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4/24/2024
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Viewing Album: Former PRR Interlocking Towers along the Northeast Corridor
By:
Ben Kranefeld
Dates:
5/23/2015 - 5/23/2015
Album Info:
This album contains pictures of the remaining former Pennsylvania Railroad built interlocking towers along the Northeast Corridor. The pictures begin at HUDSON Tower in Harrison, NJ and continue south to K Tower in Washington DC.
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Title:
HUDSON Tower
Description:
Built ca. 1910, HUDSON Tower is a two story, all brick structure constructed on a concrete base. Like similar interlocking towers of this design, HUDSON is rectangular in plan with a hipped roof. The tower has an internal staircase as well as a restroom. HUDSON Tower has a projecting trackside bay window on the second floor which contained a US&S Model 13 electro-pneumatic switch machine with 83 levers. 49 of which were working, controlling access to the Jersey City and Center Street Branches. 34 of the levers were spare. HUDSON Tower is no longer in active service.
Photo Date:
8/10/2018
Upload Date:
8/16/2018 11:48:54 AM
Location:
Harrison, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
494
Comments:
2
Title:
DOCK Tower
Description:
Built in 1937, the massive DOCK Tower sits on the banks of the Passaic River at the foot of Dock Bridge. The three story tower was constructed entirely of brick, with the power supply for the nearby bridge located on the first floor of the tower. The third story contains a trackside facing bay window, a well as a 155 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic interlocking machine. A staggering 74 of the levers were working, 62 levers were spare, and the machine had 19 spare spaces. DOCK controlled multiple track cross-overs, movements at Newark Penn Station, operation of Dock Bridge, as well as PATH's (Port Authority Trans Hudson) movable bridge over the Passaic River. This resulted in DOCK Tower being staffed by no less than five operators at any given time. After 80 years of service, DOCK Tower was finally closed in November of 2017.
Photo Date:
10/14/2020
Upload Date:
10/14/2020 7:06:52 PM
Location:
Harrison, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Bridge
Locomotives:
Views:
162
Comments:
1
Title:
DOCK Tower
Description:
Built in 1937, the massive DOCK Tower sits on the banks of the Passaic River at the foot of Dock Bridge. The three story tower was constructed entirely of brick, with the power supply for the nearby bridge located on the first floor of the tower. The third story contains a trackside facing bay window, a well as a 155 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic interlocking machine. A staggering 74 of the levers were working, 62 levers were spare, and the machine had 19 spare spaces. DOCK controlled multiple track cross-overs, movements at Newark Penn Station, operation of Dock Bridge, as well as PATH's (Port Authority Trans Hudson) movable bridge over the Passaic River. This resulted in DOCK Tower being staffed by no less than five operators at any given time. After 80 years of service, DOCK Tower was finally closed in November of 2017.
Photo Date:
10/14/2020
Upload Date:
10/14/2020 7:08:49 PM
Location:
Harrison, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
177
Comments:
1
Title:
DOCK Tower
Description:
Built in 1937, the massive DOCK Tower sits on the banks of the Passaic River at the foot of Dock Bridge. The three story tower was constructed entirely of brick, with the power supply for the nearby bridge located on the first floor of the tower. The third story contains a trackside facing bay window, a well as a 155 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic interlocking machine. A staggering 74 of the levers were working, 62 levers were spare, and the machine had 19 spare spaces. DOCK controlled multiple track cross-overs, movements at Newark Penn Station, operation of Dock Bridge, as well as PATH's (Port Authority Trans Hudson) movable bridge over the Passaic River. This resulted in DOCK Tower being staffed by no less than five operators at any given time. After 80 years of service, DOCK Tower was finally closed in November of 2017.
Photo Date:
10/14/2020
Upload Date:
10/14/2020 7:14:30 PM
Location:
Harrison, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
143
Comments:
0
Title:
UNION Tower
Description:
Built in 1912 and named after the county in which it is located, UNION Tower is unique in that it is a massive four story structure (two stories are below track grade), and was built with a US&S F13 interlocking machine, rather than the more common Model 14. The interlocking machine contained 47 levers, all of which were active, and was electric rather than electro-pneumatic. UNION controlled an extremely elaborate flyover junction of the PRR's Main Line and the NY&LB's (New York & Long Branch) North Jersey Coast Line. The tower was closed in 2011 and all of its duties transfered to Amtrak dispatch.
