When I was hostling I seem to remember that in order to move power from the roundhouse to Hobart yard that we had to get clearance from the various Towers and Junctions that we would run by as we went to the yard.
Are Towers and Junctions still used? And if so are they still used the same way as a traffic control devise?
How do Towers and Junctions interact with dispatchers? Are they connected in some way? (ie. Radio contact) Are trains handed off to Towers when they approach their destinations?
Most locally controlled towers and junctions are a thing of the past. Increasing use of CTC has allowed dispatchers to control several interlockings from a single location. I pass through several junctions and crossings on my ride to and from work (Oak Lawn-Chicago Union Station) and all of them are now remotely controlled by a distant dispatcher or are automated.
Yes, and you betcha.
In the Chicago area, the epicenter of American railroading, plenty. Off the top of my head -- there are operating towers at Deval Junction, Turner Junction, Brighton Junction, Joliet Union Station, Rondout... I'm sure my colleagues will add more.
Better yet, check this out ("Chicago Rail Junctions"):
http://www.dhke.com/CRJ/
Pop Z
deshler tower is used by csx mow employees.the switches and signals are controlled from far away.however "F" tower is a very active tower in fostoria ohio.
stay safe
joe
Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").
PZ, the "tower" at Brighton Park is just a shed for an employee working the semaphores. No interlocking, no control of mainline signals. Railroading in the raw.
Deval is now remotely controlled from CY (Clybourn), as is Mayfair.
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
CShaveRR wrote: PZ, the "tower" at Brighton Park is just a shed for an employee working the semaphores. No interlocking, no control of mainline signals. Railroading in the raw. Deval is now remotely controlled from CY (Clybourn), as is Mayfair.
Thanks for the update. I wasn't sure because Brighton isn't a very friendly place. And about two years ago I made the honest mistake of walking up to Deval to ask for permission to take photos. I didn't see any signs posting the area. The operator in there was not amused.
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