This video is a compilation of footage taken around Marion, Ohio's AC tower in its last two months of operation from November 1994 to January 15th, 1995 (three days before its closure). Even by early November the signal work to split the plant into two interlockings and the communication work to remote everything to Indianapolis was underway. The videographer (Gary Salzgaber) visited operator Pete White, who held 2nd shift at AC during its final year (yes, Pete has seen these videos). Phil Albano, Jr., who was the swing shift operator puts in an appearance as well. Once CSX and NS moved their dispatchers to Jacksonville and Ft. Wayne, respectively, block lines was not installed, which meant the AC operator was no longer in constant communication with the foreign line dispatchers. CSX and NS trains would call AC on the radio and say their engine number and number of cars. The AC operator would say if they could handle them or not (and if not how long the expected delay would be). All movements were still noted on the trainsheet. On Sunday, January 15th (which was Pete's last day), an informal ex-operator's meet was held at the tower (which explained the full house). As stated before the tower closed for good at the end of 3rd shift (7:00am) on Wednesday, January 18th. I believe the last operator was L.C. Hughes. Before AC closed Conrail agreed to donate the tower to the Marion Union Station Association (the museum/railfan group/model railroad club in the depot across the tracks). Conrail required the tower be moved off railroad property, which began a several years' task of raising funds for the building of a new foundation and making arrangements to move the tower, which would happen several years later, where it remains today.
Thank you for this video.. Dad was an operator in the AC for years..My brother, sister, and I all spent many nights with Dad in this tower..seeing him in this video is priceless! Pete White, who was on duty the last day of operation actually handed the radio over to Dad and let him call the last train through.. I can’t recall if it was the TVM01 or INPI ..I do recall it was an EB Conrail
@@b3j8My grandparent's neighbor in Ashtabula was in administration for New York Central/ Penn Central/ conrail. He often took me and Grandpa or dad and I to the tower in the water level route, the Trainmaster/ yardmaster office in the harbor, or took us on local runs. Joe showed me how to operate diesels and we'd turn them on the wye, sand, and fuel them. I don't know how I didn't end up on the railroad.
I'm sure it was a long night for 3rd shift on the last night. The thoughts of being the last night had to be horrible, as well the coming. Hope he was transfered till retiremant.
Always love seeing footage from inside interlocking towers and getting a peek into what it was like working in one And as always, beautiful K5H at 27:18
@@RailroadMediaArchive The footage of Stanley tower had to be my favorite part of that show considering what happened to that yard after Conrail was split. It doesn't look remotely the same as it does in that footage.
This video is a compilation of footage taken around Marion, Ohio's AC tower in its last two months of operation from November 1994 to January 15th, 1995 (three days before its closure). Even by early November the signal work to split the plant into two interlockings and the communication work to remote everything to Indianapolis was underway.
The videographer (Gary Salzgaber) visited operator Pete White, who held 2nd shift at AC during its final year (yes, Pete has seen these videos). Phil Albano, Jr., who was the swing shift operator puts in an appearance as well.
Once CSX and NS moved their dispatchers to Jacksonville and Ft. Wayne, respectively, block lines was not installed, which meant the AC operator was no longer in constant communication with the foreign line dispatchers. CSX and NS trains would call AC on the radio and say their engine number and number of cars. The AC operator would say if they could handle them or not (and if not how long the expected delay would be). All movements were still noted on the trainsheet.
On Sunday, January 15th (which was Pete's last day), an informal ex-operator's meet was held at the tower (which explained the full house). As stated before the tower closed for good at the end of 3rd shift (7:00am) on Wednesday, January 18th. I believe the last operator was L.C. Hughes.
Before AC closed Conrail agreed to donate the tower to the Marion Union Station Association (the museum/railfan group/model railroad club in the depot across the tracks). Conrail required the tower be moved off railroad property, which began a several years' task of raising funds for the building of a new foundation and making arrangements to move the tower, which would happen several years later, where it remains today.
Set up the chapters, please.
@@mmandmcb14 there aren't any chapters. The whole video is the same subject matter and location.
@@RailroadMediaArchive 0:00 - November 1994
Thank you for this video.. Dad was an operator in the AC for years..My brother, sister, and I all spent many nights with Dad in this tower..seeing him in this video is priceless! Pete White, who was on duty the last day of operation actually handed the radio over to Dad and let him call the last train through.. I can’t recall if it was the TVM01 or INPI ..I do recall it was an EB Conrail
Based on your username your dad is Benny Graff? I've heard the name.
His name is Bennie and yes he is my Dad
Howdy Joe!
Fantastic footage, thanks for sharing!
This is fantastic!
That backup into the Yard at 19:56 is reminiscent of DM-98 back in the EL era.
That was the local that came from Buckeye Yard in Columbus.
Thank you for sharing.👍
GREAT VID , man I miss hanging out inside towers . Fond memories of "TRAIN ON THE BELL" .
Same. Each one had it's own unique-ness inside no matter how much they looked alike.
@@b3j8My grandparent's neighbor in Ashtabula was in administration for New York Central/ Penn Central/ conrail. He often took me and Grandpa or dad and I to the tower in the water level route, the Trainmaster/ yardmaster office in the harbor, or took us on local runs. Joe showed me how to operate diesels and we'd turn them on the wye, sand, and fuel them. I don't know how I didn't end up on the railroad.
awesome video
Always glad to see DT&I rolling stock!
I'm sure it was a long night for 3rd shift on the last night. The thoughts of being the last night had to be horrible, as well the coming. Hope he was transfered till retiremant.
Oh, yes, they moved the tower next to the Erie caboose on display.
And most of the stuff in it
Always love seeing footage from inside interlocking towers and getting a peek into what it was like working in one
And as always, beautiful K5H at 27:18
They showed these clips at the Slide Night awhile ago
That "they" was me.
@@RailroadMediaArchive The footage of Stanley tower had to be my favorite part of that show considering what happened to that yard after Conrail was split. It doesn't look remotely the same as it does in that footage.
@@BuckeyeNationRailroader ua-cam.com/video/Tg5ModA_D6E/v-deo.htmlsi=JHP0sIjSXn7nc5ze
Shave you're head bro... that wrap over is brutal 👨🦲