between, 11th and 12th, a few blocks due east of the Race Street Pier (no fishing), is a delivery ramp to the back of the convention center and a parking lot. It’s fun to look back at what was, as we contemplate what can be. VIADUCTgreene works to hold an International Design Ideas Competition and one aspect will be ‘Bridging the Vine.’ Stay Tuned!
from Railway World. 1893.7.Janurary…
—The introduction of the electric pneumatic switch and signal service on the Reading Terminal, which is partly responsible for the delay in the opening of the road, is now progressing as rapidly as possible. The operative switches are all in position south of Arch street, and beyond that to Callowhill street tbe ties upon which the switches are to be placed are all spaced with reference to the proper points of the switches. The wooden conduits for the wires to connect the batteries with the train shed tracks are being put down, while tbe ditch for the main wire box and main air pipe is dug to tbe terminus of the system. The signal tower above Race street is well under way and will be completed in a very short time. The other work in the Terminal station is also progressing favorably. Most of the track ballasting is done, and the large lobby is now undergoing tbe finishing touches.
from The Electrical World. 1893.May…
Automatic Electric Switch and Signal System on the Reading R. R. An automatic electric switch and signal system has recently been introduced at the Philadelphia terminal of the Reading Railroad, which is said to be the largest yet installed. The system will be operated from a single tower, and will control the switches and signals of the terminal from the junction at Callowhill Street to the tralnshed. The switches and signals will be operated by compressed air, which comes from the power house on Arch street, and Is carried through a system of tubing to the valves of various cylinders operating the switches and signals. Connected with these cylinders is a system of electric wires leading from a dynamo located In the power house, and extending to the tower, located a short distance above Race street, where, by the manipulation of small levers, the electric current releases or shuts off the air which operates the switches and signals. In the signal tower are 36 lever machines, each connected with a switch. Of these, 33 will be in operation for the present, and 20 signals. On a long blackboard facing the levennan is a complete plan of the tracks, switches and signals, which moves in response to the levers, simultaneously with the switches and signals, and keeps the levennan constantly advised of the exact position of each switch and signal.
With the c.1929 electrification project, the 1890′s tower was replaced. Below is a March 1946 view; then the track chart, corrected to 3.1958
