Union Switch and Signal Co (US&S) Model 15A "Teardrop" Highway Crossing Bell

Описание: Union Switch and Signal Company first patented the Model 15A Highway crossing bell on February 20th 1917. The bell has been commonly referred to as the Teardrop bell by railroaders and signal fans alike because of it's unique shape and thus the name has stuck. This bell has appeared on advertising literature for railroad signals as far back as the 1920s in non domestic places like Chile and Italy on early wig wag crossings and flashers. There have been subtle variations in the Teardrop bell over the years ranging from different sized electric coils, inclusion of the patent date on the rain hood, as well as a very early version with a less characteristic rain hood that simply read UNION, patent pending. This is the most commonly seen variation of the Teardrop. This bell is treasured by many for its slow low pitched ring at an irregular cadence. The production of this bell was discontinued sometime by the 1960s, but parent company Westinghouse Air Brake Co (WABCO) carried replacement castings and service manuals into the 1970s.

The heritage on this bell is form the Northwestern Pacific railroad that ran in Northern California, north of San Francisco. In the 40s, it became a subsidiary of the Southern Pacific railroad. After being sold off by the Southern Pacific in the 90s, various operators have come in and tried to make a profit without success. For the past 20 years, the line has seen little to no traffic. The line is being upgraded and rebuilt to allow passenger trains now that the counties have bought it. All the old crossings have been torn out and replaced with modern appliances.

Enjoy the sounds of this classic American bell, the only other sound missing is that of a beautiful Nathan step top chime steam whistle or perhaps that of a melodious M3 air horn or the bark of an old Leslie Tyfon, sounds that this bell surely heard!