Dr Zarkoff Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > There was a "puzzle" switch at the top end of
> Bayshore yard. There were cars and engines on the
> ground all the time.
>
> That was a double slip switch, manned by the last
> switchtender on the SP, Jimmy Adams. Once the
> brakemen were able to throw yard switches (after
> Jimmy retired), it was getting run through on a
> regular basis because they could never figure it
> out. There were a couple more of these in the
> Sheds downtown, and one of the old timers told me
> that when he was new, he watched an older timer
> make a drop through one with a steam engine: gave
> the signs, pulled the pin, dropped off, and lined
> the puzzle all by himself.
>
> The "puzzle switch" at 34th St in Emeryville
> (ATSF/OT flyover) was only a half-puzzle because
> it was a single slip switch.

...and if anyone wants to see one up close , OET has an old PE one from the pueblo terminal viaduct at sixth in service to barn 2 !

There was a couple at Berdoo at the station.

I'm not sure if they are still there after the recent construction though.

What was Jimmy's seniority date?