I am looking for a picture of the Boylan Tower in Raleigh, where the old NS crossed the SAL in the 1940's or 50's? Does anyone remember what color(s) the tower was painted at this time? Also what facilities did the SAL use in Durham NC during 1940's and 50's, and are there any published pictures of the Durham Henderson branch?

-- Bill Nelson (gnspouselaw@erols.com), June 06, 2000

Answers

On the NS side, Boylan lasted as a functioning tower into 1984...I have photos taken of the interior in 1983 and it was manned at that time. I also have shots from 1984 showing the new signals being installed to allow remote operations, and shots from Halloween 1987 derailment of a Southern train in the curve where the tower is still standing but abandoned.

-- Craig Zeni (clzeni@mindspring.com), June 10, 2000.

I have some color and black and white photos of Boylan will Email them to you soon.The tower and old truss highway bridge were there until the mid 80s.Half of the tower was used by SAL and half the tower used by NS.Will send you some stuff ema

-- Alan Ashworth (Tarheelrrds@aol.com), June 08, 2000.

Boylan Tower (known as Raleigh Tower on the SAL) was painted in standard Norfolk Southern Rwy. depot colors -- light green with dark green trim. Sorry I can't recite the specific hues. Incidentally, the tower lasted until the mid-70's when, following the Southern's absorption of NS, the interlocking function was moved to Glenwood Yard.

-- Harry Bundy (y6b@aol.com), June 07, 2000.