How about another Rock Island unit to kick off this weeks weekend proto fun. Found this gem parked in Clarksdale MS on Saturday, July 16, 2022. It was a bit of a drive but well worth it. Got a few other goodies that afternoon too. Seeing these "new" Rock Island Rail units really makes me wish I could go back in time and see the original Rock Island!
Back in 2004, the Union Pacific retired Tower 17 in Rosenberg, Texas. At the Rosenberg Railroad Museum, we were able to get the UP to donate the tower to us if we moved it off the property. We had to dismantle the first floor, transport the upper story with the interlocker cabinet to the museum site and reassemble it all. Here the upper floor is being lowered to be set on two I beams supported by a boggy on one end and a tow truck on the other to make the move. A UP container train was stopped on the diamond so was able to get up close for the shot.
Wow. What kind of machine was in the tower when it was closed Russell? I'm a member of an interlocking tower group and it shows Tower 17 was opened in 1903 and had an electric interlocking machine with 42 levers, but I'm not sure what that means. I'm guessing that maybe the machine and levers were reworked to actuate electrical contacts instead of long lengths of pipe?
Exactly. The whole plant was operated from a bank of glass jar caustic soda batteries. I think at about 36 volts. The pistol grips pulled rods that closed and opened switches that activated relays to operate the switch motors and semaphores. They were all interlocked so that only the correct levers could be pulled in the correct order to line a route and signal for it, locking out all the other levers at the same time. The glass jar batteries were eventually replaced by lead-acid types but it all was still working when UP shut it down.
When we restored it we put glass panels on top and the front so you could see what was going on inside when a handle was pulled.
That is so cool -- thanks for the description and pictures. Very neat to see the model board too. Classic pistol grip interlocking machine there and it's so fine that all has been preserved and with glass to observe the bars, locking "dogs" and all. I might even see a timing clock to the right in the topmost photo. I'd love to see the museum someday.
Russell, thanks for explaining how all that whizbangery works. It's marvel of engineering for its time. The way it is now, it almost looks like a foosball table! What's amazing is how immaculately clean that unit is. It shines!
Here in Central Texas we have had over 40 days with temps over 100. All I have been thinking about is my next electric bill. Thought it would be appropriate to post an electric locomotive. Sacramento Northern #653 made by General Electric is now residing at the Orange Empire Railroad Museum in Southern California.
I saved the picture and will give it to my oldest brother. He has a small collection of farm tractors. Maybe lovely Sandy will let him build one in the front yard. Only he would have to make an IH Harvestore.
I went down to Essex today. I was trying to clear my head. The whole place smells of coal smoke and when I got home, I had to wash my hair to get the cinders out. Number 40s gift to me. I didn't mind. Here is a picture of their new engine house.
I have a similar saddle tank in HO. It's all black and the tank isn't as large. And it doesn't smoke.
Not the one I photographed but the same Porter 0-6-0T Here it is: (465) WK&S: 25th Annual Santa Claus Special - YouTube