Model Railroad Hobbyist | April 2016 | #74 MRH Q-A-T column compiled by Joe Brugger Questions and Answers Flat crossing rules Q. Where two railroads cross or connect, back in the earlier years of the steam era, you would find an interlocking tower to control the junction; i.e. between the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe. Which railroad would construct and/or operate the tower? —Cliff Rasco A. Generally, the road with the highest traffic volume will con- trol a crossing, but there are many exceptions. The first railroad in place has precedence, but in practice, these situations are negotiated to benefit both companies. Some of the consider- ations would be the relative busyness of the two lines, signaling systems in place, and the presence of related facilities. Manned interlocking towers are pretty scarce these days, with the same functions now being run by remote control. The set-up XX MRH QUESTIONS, ANSWERS, AND TIPS • INDEX • TABLE OF CONTENTS