WW&F switch stands

[Jeff Schumaker]

Does anyone happen to know how far above the ground the targets were on WW&F switch stands?

Jeff Schumaker

[Benjamin Campbell]

Which type of switch stand? They used several different makes. I am particularly intrigued by the milk bottle shaped switch stands which are seen only in the Wiscasset yard and were presumably included in the first order of rail and switches ordered by the W&Q.  I have been trying to figure out the dimensions of these particular switches myself. They also appear to have some writing cast in an arc on their main body. Unfortunately I have not been able to locate a closeup photograph in which it may be read.

[Jeff Schumaker]

I am referring to the ones along the mainline.

Jeff

[Benjamin Campbell]

They did use the switches I am talking about on the mainline but only in the Wiscasset area as far as I can tell. North of there I believe that they still used more than one style of switch which may or may not have had their signs at a uniform height.  They have one original switch. Maybe someone will measure the height of the main casting for you and you can scale that against photographs showing the target.

[Paul Uhland]

There appear to be three general types of manual switch stands in the US...very low ones called ground throw switches, used in yards and off-mainline use...a short vertical type...and a tall version with a high target mast, usually in main line use.
Some of the switch stands on the WW&F appear to be a vintage type unique to the area, requiring the user to step between the stand and the track to throw,  a potentially dangerous situation, having thrown a few for the ATSF, particularly when kicking cars in yard work.