trumptrain posted:For today: " Meet Ernie the switch tender "
This reminds me of a bit of railroadiana. When my Dad was growing up the BR&P Railroad employed trackwalkers. Even mile of track was inspected every day by those men. They carried a spike maul and a track wrench so there was never a loose rail joint. Lion's Cut (not sure of spelling and anyone who knew is long gone) was always walked before the Varnish in case of a fallen rock. The track walkers also tended the switch lamps, once a week cleaning the globes, trimming the wicks and refilling the kerosene founts. They worked seven days a week and I have forgotten how often they had a relief day....
I should record this stuff Dad told me about railroading because he is gone and then I'll be gone and these bits of history will be lost.
Lew