Photo Date:
8/9/2018
Upload Date:
8/16/2018 11:53:38 AM
Location:
Rahway, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
300
Comments:
1
Title:
UNION Tower
Description:
Built in 1912 and named after the county in which it is located, UNION Tower is unique in that it is a massive four story structure (two stories are below track grade), and was built with a US&S F13 interlocking machine, rather than the more common Model 14. The interlocking machine contained 47 levers, all of which were active, and was electric rather than electro-pneumatic. UNION controlled an extremely elaborate flyover junction of the PRR's Main Line and the NY&LB's (New York & Long Branch) North Jersey Coast Line. The tower was closed in 2011 and all of its duties transfered to Amtrak dispatch.
Photo Date:
1/14/2018
Upload Date:
1/18/2018 11:22:14 PM
Location:
Rahway, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
314
Comments:
1
Title:
UNION Tower
Description:
Built in 1912 and named after the county in which it is located, UNION Tower is unique in that it is a massive four story structure (two stories are below track grade), and was built with a US&S F13 interlocking machine, rather than the more common Model 14. The interlocking machine contained 47 levers, all of which were active, and was electric rather than electro-pneumatic. UNION controlled an extremely elaborate flyover junction of the PRR's Main Line and the NY&LB's (New York & Long Branch) North Jersey Coast Line. The tower was closed in 2011 and all of its duties transfered to Amtrak dispatch.
Photo Date:
1/14/2018
Upload Date:
1/18/2018 11:23:46 PM
Location:
Rahway, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
261
Comments:
1
Title:
LINCOLN Tower
Description:
LINCOLN Tower was built in 1942 and named after a nearby Ford automobile assembly plant (Lincoln being Ford's luxury brand). The 51 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic machine with 37 working levers within LINCOLN Tower onced controlled a full four track crossover, the interlocking at EDISON, as well as the various wye's, spurs and turnouts of the nearby Ford automobile freight yard. LINCOLN is a "twin" to MORRIS Tower located in Morrisville, PA. Both towers are constructed of brick with a concrete foundation, and both lack the traditional bay window. Currently, Amtrak maintains and uses LINCOLN Tower as a MoW base.
Photo Date:
1/14/2018
Upload Date:
1/18/2018 11:20:35 PM
Location:
Metuchen, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
311
Comments:
1
Title:
LINCOLN Tower
Description:
LINCOLN Tower was built in 1942 and named after a nearby Ford automobile assembly plant (Lincoln being Ford's luxury brand). The 51 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic machine with 37 working levers within LINCOLN Tower onced controlled a full four track crossover, the interlocking at EDISON, as well as the various wye's, spurs and turnouts of the nearby Ford automobile freight yard. LINCOLN is a "twin" to MORRIS Tower located in Morrisville, PA. Both towers are constructed of brick with a concrete foundation, and both lack the traditional bay window. Currently, Amtrak maintains and uses LINCOLN Tower as a MoW base.
Photo Date:
1/14/2018
Upload Date:
1/18/2018 11:18:45 PM
Location:
Metuchen, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
302
Comments:
1
Title:
COUNTY Tower
Description:
Named after the fact that New Brunswick is the "county seat" of Middlesex County, COUNTY Tower is not a typical interlocking tower, like others found along the Northeast Corridor. Only one story in height and constructed of concrete blocks, COUNTY contains a small US&S Model "C" Interlocking Machine. The 30 lever machine had 15 working levers, and 15 spare. COUNTY controlled access to the former Millstone Branch, as well as a small yard built in the vicinity of the tower. Today, NJ Transit operates a small maintenance of way yard at COUNTY.
Photo Date:
10/14/2020
Upload Date:
10/14/2020 6:49:45 PM
Location:
New Brunswick, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
156
Comments:
0
Title:
COUNTY Tower
Description:
Named after the fact that New Brunswick is the "county seat" of Middlesex County, COUNTY Tower is not a typical interlocking tower, like others found along the Northeast Corridor. Only one story in height and constructed of concrete blocks, COUNTY contains a small US&S Model "C" Interlocking Machine. The 30 lever machine had 15 working levers, and 15 spare. COUNTY controlled access to the former Millstone Branch, as well as a small yard built in the vicinity of the tower. Today, NJ Transit operates a small maintenance of way yard at COUNTY.
