Last operational Ball Signal in the US.

[JCitron]

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=288071

This is the last ball signal in the US. It's located up in Whitefield New Hampshire, which is quite a distance from where I live, but I've seen it in operation.

John

 

[Paulsw2]

I'm astonished that's surived, it looks like something out of the 19th century! (though, actually, so does the track!:hehe: )

Paul

 

[JCitron]

I'm astonished that's surived, it looks like something out of the 19th century! (though, actually, so does the track!:hehe: )

Paul

It is 19th century! The track, well this is New England and Guilford Transportation. (Aka Pan Am Railways). They under power, under repair, and run everything to the ground unless it is state owned, where the local authorities put in the tab for track maintenance.


John

 

[SantaFebuff]

These things coined the term "highball!"... high ball = green.

Cheers,
Joshua

 

[RRSignal]

The signal is cool as is that diamond. It reminds me of some of the rural crossings in south Jersey. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Paulsw2]

It is 19th century! The track, well this is New England and Guilford Transportation. (Aka Pan Am Railways). They under power, under repair, and run everything to the ground unless it is state owned, where the local authorities put in the tab for track maintenance.


John

Thanks for the explanation John. So you mean that this railway is actually operational, as in, legally? I assume passengers are allowed nowhere near it?

Paul

 

[PereMarquette1225fan]

Great find and a view from 1981!

That signal is simply incredible! I thought all of the ball signals were gone, but it is nice to see that one has survived the test of time since the early days of railroading. I mean for a one hundred plus year old signal, it still looks fantastic despite the fact the purpose the former MEC and B&M tracks are only used for freight car storage for the interchange with the New Hampshire Central and Conway Scenic Railroad. But still, it's a great find and I hope to see both lines returned to service, then the signal will see some regular usage again.

Here's a view from July 1981, when it was still active for both lines.

 

[ulmer94]

Comparing the old picture and new one, it looks like it's in remarkably good repair now, for the lines not being active anymore. Says in the comments that the lines are only used for car storage anymore. But that shed has been freshly repainted and balls on the signal are new. (as of June 2009, anyways)

 

[JCitron]

Comparing the old picture and new one, it looks like it's in remarkably good repair now, for the lines not being active anymore. Says in the comments that the lines are only used for car storage anymore. But that shed has been freshly repainted and balls on the signal are new. (as of June 2009, anyways)

I think it's also a landmark so they keep it freshly painted.

The line does see occasional passenger service with specials run by the Conway Scenic.

It's too bad the old MEC Mountain Division wasn't operational the way to St. Johnsbury, VT. The scenery up there is absolutely spectacular with the wide valleys and high hills on either side on the western end, and up high in Franconia Notch in the rock cliffs of the White Mountain range.

John