handsignalman

plural handsignalmen · alternative hand signalman

1. A person who gives a signal by hand, in particular on a railway.

   [...] 1. Handsignalmen, where needed, ought to wear a conspicuous orange/yellow cape (like many road workmen) to draw attention to them.

   1964 April, “Letters: Rethinking emergency procedures”, in Modern Railways, page 274

   1 more example

   The 12.25 train travelled without incident over the single line and the pilotman saw the Vange handsignalman's green flag from about ½ mile away.

   1961 December, “Talking of Trains: Derailment near Laindon”, in Trains Illustrated, page 717