Photo Date:
10/14/2020
Upload Date:
10/14/2020 6:48:55 PM
Location:
New Brunswick, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
131
Comments:
1
Title:
MIDWAY Tower
Description:
Located "midway" between Philadelphia 30th St Station and New York City Penn Station, MIDWAY Tower was built in 1944. The tower is standard in design to other towers along the NEC in that it was constructed entirely of brick, had no bay window, has a peaked tile roof and an internal staircase. MIDWAY Tower contained a 35 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic switch machine with 20 active levers that controlled 45mph turnouts, a 4 track crossover and the junction to the Jamesburg Branch. Today, MIDWAY serves as an active MoW base for Amtrak.
Photo Date:
12/2/2016
Upload Date:
12/2/2016 6:42:42 PM
Location:
Monmouth Junction, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
328
Comments:
0
Title:
MIDWAY Tower
Description:
Located "midway" between Philadelphia 30th St Station and New York City Penn Station, MIDWAY Tower was built in 1944. The tower is standard in design to other towers along the NEC in that it was constructed entirely of brick, had no bay window, has a peaked tile roof and an internal staircase. MIDWAY Tower contained a 35 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic switch machine with 20 active levers that controlled 45mph turnouts, a 4 track crossover and the junction to the Jamesburg Branch. Today, MIDWAY serves as an active MoW base for Amtrak
Photo Date:
12/2/2016
Upload Date:
12/2/2016 6:43:28 PM
Location:
Monmouth Junction, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
340
Comments:
0
Title:
NASSAU Tower
Description:
Built in 1944, NASSAU Tower was named after one of the buildings on the Princeton University campus, Nassau Hall. The tower was built of brick with a concrete foundation, has a peaked slate roof, an internal staircase and like many other similar towers along the NEC, has no bay window. NASSAU contained a 35 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic switch machine with 21 active levers. The tower once controlled a full five track crossover and access to the Princeton Branch, as well as 45mph turnouts located within the interlocking. Amtrak removed NASSAU Tower from service in the mid 1980s.
Photo Date:
12/2/2016
Upload Date:
12/2/2016 6:41:41 PM
Location:
Princeton Junction, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
281
Comments:
0
Title:
NASSAU Tower
Description:
Built in 1944, NASSAU Tower was named after one of the buildings on the Princeton University campus, Nassau Hall. The tower was built of brick with a concrete foundation, has a peaked slate roof, an internal staircase and like many other similar towers along the NEC, has no bay window. NASSAU contained a 35 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic switch machine with 21 active levers. The tower once controlled a full five track crossover and access to the Princeton Branch, as well as 45mph turnouts located within the interlocking. Amtrak removed NASSAU Tower from service in the mid 1980s.
Photo Date:
12/2/2016
Upload Date:
12/2/2016 6:41:01 PM
Location:
Princeton Junction, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
238
Comments:
0
Title:
MILLHAM Tower
Description:
MILLHAM Tower was built in 1940, but unlike other interlocking towers of the period, was constructed of a beige colored brick, rather than the traditional red. Like other towers, MILLHAM has an internal staircase, no bay window, but did not have a peaked slate roof. Intead, the tower was constructed with a completely flat, concrete slabbed roof which at some point in time was replaced with the current roof seen on the tower. A five track crossover was once controlled by the tower's 23 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic machine with 21 active levers. Despite be located near the Millham Branch, a small industrial spur, the branch was not part of the interlocking and therefore not controlled by the tower bearing the same name. Amtrak removed the tower from active service in the 80s, however MILLHAM still serves as a MoW base and a radio repeater for train dispatch.
Photo Date:
8/9/2018
Upload Date:
8/16/2018 11:52:17 AM
Location:
Hamilton Township, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
249
Comments:
1
Title:
MILLHAM Tower
Description:
MILLHAM Tower was built in 1940, but unlike other interlocking towers of the period, was constructed of a beige colored brick, rather than the traditional red. Like other towers, MILLHAM has an internal staircase, no bay window, but did not have a peaked slate roof. Intead, the tower was constructed with a completely flat, concrete slabbed roof which at some point in time was replaced with the current roof seen on the tower. A five track crossover was once controlled by the tower's 23 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic machine with 21 active levers. Despite be located near the Millham Branch, a small industrial spur, the branch was not part of the interlocking and therefore not controlled by the tower bearing the same name. Amtrak removed the tower from active service in the 80s, however MILLHAM still serves as a MoW base and a radio repeater for train dispatch.
