Railroad Crossing Signal Light Control Box, Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad, November 1926

01

Artifact Overview

Automatic railroad crossing signals are controlled through an electrical relay in the railroad track. A low-voltage electric current is sent between the two rails via a series of relays like the ones in this photo. When a train approaches, the current runs through the train's metal wheels and axles instead of the relays. This "short circuit" activates the crossing signal.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Photographic print

Date Made

02 November 1926

Subject Date

02 November 1926

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

64.167.548.P.833.47866

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)
Linen (Material)

Technique

Gelatin silver process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 11.25 in (book)
Width: 7.875 in (book)

Railroad Crossing Signal Light Control Box, Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad, November 1926