RAILROAD SIGNALS of the U.S.

DIAMOND CROSSING PROTECTION
PENNSY crossing the B&O
BALTIMORE   MD

These current photos are from a diamond at the south end of Penn-Mary Yard in east Baltimore (Google Earth picture at bottom of the page).  There is a tail track which comes off of the former PRR/Conrail, now NS yard that crosses the CSX.  Thanks to Michael Watnoski for turning me on to these signals, I've lived in Baltimore for close to 40 years and didn't know about these until a few weeks ago. All pictures taken 10-2-05.

The first set is a single unit signal, sitting on top of a 3" pipe, about 5 feet high.  Judging from the wiring leading up to the signal, which is (was) in plastic conduit, I don't think the lights work anymore.  We didn't see any of them lit.  This signal uses a standard US&S head, the kind that shows up on Pennsy and N&W PL signals.  The last picture is a similar signal on the far side of the diamond.  Location #1 0n the schematic.

               

This signal, a double set of the US&S heads, protects CSX freights crossing the diamond.  Just prior to the diamond, two tracks come together, that is the only reason we could see for the double light.  Again, since these things are pretty much aimed at the ground, I don't believe they light up any more.  In the middle shot, you can see how things are rusting apart and the lens is ready to fall out.  Location #2 on the schematic.

       

The following signal guards a single CSX track at the diamond.  Location #3 on the schematic.

Here are a couple of shots of the other signals and the whole diamond.  The left shot are the two sets of CSX signals on the far side of the diamond.  The middle picture shows the two close CSX signals and the diamond.  The right shot is a CSX freight that was working the Seagirt Marine Terminal.

Below is a Google Earth picture of the diamond area.

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

New: 1-14-2007
Mod: 02-Dec-2007