Photo Date:
12/2/2016
Upload Date:
12/2/2016 6:40:08 PM
Location:
Hamilton Township, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
333
Comments:
0
Title:
FAIR Tower
Description:
Built in the late 1920's, FAIR Tower was named after the nearby state fairgrounds. It is constructed of poured concrete and wood and is covered with elaborate features. FAIR contained a 75 lever US&S model 14 electro-pneumatic machine with 60 active levers that controlled a full mainline crossover. The tower was closed in 1996, but still serves as an Amtrak MoW base.
Photo Date:
8/17/2013
Upload Date:
8/26/2014 1:03:09 PM
Location:
Trenton, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
409
Comments:
2
Title:
FAIR Tower
Description:
Built in the late 1920's, FAIR Tower was named after the nearby state fairgrounds. It is constructed of poured concrete and wood and is covered with elaborate features. FAIR contained a 75 lever US&S model 14 electro-pneumatic machine with 60 active levers that controlled a full mainline crossover. The tower was closed in 1996, but still serves as an Amtrak MoW base.
Photo Date:
8/17/2013
Upload Date:
8/26/2014 1:05:54 PM
Location:
Trenton, NJ
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
275
Comments:
1
Title:
MORRIS Tower
Description:
MORRIS Tower, which is located in Morrisville, PA is an all brick structure with concrete foundation and was built in 1941. Unlike other towers of the same period and design, MORRIS contains no bay window. It employeed a 47 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic switch machine which aside from the main line, also controlled several interlockings around Morrisville Yard. With the decline of both passenger and freight service, MORRIS was closed circa 1990. Today, due to proper upkeep and maintenance, the tower serves as an Amtrak MoW base as well as housing the air compressor equipment that is used for the pneumatic switches at MORRIS interlocking.
Photo Date:
4/5/2015
Upload Date:
4/6/2015 9:08:50 PM
Location:
Morrisville, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
304
Comments:
2
Title:
MORRIS Tower
Description:
MORRIS Tower, which is located in Morrisville, PA is an all brick structure with concrete foundation and was built in 1941. Unlike other towers of the same period and design, MORRIS contains no bay window. It employeed a 47 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic switch machine which aside from the main line, also controlled several interlockings around Morrisville Yard. With the decline of both passenger and freight service, MORRIS was closed circa 1990. Today, due to proper upkeep and maintenance, the tower serves as an Amtrak MoW base as well as housing the air compressor equipment that is used for the pneumatic switches at MORRIS interlocking.
Photo Date:
4/5/2015
Upload Date:
4/6/2015 9:11:40 PM
Location:
Morrisville, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
317
Comments:
1
Title:
GRUNDY Tower
Description:
GRUNDY Tower was built in 1947 and named after Joseph R. Grundy, a textile manufacturer and Republican Party politician from Bristol. The tower is very similar in appearance to HOLMES, as it is of all brick construction with a concrete foundation and flooring, and no bay window. GRUNDY was outfitted with a 31 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic machine which controlled a northbound and southbound crossover, as well as access to the small Bristol freight yard. With Amtrak's decision to remove the southbound crossover, GRUNDY's operations were reduced to a MoW base and office. (The Pennsylvania Turnpike I276 can be seen in the background)
Photo Date:
2/13/2015
Upload Date:
2/15/2015 1:08:20 AM
Location:
Bristol, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
386
Comments:
1
Title:
GRUNDY Tower
Description:
GRUNDY Tower was built in 1947 and named after Joseph R. Grundy, a textile manufacturer and Republican Party politician from Bristol. The tower is very similar in appearance to HOLMES, as it is of all brick construction with a concrete foundation and flooring, and no bay window. GRUNDY was outfitted with a 31 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic machine which controlled a northbound and southbound crossover, as well as access to the small Bristol freight yard. With Amtrak's decision to remove the southbound crossover, GRUNDY's operations were reduced to a MoW base and office.
Photo Date:
4/5/2015
Upload Date:
4/6/2015 9:05:36 PM
Location:
Bristol, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
296
Comments:
2
Title:
HOLMES Tower
Description:
Sharing duties as once an interlocking tower and station, HOLMES (Holmesburg Jct) was constructed in 1947. Built of brick and concrete and originally having a slate roof, the tower lacked the traditional bay window found on many other PRR switch towers. HOLMES contained a 31 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic switch machine which onced controlled a full mainline crossover as well as the entrance to the Bustleton Branch which runs behind the tower. Also of note, HOLMES once served as the division post between the Philadelphia Terminal and New York Divisions. In 1994 Amtrak discontinued the use of HOLMES as an interlocking tower. Today, SEPTA utilizes the structure as a station on its Trenton Line.
