What's this? (And an interesting locomotive seen today)

[88gta350]

I took this picture on Amtrak's Harrisburg to Philly line a few months ago and finally got it uploaded onto my computer and Railimages account. Can anyone tell me what this device is?

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/davidmoore/abk


I also added some other ecent pictures that I've taken around the area. Check them out and tell me what you think: I happened to catch an SW1500 on the run by my house today. This usually is made by a GP 38 or two, but today there was a GP 38-2 and an SW1500! The first 3 pics below should bring up pics of the 1500. (when the pics come up you can click on them to get a larger view)

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/davidmoore/abf

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/davidmoore/abg

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/davidmoore/abh

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/davidmoore/abi

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/davidmoore/abj

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/davidmoore/abl

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/davidmoore/abm

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/davidmoore/abn

http://www.railimages.com/gallery/davidmoore/abo


Thanks!

[adrianspeeder]

Where are you in Pennsylvania?

I belive thats a hotbox detector for findin hot bearings.

Adrianspeeder

[88gta350]

That picture was taken in Middletown (Royalton, actually), near the Middletown Amtrak station.

[eolafan]

Some nice snow shots, thanks.

[mudchicken]

CTC Power Switch Machine (GRS)

[Anonymous]

I think it is a toaster

[ValleyX]

I second Mudchicken's correct answer. Sorry, Adrian, hotbox detectors or trackside analyzers don't look anything like that.

[adrianspeeder]

Dang it, oh well

Hey 88, you realize I live right next to Middletown off of 441 right?

Adrianspeeder

[indbill1]

Looks to me like a US&S Electric Switch Machine

[88gta350]

QUOTE: Originally posted by adrianspeeder

Dang it, oh well

Hey 88, you realize I live right next to Middletown off of 441 right?

Adrianspeeder

I knew you lived in the area. I work at TMI so I'm through there almost every day.

[Anonymous]

Those are some very nice shots of some very cool stuff!! Keep up the good work!!! [:D]

[edblysard]

CTC switch machine...or a toaster.

Ed

[CShaveRR]

I have personally warmed up some GRS equivalents to the point where they could toast something!

[CliqueofOne]

From what I can see it looks like a US&S M3. If it doesn't have a hand throw lever, it isn't a dual control switch. If it has a hand throw lever, it is a dual control switch. These are M23A and M23B. Since the handle would be on the other side of the switch I really can't tell for sure if it has one. Also I see no indication of feet for the handle. If it was a dual control switch the centre (gear) compartment would be slightly higher than the outside ones.

[Anonymous]

It is, indeed, a US&S switch machine. PRR was a US&S road, and stayed that way after the PC merger even though the NYC was a GRS road. N&W was a US&S road, and kept the old PRR part of Conrail in the US&S camp.

Not many railroads mixed CTC suppliers; most were either GRS or US&S. VGN was GRS. Southern was GRS. C&O was US&S. ATSF was US&S. SAL was US&S, as was ACL. Milwaukee Road had some of each, with some off-brands mixed in. RI was mainly US&S, with some off-brand stuff here and there.

Old Timer

[mloik]

That SW1500 was pretty clean...looked brand new! Loved the shots taken in the snow.

[88gta350]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mloik

That SW1500 was pretty clean...looked brand new! Loved the shots taken in the snow.

yeah, it looked like it had just come out of the paint shop!

[Anonymous]

Wouldn't that SW 1500 look really fine with some white chevrons on that big, flat cab end (a la Santa Fe.)