RAILROAD SIGNALS of the U.S.

DIAMOND CROSSING PROTECTION
TOWER 183
 

MISSOURI PACIFIC and
the COTTON BELT
 

TYLER   TX

This diamond is protected by a simple swing gate. The Cotton Belt has the majority of traffic coming thru here - even back in the 60's I only remember seeing only one train a day on the Mopac.  I grew up in Tyler between the years of 1959 and 1964 and never paid it much mind, and I use to come down to the Cotton Belt yard all the time (that's where I first saw my first GP-30).  After leaving there, I returned in 1985 and 1999, which is when these pictures were taken.  Luck was with me for catching both a Mopac and Cotton Belt freight at the gate in 85.  It appears that the red/green reflectors on the arm disappeared over the years.

If anyone in Tyler has better shots, they would be appreciated.... tnx.... Todd.... ps - I would like pix of the station too!

For a few more shots of this diamond, check out: http://www.towers.txrrhistory.com/183/183.htm

For a great guide to the area, check out Steve Sandifer's Houston railfan guide at: http://www.trainweb.org/jssand/Houston/Houston.htm

For more info on the towers of Texas, check out:
http://www.towers.txrrhistory.com/index.htm (the motherload of information!)
http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasRailroads/Railroad-Interlocking-Towers-of-Texas.htm

Another great site with info on railroad structures in all of Texas (listed by county, ie: The city of Tyler is in Smith county, so don't click on Tyler county) is at : http://www.rrshs.org/Texas/txrrstruc.htm

Anyone else have any crossing signals to share with the world? send em to toddgp30@comcast.net

MOD 2/21/2007