Re: NWP -- Island Mtn. tunnel signal system
Author: OTN
Date: 03-19-2017 - 18:49
The system signal system showed in photo one did not exist on July 1 1964. It was alleged to be a fire protection signal to keep trains clear of the bridge and out of tunnel 27.
The fire detection system that was functional on July 1 1964 was the roll up door on the west portal of t-27 and a claxtion horn warning device on the wall in the trainorder office at island Mt. It would sound if there was a fire in the tunnel. The TO operator was by instruction to place the TO board at stop and cross the bridge and roll the door down to stifle any fire.
I can attest that there was a signal at that locattion on Dec. 21,1964 as that is where I stood and watched the bridge go in the river. This set off the claxton horn and I cut the wires to it to silence it and to my knowledge it was not restored to service until after July 1,1965.