I grew up in Galion,Ohio near the crossing of the Erie main line and the C.C.C.& St.L. (Big 4) . The crossing was controlled by Bert (Burt ?) tower with mechanical push-rods running along the tracks to operate the switches. In cold,snowy weather, men would have to go out along the tracks to keep the switches clear with brooms and spud bars and fire pots.

    Now, the Erie has been torn out, and the Big 4( NYC/PennCentral/Conrail) will become part of CSX. Probably to be controlled from Jacksonville,FL.