Photo Date:
4/11/2015
Upload Date:
5/23/2015 6:45:04 PM
Location:
Holmesburg, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
482
Comments:
2
Title:
HOLMES Tower
Description:
Sharing duties as once an interlocking tower and station, HOLMES (Holmesburg Jct) was constructed in 1947. Built of brick and concrete and originally having a slate roof, the tower lacked the traditional bay window found on many other PRR switch towers. HOLMES contained a 31 lever US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic switch machine which onced controlled a full mainline crossover as well as the entrance to the Bustleton Branch which runs behind the tower. Also of note, HOLMES once served as the division post between the Philadelphia Terminal and New York Divisions. In 1994 Amtrak discontinued the use of HOLMES as an interlocking tower. Today, SEPTA utilizes the structure as a station on its Trenton Line.
Photo Date:
5/23/2015
Upload Date:
5/23/2015 6:45:49 PM
Location:
Holmesburg, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
350
Comments:
1
Title:
SHORE Tower
Description:
SHORE Tower was built in 1896 (making it the oldest surviving switch tower along the NEC) as part of the Delaware River Railroad & Bridge Co's project to build a new bridge over the Delaware River as a quicker route to the Jersey Shore. The tower once controlled the interlocking at Frankford Jct with a US&S Model 14 Electro-Pneumatic interlocking machine. SHORE is all wood with a brick foundation and was originally painted in a brown and tuscan red scheme. As of today, the tower no longer serves a purpose and has long since been boarded up.
Photo Date:
10/1/2014
Upload Date:
10/1/2014 11:48:45 PM
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
455
Comments:
1
Title:
SHORE Tower
Description:
SHORE Tower was built in 1896 (making it the oldest surviving switch tower along the NEC) as part of the Delaware River Railroad & Bridge Co's project to build a new bridge over the Delaware River as a quicker route to the Jersey Shore. The tower once controlled the interlocking at Frankford Jct with a US&S Model 14 Electro-Pneumatic interlocking machine. SHORE is all wood with a brick foundation and was originally painted in a brown and tuscan red scheme. As of today, the tower no longer serves a purpose and has long since been boarded up.
Photo Date:
10/1/2014
Upload Date:
10/1/2014 11:49:34 PM
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
889
Comments:
2
Title:
NORTH PHILADELPHIA Tower
Description:
Built in 1913, NORTH PHILADELPHIA Tower was constructed to help handle the busy passenger flow of the city terminal, and the newly constructed Chestnut Hill line. The tower is reminiscent of the Victorian bricked-base, wood topped tower design of the late 1800s, but has a fully reinforced concrete base (NORTH PHILADELPHIA is the only remaining tower in Pennsylvania from this design era). The tower had a 47 lever US&S F13 EP machine with 45 working levers making it one of the most demanding switch towers in the Philadelphia Terminal Division. NORTH PHILADELPHIA Tower is still an active tower, but in no regards to what it once was. Also of note, FAIR Tower in Trenton is the sister tower of NORTH PHILADELPHIA.
Photo Date:
8/28/2014
Upload Date:
8/28/2014 7:02:29 PM
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
366
Comments:
2
Title:
NORTH PHILADELPHIA Tower
Description:
Built in 1913, NORTH PHILADELPHIA Tower was constructed to help handle the busy passenger flow of the city terminal, and the newly constructed Chestnut Hill line. The tower is reminiscent of the Victorian bricked-base, wood topped tower design of the late 1800s, but has a fully reinforced concrete base (NORTH PHILADELPHIA is the only remaining tower in Pennsylvania from this design era). The tower had a 47 lever US&S F13 EP machine with 45 working levers making it one of the most demanding switch towers in the Philadelphia Terminal Division. NORTH PHILADELPHIA Tower is still an active tower, but in no regards to what it once was. Also of note, FAIR Tower in Trenton is the sister tower of NORTH PHILADELPHIA.
Photo Date:
8/28/2014
Upload Date:
8/28/2014 7:03:06 PM
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
313
Comments:
1
Title:
ZOO Tower
Description:
Built in 1935 and named for the nearby Philadelphia Zoo, ZOO Tower once controlled the interlocking where the PRR's New York to Washington D.C.and Philadelphia to Chicago lines came together. The tower is built of brick with concrete floors and has a peaked slate roof. A 227 lever, Union Switch & Signal Co model 14 interlocking machine is contained on the top floor of the tower. Each of the 135 working levers controlled a pair of switches and signals. The first floor contained the relay room, and the lower level, the air compressor apparatus to operate the pneumatic switch machines. ZOO was typically staffed by seven people. Although its functions and purpose were greatly reduced when Amtrak took control of the NEC, ZOO is still an actively manned interlocking tower.
