2020 A-Line Trip Report

So I recently had the opportunity to ride Amtrak's Palmetto for almost its entire run to Savannah which would be my first trip since 2018 between DC and Selma and my first time ever south of Selma.  Unfortunately the placement of the baggage car on the rear of the train prevented me from taking a proper survey, but I was able to observe the few remaining bits of interesting signal kit that do survive and because that set is so limited, I can pretty much list them all here with both new and archive material.

Kicking things off the RF&P vintage US&S N-3 intermediate signals are still in place between Spotsylvania and Doswell.  They may have some Darth Vader head mods for 4-block signaling, however the old school 90's hardware is clinging to life.

Speaking of Doswell, the US&S large target bracket mast is still in service for southbound trains.

In case you were wondering, the RF&P FB, MD, HN and GN towers are also still standing.

The next classic signals, again, slightly modified, can be found at CHARLIE BAKER interlocking in Rocky Mount, NC.

On the South End Sub between Rockey Mount and Fayetteville, there are a number of 90's vintage transitional signals that use the large targets and painted mast structures with modular or Safetran hardware.  However in places the integrated hut-masts are being replaced with more traditional single purpose equipment so these might soon be disappearing.

At the Wilson diamond south of Wilson, NC, I spotted this ACL survivor facing the intersecting NS line.

At FLORANCE interlocking in Florance, SC there are some more 90's vintage, Seaboard style US&S large target signals.

File Photo

Finally in Drayton Hall, SC, the drawbridge over the Ashley River is protected by Stop and Check signals in the traditional manner, even if those signals were changed during the recent re-signaling process.

All in all, its not much, but its something.  If you are in the vicinity of any of these signal locations, make sure you pop by for some photos.