North Clinton Interlocking Tower

Well, I managed to do a road trip yesterday and got permission to photo and take measurements of the tower. I also went through Blairstown and Weaubleau (old grain mill still standing) just to photo old buildings and whatnot since no RR stuff remains. It does not look like the tower was constructed on a "casting bed" but was formed-up.

 

With these nice photos, I was able to blow up the views and can now see the form tie marks, so I agree...this was cast in place. The concrete was that "period" river gravel mix. As everyone can see, the long term issues are the freeze-thaw effect that water infiltration is having on the corners; the corrosion of exposed reinforcing, and it's beginning to lean.

Buck

 

The corners are rounded - making form removal easier. The horizontal form boards were 3.25" wide, which to me, is an interesting width. I would have thought that they would have been closer to 4" as the old 2x4's were full dimensional lumber.