Photo Date:
1/16/2015
Upload Date:
1/16/2015 9:37:50 PM
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
457
Comments:
1
Title:
ZOO Tower
Description:
Built in 1935 and named for the nearby Philadelphia Zoo, ZOO Tower once controlled the interlocking where the PRR's New York to Washington D.C.and Philadelphia to Chicago lines came together. The tower is built of brick with concrete floors and has a peaked slate roof. A 227 lever, Union Switch & Signal Co model 14 interlocking machine is contained on the top floor of the tower. Each of the 135 working levers controlled a pair of switches and signals. The first floor contained the relay room, and the lower level, the air compressor apparatus to operate the pneumatic switch machines. ZOO was typically staffed by seven people. Although its functions and purpose were greatly reduced when Amtrak took control of the NEC, ZOO is still an actively manned interlocking tower.
Photo Date:
1/16/2015
Upload Date:
1/16/2015 9:38:45 PM
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
396
Comments:
1
Title:
ARSENAL Tower
Description:
Built in 1932 and named after the Schuylkill Arsenal that was once located in the vicinity, ARSENAL Tower controlled a full six-track crossover as well as the entrance to the South Philadelphia freight yard (Greenwhich), the wye to the High Line and the West Chester Branch. ARSENAL is a two story brick tower with a concrete base and employed a US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic switch machine. ZOO Tower was ARSENAL's counterpart on the northern end of the 30th St Station complex. Today, ARSENAL Tower is closed and does not serve a functional purpose.
Photo Date:
1/25/2015
Upload Date:
1/25/2015 8:55:07 PM
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
368
Comments:
1
Title:
ARSENAL Tower
Description:
Built in 1932 and named after the Schuylkill Arsenal that was once located in the vicinity, ARSENAL Tower controlled a full six-track crossover as well as the entrance to the South Philadelphia freight yard (Greenwhich), the wye to the High Line and the West Chester Branch. ARSENAL is a two story brick tower with a concrete base and employed a US&S Model 14 electro-pneumatic switch machine. ZOO Tower was ARSENAL's counterpart on the northern end of the 30th St Station complex. Today, ARSENAL Tower is closed and does not serve a functional purpose.
Photo Date:
1/25/2015
Upload Date:
1/25/2015 8:55:54 PM
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
484
Comments:
1
Title:
BRILL Tower
Description:
Named for the once-nearby trolley manufacturer, BRILL Tower was built in 1905. The tower was constructed on a brick foundation with a wood frame second floor, which contained a projecting trackside bay window. Rectangular in plan, BRILL has a hipped roof that was originally covered in either slate or tile. Similar to BALDWIN Tower, BRILL also contained an internal staircase. The tower was constructed with a 40 lever, Armstrong electro-mechanical switch machine with 26 working levers that controlled a full track cross-over. Interestingly, Amtrak disassembled and donated the interlocking machine in its entirety to the relocated and restored former LEMO (Lemoyne) Tower, (renamed J Tower) at Strasburg Railroad. Today, BRILL is completely inactive and suffers from weather infiltration as well as heavy vandalism.
Photo Date:
4/16/2015
Upload Date:
4/16/2015 10:07:58 PM
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
801
Comments:
2
Title:
BRILL Tower
Description:
Named for the once-nearby trolley manufacturer, BRILL Tower was built in 1905. The tower was constructed on a brick foundation with a wood frame second floor, which contained a projecting trackside bay window. Rectangular in plan, BRILL has a hipped roof that was originally covered in either slate or tile. Similar to BALDWIN Tower, BRILL also contained an internal staircase. The tower was constructed with a 40 lever, Armstrong electro-mechanical switch machine with 26 working levers that controlled a full track cross-over. Interestingly, Amtrak disassembled and donated the interlocking machine in its entirety to the relocated and restored former LEMO (Lemoyne) Tower, (renamed J Tower) at Strasburg Railroad. Today, BRILL is completely inactive and suffers from weather infiltration as well as heavy vandalism.
