Switch Tower
pastel
12 x 12 in. image size

The Switch Tower at Alford, PA (or is it Switching Tower?), built in 1915, was used to switch the multiple tracks in use at the time. It was done mechanically with rods and levers and muscle power. It is a testament to construction & design practices of the time that this railroad building is in such solid shape despite decades of damage done by looters and vandals.

My plein air painter friends and I mused that it would make a great studio with it's glass balcony, windows and tree top view. And when the rare freight train came through the artist would need to take a break from delicate work, at least.