Marion AC Tower's Final Months

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This video is a compilation of footage taken around Marion, Ohio's AC tower in its last two months of operation from November 1994 to January 15th, 1995 (three days before its closure). Even by early November the signal work to split the plant into two interlockings and the communication work to remote everything to Indianapolis was underway.

The videographer (Gary Salzgaber) visited operator Pete White, who held 2nd shift at AC during its final year (yes, Pete has seen these videos). Phil Albano, Jr., who was the swing shift operator puts in an appearance as well.

Once CSX and NS moved their dispatchers to Jacksonville and Ft. Wayne, respectively, block lines was not installed, which meant the AC operator was no longer in constant communication with the foreign line dispatchers. CSX and NS trains would call AC on the radio and say their engine number and number of cars. The AC operator would say if they could handle them or not (and if not how long the expected delay would be). All movements were still noted on the trainsheet.

On Sunday, January 15th (which was Pete's last day), an informal ex-operator's meet was held at the tower (which explained the full house). As stated before, the tower closed for good at the end of 3rd shift (7:00am) on Wednesday, January 18th. I believe the last operator was L.C. Hughes.

Before AC closed Conrail agreed to donate the tower to the Marion Union Station Association (the museum/railfan group/model railroad club in the depot across the tracks). Conrail required the tower be moved off railroad property, which began a several years' task of raising funds for the building of a new foundation and making arrangements to move the tower, which would happen several years later, where it remains today.

Moving AC Tower:    • Moving AC Tower  

Dedication at its new location in 2000:    • Marion Ohio AC Tower Preservation Dedicati...