Cork interlocking machine

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Cork is a Union Switch & Signal Model 14 electro-pneumatic machine, placed in service in 1928. Cork consists of three "logical" interlockings: Conestoga, Lancaster Station, and Long's Park. Before Conrail downgraded the Columbia Branch, there was a fourth section at Dillerville.

Right side of the model board. Dillerville was where the picture of the tower is now. The eastward move on the approach to Long's Park is the Kellogg's crew (YHLA-62) on his return to Dillerville yard. The crossover at Long's Park leads to the former Reading Company R&C Branch.

Left side of the model board. Conestoga is at the extreme left, located at the long crossover. There were originally four tracks at this point -- the Main Line at the PRR intended it to be did not fo to two tracks until the west end of the station platforms were reached here; any freight traffic that didn't swing to the Low Grade (A&S Branch) at Park probably turned left here for the short jaunt to Columbia.

The machine. Hot journal recorders are to the left; the operator's desk is to the extreme left out of view. (There is a panel blocking device panel over the operator's desk, along with the requisite radio, block line and Bell phone.) The scan quality leaves a lot to be desired here; these were time exposures that I was able to manipulate with the scanner and software. What you can't see very well here are the signal rundown timer knobs on the front of the machine (below the indicator lights) or the pushbuttons for the emergency horns. Oh yeah, we had the finest amenities in the towers: a prime example is the modern refrigerator in the background :-)

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