Abandoned MG Tower [Railroad Switch Station] Horseshoe Curve/Bennington Curve

Exploring the old MG Tower near the Horseshoe Curve.
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Joeyundergroundmerch.bigcartel.com
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[@B-and-O-Operator-Fairmont]

Thank-you for posting this fitting "Obituary" for MG. The Pennsylvania Railroad had a tower a littler farther up the grade (AG) that was taken out of service early in the Great Depression. Then, with the surge in WWII traffic, MG was built in 1944. MG was said to stand for "middle of grade", which was its approximate (but not exact) location. As noted in the video, its sole purpose was to control crossovers between the four main tracks. As such, its interlocking wasn't very complex. The Union Switch and Signal "Model 14" machine that controlled it only had a dozen levers (four for signals, six for crossovers, and two for direction of traffic) plus space for a couple of spares. However, with trains constantly moving in each direction on four tracks, at minimum the operator was busy just clearing the signals (those signal levers had three positions: West, STOP, East) as trains came "on the bell". If trains had to reroute, the operator had to first line the crossover(s) and then clear the signal. The machine was essentially a mechanical computer that prevented conflicting moves. The operator was in constant communication with the Dispatcher and the operators at ALTO (Altoona) and AR (Gallitzin). Pennsy's Train Phone and then radio allowed the operator to talk with train crews. The operator's office was on the second floor. The first floor office shown here probably was used by the Signal Department. Pennsy's famous position light signals directed trains from overhead gantry bridges and I think three ground "Dwarf" signals. Part of all that electrical gear shown probably powered the air compressor for the electro-pneumatic switch machines (Clunk Clunk HISSSSS). Yes, MG was Pennsy to the core. It remained so even into the Conrail era.

[@lauraodle5816]

Such an iconic piece of history. What a beautiful structure left to the elements. Not only are you documenting the end of this building but also what nature does when it takes over an abandoned place. I've seen a lot worse. Another fantastic vlog!

[@journeywithjay]

We got some abandoned ruins on or nearby active rail tracks that's owned by the trail company too. and are very strict with being on the property. I was shocked too that it wasn't tagged up.

[@JPVideos81]

Under video surveillance... Goes inside.... Nice!

[@berthasitumorang9982]

Excellent and thank you

[@watkinb]

Awesome! I love PA Railroad history!

[@ghostcityshelton9378]

I think they should have saved it as it was a piece of history. Maybe they could have made it into a museum.

[@maddhamm5859]

Yet another banger! Never let us down!🙌🏻

[@ODDySEEy]

That room with the center rack and a bunch of wires on it is a much older form of telephone switching. I use to work on them for years. Oh... and you were lazy... not finding a way to the second floor :P Great Video!!!

[@pomfret_and_pommes_frites_6493]

I never even heard of Horseshoe curve until Virtual Railfan put a live camera at the park. And here you are running around rural Pennsylvania giving us history lessons and ghost stories . I also didn't know that Pennsylvania was so scenic with forests and mountains. Your use of filters on the photos add a nice retro feel to your videos. Glad I found your channel.....

[@cjmc9526]

Thanks for showing this! Looks like it was built to last, seems a shame to lose it, but good you were able to document it as best as possible. Wonder the latest on the Alto Tower, still hoping the museum preserves it.

[@williammorse8330]

hello and thank you for posting, also thanks to B&O Fairmont op for info.... the architecture for a purely functional building is stunning..... we will never see such a structure with charm and function built again, unless it is on a model RR layout.

[@soniaibarra1926]

Hello Joey!!🙂🙂 The Railroad Station must've been nice at one time! ! A piece of History.🚂🚃 Blessings to u and take care!!🙏🙏

[@mitchdakelman4470]

Thanks for posting this. Sad to see another PRR relic go to the wrecking ball

[@NaomisAdventures]

Great video. That place is amazing. It's too bad it was left abandoned

[@Brianrockrailfan]

great video 👍😮😢

[@edwardgray154]

i often wonder how the operator got to his location in winter esp mg, only was a dirt road up a steep mountain side that would get you to mg.

[@TexasRailfan2008]

1:07

[@6777Productions]

Not legal and nothing I would recommend anyone doing... But somethng nice to see documented at least

[@runningintohistory]

Interesting video! My great great grandfather was the first engineer to take a train around the curve. I have a pretty cool newspaper article about it. I also finally uploaded my video for the Fantasy Forest if your interested.