Photograph 11/58, by Dr. J W F Scrimgeour
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THE SIGNAL BOX |
OVERSEAS |
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Photograph 11/58, by Dr. J W F Scrimgeour |
This tower surely merits the title of the ugliest signal box in the world! Amazingly, this all-concrete, virtually windowless structure was erected in 1890. It wasituated a short distance south of St Paul on the Milwaukee company's main line to Chicago. The tracks were also used by trains of the Burlington (CB&Q) and Rock Island (CRI&P) companies.
 Photograph 11/58, by Dr. J W F Scrimgeour |
Inside the tower, we see a National frame dating from the opening of the box in 1890. This type of lever frame was very similar in looks to the US&S type based on Saxby & farmer's rocker design, but as can clearly be seen here, this example lacks the rockers that drove the interlocking mechanism.
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Comments about this article should be addressed to John Hinson |