CSX closes out the tower era in Fostoria

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1

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CSX closes out the tower era in Fostoria

2

Any chance the Tower might be incorporated into the Rail Park? It’s an example of railroad infrastructure that is fast disappearing.

3

Sad end of an era. So Indianapolis dispatches the interlocking and the former B&O from Greenwich to Deshler. What dispatchers office dispatches the line west of Deshler?
Mike Lustig

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The “RM” desk out of Calumet City (Chicago) dispatches Deshler west on the Garrett Sub.

5

Did CSX indicate whether or not the tower would be razed?

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I worked for CSX from July, 1997 to May 2012, most of the time as an engineer, and usually out of Willard to Garrett or Chicago, but occasionally from Willard to Toledo, Walbridge to Chicago or Cleveland, and for several months Northwest Ohio (North Baltimore) to Chicago. On all but NWO, I passed F Tower.

When I hired out, there were five towers open between Willard and Bedford Park or 59th Street yards in the Chicago area. Now only Dolton survives, and it will probably be gone if CSX and NS can agree on the track arrangements between Dolton and Riverdale.

Even though I ran my last train, Q01030 in May of 2012, I have fond memories of getting talked through town in the 1990’s, or being held at East Fostoria, or Columbus Avenue going westbound or eastbound at Godsend or Adams Street, by the operator because of cross traffic in later years.

It is indeed sad that no one will again hear the operator telling a crew to, “Bring 'em down easy.”

Since the building is brick, and would have to be moved over the northwest quadrant of the wye, it is questionable whether it can be moved to the Railpark. However, the former B&O passenger station was moved in Bremen, so hope springs eternal.

By the way, if you look closely, you will be able to see the tower was originally “FS”, but the “S” was later chiseled off.

7

Thanks William Miller for answering my question.
Mike Lustig

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The controls for the signal system are in the first floor of the tower so it will not be razed/moved/sold any time in the near future.