Middle Track Operation on the N&W

[NW Mailing List]

All this talk about the middle tracks is fascinating.  I'm amazed that the middle track at Juniper is still there.
If the middle tracks were controlled by the towers, then the operator would have to unlock the switches before a train crew could throw them if they were Electric Lock hand throw switches, which I think they were before the CTC conversion 
Ben:

Until 1897, Juniper was known as 17-mile siding, no operator.  The 1897 Norfolk Division
Time Table #4 shows the name changed to Juniper.  Operators on duty 24/7 added
by 5/27/1900.  The siding they controlled was then 5,015 feet in length.  If you've ever
been on the ground at Greater Metropolitan Juniper, you kinda have to ask -- how did
the operators spend their time off ?  How did the operators get back and forth to
work ?

With the double-tracking beginning about    1911, the siding was extended to 9500
feet and the operators disappeared.  Automatic signals weren't added until the fiscal
year ending 6/30/13.  Double-tracking from Suffolk to Petersburg wasn't completed
until 1915.  Before then, there were 8 stations staffed 24/7 between the two points.
After that, there were 6 middle tracks (9,000 feet plus), but only one 24/7telegraph
office -- Dwight.           Harry Bundy                                             



 
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