Ashford, Buzzards Bay, Falls Creek Interlocking Towers

[Anonymous]

I'm the webmaster for the TCA Nor-Cal Division website. I've penned a short article on the model interlocking tower available from Ertl/RDA based on the Ashford, New York, tower on the former Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh RR. The article mentions the virtually identical towers at Buzzards Bay (New Haven RR) and Falls Creek (BR&P). I think there were other similar towers on the New Haven. Can anyone give me some more information on these poured concrete towers? I have the Ertl HO gauge version on my layout, but the article also makes mention of S and O gauge versions. Any further information would be appreciated. The website is at: www.norcaltca.com, and click on "What's New" to see the article. Regards- Richard White

[David_Telesha]

Well, what kind of info are you looking for?

This was a very common design on the New Haven.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your reply David. What I'd like to know is whether there were more New Haven towers similar to (or identical to) the Buzzards Bay NH tower (shown on my website). If so, how did the NH choose to construct such substantial towers instead of using the prevailing method of building wood frame structures? I would be interested in learning what additional (similar) towers are still in existence. And how did the BR&P happen to build virtually identical structures to the NH, as they were not affiliated with the NH, to my knowledge? Thanks again. Richard

[David_Telesha]

There were many towers like this and quite a few are still around.

Immediately, Devon, Groton, Providence, and Worcester come to mind.

I will see about getting more information on the why's and what others are around and get back to you.