Several of the codes are taken from
The Telegraph Instructor by G.M. Dodge. Dodge notes: :Other numerical signals are used by different railroads for different purposes, for instance, the signal “47” upon some railroads means “display signals”; while the signal “48” means “signals are displayed”. The numerals “9” and “12” are frequently used for “correct”. Other numerals are used for the different officials’ messages, agents’ messages, etc. Codes that are not listed in the 1901 edition of Dodge are marked with an asterisk (*). In the above list, the numbers 19 and 31 refer to
train order operations whereby messages from the dispatcher about changes in railroad routing and scheduling were written on paper forms. Form 19 was designed to be passed to the train as it went through a station at speed. Form 31 required hand delivery for confirmation.
Contemporary usage Today,
amateur radio operators still use codes 73 and 88 regularly, and
-30- is used in journalism, as it was shorthand for "No more - the end". The
Young Ladies Radio League uses code 33 to mean "love sealed with friendship and mutual respect between one YL [young lady] and another YL" or simply "hugs." A once-used but unofficial code 99 meant "go to hell." The other codes have mostly fallen into disuse. == 1873 Telegraph Rules from the Lakeshore and Tuscarawas Valley Railway Company ==