SPF's Take Note

[kelticsylk]

No words necessary...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pennsylvania-Railroad-U-S-amp-S-Co-Signal-Position-Light-/261335259115?&_trksid=p2056016.m2518.l4276

[VonRyan]

A bit steep, but close enough to me that it justifies making an offer... Though his price that he is looking for is quite high-up. even if I had money I wouldn't offer more than $500

[C855B]

Sadly, it's not all that overpriced in the current bubble market that has taken over decommissioned signals. Even plain-vanilla 3-color Safetrans with the plastic backs are going for > $500. Complete C&O/B&O CPLs have been going for $1000+ for a while. Considering that this PL is complete and in good shape and, after all, it is an icon of an era, I see it going for over $2K.

One of the problems is that the contractors usually hired by the RRs to remove signals are scrappers, or one step removed. They frequently fell signals like they were trees, so intact hardware is too rare, especially for the large-target PL types. You would think that CSX's recent replacement project on the Indy-STL line would have glutted the fan market with CPLs, but, no, none are to be found anywhere.

[VonRyan]

Sadly, it's not all that overpriced in the current bubble market that has taken over decommissioned signals. Even plain-vanilla 3-color Safetrans with the plastic backs are going for > $500. Complete C&O/B&O CPLs have been going for $1000+ for a while. Considering that this PL is complete and in good shape and, after all, it is an icon of an era, I see it going for over $2K.

One of the problems is that the contractors usually hired by the RRs to remove signals are scrappers, or one step removed. They frequently fell signals like they were trees, so intact hardware is too rare, especially for the large-target PL types. You would think that CSX's recent replacement project on the Indy-STL line would have glutted the fan market with CPLs, but, no, none are to be found anywhere.

Local pick-up will cause it to take a hit in price as well. Local market for these things is probably $2000 max if it was 100% complete with pole, ladder, etc.

[eric220]

Oh if only I had the cash... Or proximity... Or display location...

[Dave Schneider]

Do you guys think that this is a genuine Pennsy signal? Something about it looks a bit homemade to my uneducated eye. Some new looking hardware in the details shots. No shot of a company or manufacturer logo. No dog in this fight...just curious what you guys think.

Best wishes, Dave

[VonRyan]

Oh if only I had the cash... Or proximity... Or display location...

We can work out a deal where I get to oogle over it for a week, then mail it to you.

Do you guys think that this is a genuine Pennsy signal? Something about it looks a bit homemade to my uneducated eye. Some new looking hardware in the details shots. No shot of a company or manufacturer logo. No dog in this fight...just curious what you guys think.

Best wishes, Dave

I noticed the new hardware, but it could be that the parts had to be replaced due to salvage methods or as repairs, or this signal is pieced together with parts from many signals.

[Dave V]

Gary, I was thinking that too, but then I remembered that these were sometimes being replaced right up through the end of Conrail, especially when track reductions created new interlocking and CP plants.  I can't vouch for the authenticity here but I can't rule it out, either.  It looks at the very least as if it's been either sandblasted or wire-brushed and then repainted.

I once passed on a $1500 opportunity to own one of the 3-way harp switch stands from the Rio Grande Southern at Rico...  It was from one of the two 3-way narrow-gauge stub switches at the north end of the yard.  At the time I was deep into Colorado narrow gauge but also a brand-new 2LT with no hope of dragging it around the country/world with me.

I do regret it sometimes...  I appreciated the history of it in a way that I'm not sure someone else might have.  At least we know there are many more PLs out there than the RGS had 3-way switches!

[chicken45]

A bit steep, but close enough to me that it justifies making an offer... Though his price that he is looking for is quite high-up. even if I had money I wouldn't offer more than $500

Save the cash for the brass L1 and blow off that Eurotrip of yours!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I know a fellow a$$hat who has a barn full of parts and is slowly working on restoring a number of these. At least, I think he still does.

[lock4244]

I was on the West Slope in 1997 (or was it the 1995 trip) when they were still working on the Tunnel Hill program. There was a guy moving to AZ or NM that was taking  two or three position lights that CR had replaced and stored at AR as souvenirs since 'they don't need them anymore'. I'm certain there was a sign reading 'free for the taking' beside the PL's as CR certainly wasn't interested in using them for parts. Maybe this is one of them?

Take only pictures and leave only footprints... indeed.

[VonRyan]

Take only pictures and leave only footprints...

...and whatever else fits in the car.