held momentarily at arm's length over head is a "cut off"sign. It signifies to the engineer that a switching move is complete and engine is to be cut off and proceed to the next assignment. If a certain number of cars are to be left on the engine to be taken elsewhere, switchman will indicate this number by giving appropriate number of "car sign" lantern flicks before giving "cut off" signal. See tab on "car sign" signal picture. December 30, 1953. (Photo by Hager).