A typical crew had to really work together on such a project. Flags had to be set to warn trains that men were working ahead. Sometimes we would do some of the work, knowing a train was coming, called on our walky-talkies to a train approaching our area, tell them to come by at reduced speed because we would have the rails patched together enought that a train could pass. The crew lined both sides watching just in case. These men learned to work together, using both mind and body to do such projects with safety in mind. A boss didn't tolerate men not doing the job when required. A cigarette-break was taken when possible. As soon as this rail is cut, new rails would be set on a prepared bed of new ties and plates. A lot of heavy jacks, ties and rails required a lot of heavy lifting to install such a switch. Love these pictures of working men on the rails Dave...keep 'em coming. Louis Partney
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