AC Tower, Marion,
OH
Relocated for Preservation
11-26-1999
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AC Tower (seen
above, center, in this early 1900's postcard view) was built in
1902 to serve the crossing of the Erie, Hocking Valley (C&O),
Pennsylvania, and CCC&StL (NYC) Railroads. It was placed in
operation on June 28th, 1902 at a total cost of
$25,000.
AC Tower, Marion OH in 1985
The
Move....
Friday, 11-26-1999 8:19am - It began raining last night and rain continues this morning. Raincoats and 400 speed film were the order of the day (I had neither). At the tower (above), workers from Rex Welding are making their final checks preparatory to cutting away the old supports. Two 12" "I" beams have been temporarily welded to the floor grid. A lifting spreader bar will then be attached with four cables to the outer ends of these bars.
9:54am (Above) In the first of several delays, NS engine 6628 runs lite south to the NS freighthouse to take on water. He left his train north of town on the main and would return to it in about 15 minutes. He would then have to wait on a scheduled northbound to meet in the double track at Marion. This move would start a parade of both NS and CSX trains that would further delay things. Sooooo, everybody waits. In the meantime, both cranes assume their final positions (below 2).
12:21pm (above) NS 6076 and the flatcar cross the diamonds so that they are south of the soon-to-be-fouled tracks. (below) Within minutes, the crane crew is attaching the lifting saddle and the welders cut the old stilts loose from the tower.
1:41pm - 2:00pm (below) AC is free of the old supports. NS 6076 and flatcar will soon make the reverse move across the diamonds and the tower will be positioned on the flat. It will then move about two car lengths south.
2:42pm (below) After the short move south, the welders have trimmed off the remnants of the old supports and have reattached the lifting cables. AC is airborne again and headed for its new home.
Using ropes, the crew gently guides the tower into position on the new supports.
(above) After being satisfied that the tower is "home", the welders begin clamping and welding the tower in place.
(below) The time is 3:00 pm. NS Extra 6076 has cleared the tracks; the first crane is clear and Track Foreman Hunter gives the tracks back to the trains. CSXT 6426 leads the first train past the "new" AC Tower.