Photo Date:
4/16/2015
Upload Date:
4/16/2015 10:11:47 PM
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
460
Comments:
1
Title:
BALDWIN Tower
Description:
BALDWIN Tower was constucted circa 1905 and named after the nearby Baldwin Locomotive Works. It was built during the period when the PRR was still constructing its towers with individual designs - they were not yet standardized in appearance. BALDWIN is square in plan, set on a stuccoed, terra-cotta foundation with a fenestrated wood-frame second floor (with no bay) and deeply-projecting Arts-&-Crafts style hipped roof. The tower was built with an Armstrong lever electro-mechanical switch machine, which continued to be used until the tower was decommissioned.
Photo Date:
1/25/2015
Upload Date:
1/25/2015 9:02:02 PM
Location:
Eddystone, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
401
Comments:
1
Title:
BALDWIN Tower
Description:
BALDWIN Tower was constucted circa 1905 and named after the nearby Baldwin Locomotive Works. It was built during the period when the PRR was still constructing its towers with individual designs - they were not yet standardized in appearance. BALDWIN is square in plan, set on a stuccoed, terra-cotta foundation with a fenestrated wood-frame second floor (with no bay) and deeply-projecting Arts-&-Crafts style hipped roof. The tower was built with an Armstrong lever electro-mechanical switch machine, which continued to be used until the tower was decommissioned.
Photo Date:
1/25/2015
Upload Date:
1/25/2015 9:03:43 PM
Location:
Eddystone, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
322
Comments:
1
Title:
LAMOKIN Tower
Description:
LAMOKIN Tower was built circa 1925 to controll a full crossover and the junctions with the Chester Creek Line and Lamokin Street Branch. It is a more conservative and less ornamental design than the earlier PRR interlocking towers. Constructed completely of masonary (brick foundation/first floor), LAMOKIN, like similar towers of this design were two-stories in height, rectangular in plan, constructed with steel and concrete framing (with a wood framed roof and fireproof slate shingles) and containing internal stairways and rest rooms. The tower also had a projecting second floor trackside bay which contained a US&S Model 14 switch machine to control the interlocking (LAMOKIN is very similar in appearance and design to ARSENAL Tower). In 1972 when Hurricane Agnes severely damaged the Chester Creek Line, the tower was closed. Today, LAMOKIN is heavily vandalized and partially collapsed from weather infiltration due to roof leaks. In late 2017, LAMOKIN Tower was demolished along with the adjacent Lloyd St bridge.
Photo Date:
1/30/2015
Upload Date:
1/30/2015 9:33:51 PM
Location:
Chester, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
694
Comments:
1
Title:
LAMOKIN Tower
Description:
LAMOKIN Tower was built circa 1925 to controll a full crossover and the junctions with the Chester Creek Line and Lamokin Street Branch. It is a more conservative and less ornamental design than the earlier PRR interlocking towers. Constructed completely of masonary (brick foundation/first floor), LAMOKIN, like similar towers of this design were two-stories in height, rectangular in plan, constructed with steel and concrete framing (with a wood framed roof and fireproof slate shingles) and containing internal stairways and rest rooms. The tower also had a projecting second floor trackside bay which contained a US&S Model 14 switch machine to control the interlocking (LAMOKIN is very similar in appearance and design to ARSENAL Tower). In 1972 when Hurricane Agnes severely damaged the Chester Creek Line, the tower was closed. Today, LAMOKIN is heavily vandalized and partially collapsed from weather infiltration due to roof leaks. In late 2017, LAMOKIN Tower was demolished along with the adjacent Lloyd St bridge.
Photo Date:
1/30/2015
Upload Date:
1/30/2015 9:34:37 PM
Location:
Chester, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
850
Comments:
1
Title:
HOOK Tower
Description:
Located in Marcus Hook, just north of the Delaware state line is HOOK Tower. Built circa 1905, HOOK controlled a four track cross-over as well as the connection with the Linwood Branch. The tower is a single-story brick building divided into two rooms, and containing a wood frame second floor for the US&S Model 13 electro-pneumatic switch machine. Unlike the similar in appearance BALDWIN Tower, HOOK had an outdoor second floor staircase. HOOK Tower has a modern asphalt shingle roof (originally slate), as well as modern siding and windows.
Photo Date:
1/30/2015
Upload Date:
1/30/2015 9:36:35 PM
Location:
Marcus Hook, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
344
Comments:
1
Title:
BELL Tower
Description:
BELL Tower was named after the Bellevue section of Delaware in which it stands. It was constructed of brick, poured concrete, and a slate roof. The structure does not have a bay window like many other traditional PRR switch towers. BELL once controlled the interlocking at the north end of Edgemoor Yard.
