Location: Three Rivers. MI - LS&MS / MC Air Line Crossing

This was the interlocked crossing of the north-south Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Grand Rapids Branch and the Michigan Central Air Line branch from Jackson to Niles.

Photo Info: A distant view of the interlocking tower at Three Rivers, taken from a larger postcard view. This view looks east on the MC's Air Line.

Notes

The interlocking tower here was a Saxby-Farmer lever installation by the Union Switch & Signal Co. It appears that this crossing tower was staffed by the LSMS/NYC. [TRT-1917]

This was known on the NYC as "VE" tower. VE was the telegraph call sign. [ETT-1922]

Time Line

1897. SNAPSHOT. The MC Air Line Division had one through passenger/mail train (#63A and #64A) from Jackson to Niles, daily except Sunday. The Air Line also originated two passenger traIns in each direction from the Three Rivers depot and 4 second and third class through freight trains. Way freight trains 69 and 70 also carried passengers. [ETT-1897-11]

1911. SNAPSHOT: The MC Air Line Division had one through passenger train (#63 and #64) from Jackson to Niles, daily except Sunday. The Air Line also originated passenger trains (#61 & #65 and #62 and #66) in both directions from the Three Rivers depot. On Sunday, the MC operated an eastbound passenger train on Sundays between Niles and Jackson (the westbound equivalent likely ran on the MC main line via Kalamazoo). [ETT-1911-11]