BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES OF AMERICAN RAILROADS.

CHAPTER I.

WATCHMAN’S SHANTIES.

WATCHMAN’S, flagman’s, or switch-tender’s shanties (frequently called flag-houses, switch-houses, or watch-boxes) are used along railroads at exposed points, as crossings, drawbridges,sharp curves, dangerous cuts, or at yard systems, crossovers and leaders, where regular switch-tenders are required. Owing to the large number of buildings of this kind necessarily in useon a railroad, the adoption of a standard or of a series of standard alternate designs becomesa matter of prime importance, either to satisfy the varying requirements at different sites, orto avoid sameness of design over the entire road. While the building is small and the designnot difficult, the importance of studying the details carefully, so as to satisfy all requirementswith the least expenditure of material and labor, is very apparent.

Where a standard design exists, the several parts of the building are generally turnedout in large numbers at one of the shops of the road, and kept in stock. When a house is tobe built, the finished material for it is shipped from stock and put together at site. If thesize of the building permits shipment in sections or in one piece, then most of the framingand fitting is done at the shop, reducing the work at the site to a minimum. In this mannergreat economy and uniformity can be attained. Monotony of design need not necessarilyfollow, as the varying localities and requirements will call for several standards, while eachdesign can receive certain modifications in the finish of the exterior, as the details of thepanels, scroll-work, finial, ridge-roll, chimney-top, etc., sufficient to relieve the eye withoutin reality changing the important features of the plan.

The framework of these structures is in all cases wood, sheathed on the outside eitherwith vertical boards and battens, or with plain or ornamental horizontal weather-boarding, orwith narrow tongued and grooved boards, or with corrugated iron. The roofing is generallytarred roofing-felt, tin, fancy shingles, slate, or corrugated iron. On some railroads corrugatediron for the roof and sides of the building, covering a light framework of wood, is very muchin favor, as it is cheap, light, and to a certain extent fire-proof.

The general requirements for the buildings under discussion vary according to the exactpurpose for which they are intended. Usually the size is limited owing to the location of thebuilding among tracks or between tracks and the edge of the right of way. Inside the build-ing there should be sufficient space for a small stove, a bench adapted for A man to lie down