Hi! I was wondering if anyone knows what a “watchman” did on the PRR? I have heard several descriptions of what that job was and it seemed to have a different job depending what railroad was involved. On the PRR did he protect traffic at grade crossings? Was he a security guard at a railroad facility? If anyone knows the answer I would love to hear it. Thanks!
Watchman was probably a loosely used term on many roads. Usually, a road crossing watchman, looking out for trains and stopping public traffic. But also often used for those in charge of security or tresspassers at stratigic locations like bridges or tunnels. At terminal gates holding back passengers until train was ready. Etc.
Sounds like watchmen had pretty good jobs, but they sure had to wear goofy uniforms…
My dear person, You probably think that the play “The Mikado” is about the history of the 2-8-2 wheel arrangement, don’t you.
Know it is music…but at 2-8-2 what a crazy beat!
Don’t be silly!! [:(!] I know Gilbert and Sullivan wrote “The Mikado” about an HO scale engine:
“I am the very model of a modern heavy 2-8-2…I run up hills and down the grades much faster than a 2-6-2…”
You may be thinking of G&S’s “The Gondoliers” which is a musical history of the gondola car??
[(-D]
What with the last couple of posts, I wonder if it’s time to call for the men in the white coats!
I guess when you mix railroading with music, we have insanity inspiration instantly.
Art
Stix THAT was Hilarious! ( send the guy with a white coat for me too lol)