The Frisco used 3 different "standard" switch stands, two of which were low stands and one of which was a high stand. The Racor #22 was used in yard service. The Ramapo 36D was used on secondary tracks and main tracks where clearance precluded the use of a high stand. The Ramapo 36H was a high stand for use on main tracks, and secondary tracks, where visibility was required. Attached is an image of a Ramapo 36H at Lenexa, KS. Even though this a recent photograph, this is a good example of Frisco practice with regard to mainline placement of a switch stand, electric lock, and shunt box. Also note, that the throw-lever "points" toward the frog, when the points are in a normal position.
Wow Karl, Am I confused. What building is this? It can't be the Lenexa depot, I spent too much time there as a kid.
Bob, Sad to say that's the current depot. The old Frisco depot was moved during 1987 to Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 14007 West 87th Street, Lenexa, KS 66215. It is nicely maintained by the Lenexa Historical Society. Edit 1/17.2024: Added depot location park name and address. MKD
Karl. A hearty "thank you" for these drawings! I have an old Model Railroader article in my files on scratch building inexpensive switch stands from brass parts. These plans will help toward building Frisco-specific details as the layout proceeds. Best Regards,
Karl, nice prints. They look just like the ones I have. Just to help, Ramapo is a brand name like Coke or Pepsi. Ramapo switch stands were probably used on the Frisco but I don't remember seeing them. Maybe in the 1940's or so. All the switch stands on your prints are "Racor". They also used Pettibone, Bethlehem and several others. Just trying to help. I would need to really dig, to determine what was used in the time period's prior to say the 1950s. Bill Jackson
If you look next to the Title Block on the 36D and 36H sheet, you will see the notation "Made by Ramapo-Ajax Div'n, American Brake Shoe Co," aka, Ramapo Ajax Corp, aka, RACOR.
Karl, It's basically it's the railroad slang or what the people called them. The new ones were called Racors and the old ones Ramapos. Different railroads had different names for the same thing, even if they may be made by the same company. I have seen it several times. Bill Jackson
Attached are pages 125 and 126 from the July 1, 1930 Frisco Store Keeper's inventory. It gives a look at what switch stands were in use during that period.
Karl, You found that pretty easy. This is a trip in the way back machine. I do not know how to post it but search in Yahoo for No 17 Ramapo Switch Stand and you will see what I remember as a Ramapo style. I do not know the year, but the company became Racor as with many companies, but you are right, in the early years they were known as Ramapo Bill Jackson
There are a couple in the book that I have heard of. The Century was all removed as we found them. Th bottom of them use to fall out without warning. I have heard of the Buda which also made rail benders. I do not remember the Elloit but heard the name. The Pettibone was a run through and also the 22R. The wheels could run through them and not damage it. The train crews quickly learned the run-throughs but we eventually removed them. The crews would trail through them and dirt or rocks would not let them close. A facing point move would then derail the car or engine. Send me email and I will send a link to the Ramapo stand I found. Bill Jackson macon249@yahoo.com
Variable is the proper name. Slang however on the railroad: run-through, rubber, rubber stand, rubber switch, spring. Although these terms were used the proper term is "Variable". The term spring was used but a "Spring Switch" was a completely different thing. Bill Jackson
For whatever it's worth, "spring switches" are frequently mentioned in Frisco employee timetables. Tom G.
