Comments on: All in a winters day work The section guys are out completing their daily winter chores. A freshly cleaned and filled lamp being set atop the switch stand, as the switch points and throw rod get a good clearing of accumulated snow. The hanging wires suggest a heavy wet snow has covered the area which will keep this 3-man crew and foreman quite busy on their territory this cold winter day.

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 20:26:36 +0000

Thanks Todd. 64 years ago next month! It’s sure shows railroading in a much different light than people see today. No fancy equipment, no safety gear, no radios, just good, hard working railway men. My dad would have been 31 when he snapped that pic.

By: Todd Steinman

Todd Steinman — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 20:14:32 +0000

Beautiful reflection into history…!

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 16:38:17 +0000

BEM’r: Sh-h-h-h-h-h !!!

By: mercer

mercer — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 16:12:20 +0000

Wonderful scene, Paul.
Ahhnold – you should know all about the lamps, you have 4 or 5 in your garage.

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 14:13:57 +0000

Thanks for the comments guys! My dad was the section foreman based out of Concord when he snapped this photo.
The canvas front on that old ‘one-lunger’ motor car provided just enough protection to keep one from freezing during track travel. The addition of fully enclosed cabs as standard equipment on inspection and section cars was still quite a few years away.
It was not too long after he took this shot that he was transferred to Hornepayne as Roadmaster. That’s when we learned what a long, cold, snowy winter was really like!

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 11:42:27 +0000

Fascinating look at the past. All the switch stand lamps in yards must have taken a .lot of maintenance. Great shot, Paul.

By: First954

First954 — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 02:57:28 +0000

WOW!!!!! Thanks for posting this wonderful winter photo Paul. No switch heaters 60 years ago, just hard working men keeping the railroad operational. This activity is captured so well. Not much protection provided by that speeder.