I believe that GRS called them Electric Time Release (s).

JR

Since Faller? and John Redden resurrected this thread, I thought I'd take the opportunity to show an exterior shot of Grasselli from this past December. The photo shows a roofing contractors work on putting a new roof on the tower, a job that was completed that month. Also note that the tower now wears a new coat of oil based paint, a job that was done this past fall.

Les

I'd imagine the names used are somewhat geographically based, like shifter or drill or switcher service. In my old stomping grounds they were "run down"

Brian

A Maryland family has approached our Museum with the offer of a switch tower. It seems the tower has been privately owned and has managed to be overlooked by the preservation community. After almost 50 years of preserving the tower, the family is preparing to move and would like to offer the tower to a qualifying preservation group. They are prepared to assist with transportation costs. As a Trolley Museum we have no interest or use for this structure. Further details and specifications can be found at this link.

Wesley

Wesley -

MUCH too large for us to handle. Plus, we already have Grasselli Tower. But, thanks for thinking of us!


Les

"Nassau" Tower in Mineola, Long Island, has been emptied, is being asbestos abated, and slated for immediate demolition. The third high speed commuter track is almost on its doorstep today.

Since wesp reopened this thread with his note yesterday, I thought I would give a quick update on Grasselli Tower at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson, Indiana. Because the tower exterior was deteriorating so much and becoming an eyesore, Mark Knebel gave the tower a coat of paint in 2019. This was a temporary fix as we knew that the exterior would eventually have to be addressed. This has now been done and new wood siding has been purchased as can be seen in the stack in the first photo. Museum member Steve Newland has been priming the boards (second photo) over this winter. When the weather finally turns, the museum will begin the installation of the new siding.

Les

Here is Nassau Tower just before the end of steam in 1955, in a classic photo by Art Huneke:

-Philip Marshall