Surviving BNSF Marceline Sub Searchlights Retired

While this probably isn't breaking news I am still going to report the fact that the last two intact ATSF era signal bridges on the Marceline Sub in eastern Missouri were de-signaled in late 2019, some 6 years after the rest of the route was re-signaled in the summer of 2013.  The two-track, weathering steel I-beam construction signal bridges at mileposts 243 and 241 not only remained standing, but also retained their US&S H-5 searchlights.

MP 243 signal in 2013

MP 241 signal in 2013

These signals were located between Argyle and Ortho and also retained their prefab concrete relay huts.  As you can see from the above photos, PTC antennas had been erected and no replacement signals were on hand.  However, seeing that the signal heads on the bridge at MP 238 had been turned in place, I just assumed that the MP 241 and MP 243  signals would likely be replaced or removed in short order.  The replacement signals at MP 243 and MP 241 use 1 mast and one cabinet mounted half mast.  The ATSF structures were still standing as of April 2020 and as far as i am aware the few color light equipped ATSF signal bridges are also still in place.  My 2013 survey of this line segment can be found here.