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(erielack) Crossing towers



Hi folks,

I'm slowly starting to "armchair model" my railroad (i.e., building kits and structures as we hunt for that new basement... ummm, house... to move to), and have been slowly working on a few "signature" structures on the Boonton Line.

One structure that's always intrigued me is that crossing tower (I think that's what it is?) at the north end of Croxton Yard, right where County Road crosses the plethora of EL tracks there. A few questions I've always wondered about it:

* Why does it have to be elevated? (to be able to see over the trains?)  And what good will being able to see over the trains do, if the folks are already on the ground protecting the crossing?
* Were there crossing gates at Croxton, or was it solely protected by railroad personnel?
* How busy was this crossing? With trains coming in/heading towards the Bergen County Line, plus all the light motive power moves to the engine facility, you'd think the crossing watchman would be out every other minute!
* Was there any reasoning for where the tower was placed? (i.e., on the southeast side of the streeet)

	- Paul

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