Photo Date:
1/9/2015
Upload Date:
1/9/2015 11:06:00 PM
Location:
Wilmington, DE
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
621
Comments:
2
Title:
BELL Tower
Description:
BELL Tower was named after the Bellevue section of Delaware in which it stands. It was constructed of brick, poured concrete, and a slate roof. The structure does not have a bay window like many other traditional PRR switch towers. BELL once controlled the interlocking at the north end of Edgemoor Yard.
Photo Date:
1/9/2015
Upload Date:
1/9/2015 11:05:04 PM
Location:
Wilmington, DE
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
446
Comments:
1
Title:
DAVIS Tower
Description:
DAVIS Tower is a two story w/ basement structure that was originally plaster covered with a tile roof. The tower housed a 23 lever Electro-Pneumatic US&S Model 14 switch machine with 16 working levers. DAVIS once controlled a four track crossover, as well as connections to the former Chrysler Plant, Delmarva Secondary and the former Newark & Pomeroy Branch. Today, the tower is well maintained and serves as an Amtrak MoW base.
Photo Date:
2/21/2016
Upload Date:
2/21/2016 11:51:57 PM
Location:
Newark, DE
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
266
Comments:
1
Title:
DAVIS Tower
Description:
DAVIS Tower is a two story w/ basement structure that was originally plaster covered with a tile roof. The tower housed a 23 lever Electro-Pneumatic US&S Model 14 switch machine with 16 working levers. DAVIS once controlled a four track crossover, as well as connections to the former Chrysler Plant, Delmarva Secondary and the former Newark & Pomeroy Branch. Today, the tower is well maintained and serves as an Amtrak MoW base.
Photo Date:
2/21/2016
Upload Date:
2/21/2016 11:52:23 PM
Location:
Newark, DE
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
275
Comments:
2
Title:
PERRY Tower
Description:
Built of brick with a concrete base, PERRY Tower is a two story structure with an external staircase. The tower lacks the "traditional" bay window found on many other PRR style interlocking towers. PERRY onced controlled access to the Port Road Branch. The tower lasted into the Penn Central days as can be seen by the Penn Central style "PERRY" sign located on both sides of the tower. Today, the tower serves no functional purpose.
Photo Date:
8/4/2015
Upload Date:
2/22/2016 12:37:30 AM
Location:
Perryville, MD
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
261
Comments:
1
Title:
PERRY Tower
Description:
Built of brick with a concrete base, PERRY Tower is a two story structure with an external staircase. The tower lacks the "traditional" bay window found on many other PRR style interlocking towers. PERRY onced controlled access to the Port Road Branch. The tower lasted into the Penn Central days as can be seen by the Penn Central style "PERRY" sign located on both sides of the tower. Today, the tower serves no functional purpose.
Photo Date:
8/4/2015
Upload Date:
2/22/2016 12:38:51 AM
Location:
Perryville, MD
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
205
Comments:
1
Title:
EDGEWOOD Tower
Description:
EDGEWOOD Tower is named after the town of Edgewood, MD where it is located. It is the first tower south of the Susquehanna River. Very similar in appearance to DAVIS Tower in Newark, DE, EDGEWOOD Tower is a two story structure with basement and is constructed of brick with a concrete foundation.
Photo Date:
10/2/2016
Upload Date:
10/9/2016 8:15:42 PM
Location:
Edgewood, MD
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
899
Comments:
0
Title:
K Tower
Description:
Named after "K Street" which is just north of the tower, K Tower is the last actively manned interlocking tower south of Philadelphia. The tower controlls Amtrak's Union Station terminal complex.
Photo Date:
10/2/2016
Upload Date:
10/9/2016 8:16:32 PM
Location:
Washington, DC
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
392
Comments:
1
Title:
SHORE Tower
Description:
Built in 1896, SHORE Tower is the oldest, still standing interlocking tower along the Washington to New York mainline. However, the days may now be numbered as the tower suffered a fire on the night of July 27th.
Photo Date:
7/28/2021
Upload Date:
7/28/2021 11:20:25 AM
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
1580
Comments:
0
Title:
SHORE Tower
Description:
Built in 1896, SHORE Tower is the oldest, still standing interlocking tower along the Washington to New York mainline. However, the days may now be numbered as the tower suffered a fire on the night of July 27th.
Photo Date:
7/28/2021
Upload Date:
7/28/2021 11:21:20 AM
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Author:
Ben Kranefeld
Categories:
Locomotives:
Views:
1093
Comments:
0
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