Posted 9 years ago
pajrr
(102 items)
I found this nice Penn Central Switch Key at a flea market. I bought it for my collection, but I kept the tag because of the way the unknowledgeable dealer described it. I never realized that Penn Central was around 100+ years ago! I don't think that keys were ever made of bronze, either.
Please fill me in a bit more of what this is -- what is a "switch key" and how old are you saying it is? Thanks...
Well trunkman, I'm not this poster, but have 25 years on R/R and have a few keys.... A switch key was like any other padlock key, most are Adilake locks. they padlocked the switch stand handle down, so you couldn't switch tracks from one direction(turnout) off the main line and vice-versa
OOPS, these style of keys were used from the mid 1800's to present is some cases...the UP changed out key and lock styles in the early 1990's
Trunkman....here's link to a couple switch locks and keys
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/129756-antique-pad-locks-bronze-and-color
Hi Trunkman, The Penn Central Railroad was in business from 1968 until 1976. It was formed by the Pennsylvania RR merging with the New York Central. That is why I found the stated age of the key amusing. It can't be more than 47 years old, although as stated by Kerry10456 the style has been around for a very long time.
Thanks so much pajrr for the info and post and kerry1056 for further clarification... "The divide between ignorance and knowledge can breached with something as innocuous as a simple question" -- Trunkman
or -- "If you don't ask you won't know" -- someone else...
The key is from 1968 to 1976 if it is for Penn Central and made from brass.