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Switchman Collection

A switchman is a crucial role in the railroad industry, responsible for operating track switches to guide trains onto different tracks

Background imageSwitchman Collection: Telephone exchange, 1890

Telephone exchange, 1890
3479275 Telephone exchange, 1890; (add.info.: Switchman connecting a call at the Central Telephone Exchange, 198 Broadway, New York)

Background imageSwitchman Collection: Bashkir switchman, 1910. Creator: Sergey Mikhaylovich Prokudin-Gorsky

Bashkir switchman, 1910. Creator: Sergey Mikhaylovich Prokudin-Gorsky
Bashkir switchman, 1910. A switch operator poses on the Trans-Siberian Railroad, near the town of Ust Katav on the Yuryuzan River

Background imageSwitchman Collection: Pourvu que l'aiguilleur ne fasse rien dérailler!, 19th century. Creator: Honore Daumier

Pourvu que l'aiguilleur ne fasse rien dérailler!, 19th century. Creator: Honore Daumier
Pourvu que l'aiguilleur ne fasse rien derailler!, 19th century. As long as the switchman does not derail anything!

Background imageSwitchman Collection: Switchman throwing a switch a C and NW RRs Proviso yard, Chicago, Ill. 1943. Creator: Jack Delano

Switchman throwing a switch a C and NW RRs Proviso yard, Chicago, Ill. 1943. Creator: Jack Delano
Switchman throwing a switch a C and NW RRs Proviso yard, Chicago, Ill

Background imageSwitchman Collection: Indiana Harbor Belt RR, switchman demonstrating signal with a 'fusee'... 1943. Creator: Jack Delano

Indiana Harbor Belt RR, switchman demonstrating signal with a "fusee"... 1943. Creator: Jack Delano
Indiana Harbor Belt RR, switchman demonstrating signal with a " fusee" - used at twilight and dawn - when visibility is poor. This signal means " stop." Calumet City, Ill

Background imageSwitchman Collection: Daniel Senise throwing a switch while at work in an Indiana Harbor Belt Line railroad yard, 1943

Daniel Senise throwing a switch while at work in an Indiana Harbor Belt Line railroad yard, 1943. Creator: Jack Delano
Daniel Senise throwing a switch while at work in an Indiana Harbor Belt Line railroad yard

Background imageSwitchman Collection: American Railroad Brakeman, c. 1860 (engraving)

American Railroad Brakeman, c. 1860 (engraving)
PNP246904 American Railroad Brakeman, c.1860 (engraving) by Schubert, O.V. (fl.1860); Private Collection; Peter Newark American Pictures; American, out of copyright

Background imageSwitchman Collection: A Belgian railway pointsman, engraving 1886

A Belgian railway pointsman, engraving 1886

Background imageSwitchman Collection: CHICAGO: RAILROAD, 1943. A switchman in the freightyards of the Indiana Harbor

CHICAGO: RAILROAD, 1943. A switchman in the freightyards of the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad in Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Jack Delano, 1943



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A switchman is a crucial role in the railroad industry, responsible for operating track switches to guide trains onto different tracks. These skilled workers must have a keen eye for detail and quick reflexes to ensure the safe and efficient movement of trains. The job can be physically demanding, requiring long hours outdoors in all types of weather conditions. Switchmen play a vital role in preventing accidents and keeping train traffic flowing smoothly. Their expertise is essential for coordinating the complex network of tracks that make up our modern rail system. Next time you see a train passing by, remember the hardworking switchmen behind the scenes making it all possible.