PU Tower Restoration Update

Former Central RR of New Jersey PU (Phillipsburg Union) tower in Phillipsburg, NJ recently held an open house to shot off the state of the tower's restoration effort. It is affiliated with the NJ Transportation Heritage Museum that, amoung other artifacts, has an operable triple expansion steam pump. I had last visited the tower in 2017 where it was clear that a lot of work had already been carried out, however the Model 14 interlocking machine was a long way from being restored due to massive stripping as you can see below.

I found some photos from the event and starting on the operator's level the Model 14 has recovered a significant amount of levers. We can also see wires indicating plans to reactivate some functionality.

The operator's desk now hosts all sorts of artifacts.

The lower level features a full suite of air compressors and the power board.

 There is also some documentation discussing how the tower was closed and reopened several times by the CNJ as is desperately tried to abandon its operations in PA. I definitely need to get up there again, but I might want to pace myself and wait until more of the Model 14 is functional, just to avoid having to make extra trips. 

SEPTA Broad St Subway Signal Project

The SEPTA Broad Street Line is notable for being one of the best examples of pneumatically powered signaling appliances in the form of point machines and trip stops. The whole line is equipped with such devices except for the Fern Rock shop and yard complex, which was subjected to a re-signaling project around 2005. Well I just caught word that due to a long term plan to rebuild the City Hall station, SEPTA will be installing bi-directional signaling between the line's WALNUT and FAIRMOUNT interlockings.

Single direction signaling at WALNUT interlocking.

Since it was constructed in the late 1928 it has operated almost entirely with single direction ABS with a few isolated segments of bi-directional signaling within interlocking limits. SEPTA's plans to rebuild City Hall will take entire platforms out of service so the usual practice of closing either the local or express track will not be an option. As a result SEPTA is looking to install some bi-directional capability so the normally 4-track railroad can operate as a two track railroad between Walnut Locust and Girard stations. 

It will be interesting to see what brand of signaling equipment SEPTA decides to go with and if they stick with pneumatic trip stops or convert to electric. After the MFL was re-signaled around 2000, SEPTA was able to bank a large amount of 1980's vintage pneumatic trips and A-10 point machines that have been slowly appearing on the BSL so there might be enough in stock to supply the project. Since the wayside signal system is likely to be replaced around when new rolling stock is purchased, this would save money on an ultimately short term change. On the other hand if someone else is paying, SEPTA could decide to rid themselves of a "troublesome" technology. There could also be a mix with the existing equipment left alone and only the new reverse direction signals getting electric. Regardless, I think I might take the time to get photos of whatever is currently in place.

Southern Caltrain Signaling Changes

With Caltrain's new electrification set to kick off soon, I have been checking if there have been any additional signaling changes beyond the removal of the King St Terminal cantilever. While most of the action is happening north of San Jose Diridon, the wires do extend down to the Tamien Station, which has a direct VTA connection and has always seen a bit of through service. Here is what I found when I checked in on the Southern Pacific era signaling on that part of the line.

First up was CP-CAHILL and the southern end of the Diridon terminal. As expected these were replaced some time ago, getting the traffic light treatment in early 2017.

Next were the SP signals at CP-DELMAS about a mile to the south These lasted quite a bit longer, being replaced by US&S modular traffic lights around 2021-2022.

The most interesting changes occurred at CP-MACK at the Tamien Station. CP-MACK had southbound Sp masts, a northbound Sp cantilever and a northbound two "head", 6-module dwarf stack. Around 2021 the track two cantilever signal was changed from SP to Darth Vader type. Then later in 2022, both cantilever signals were replaced by two "head" LED searchlights. 

In an even more baffling turn of events the dwarf stack was replaced by a two "head" mini transit style signals. 

Your guess is as good as mine as to why, but its definitely something to see. As for the rest of the line to Gilroy and beyond, it appears to be unchanged.