L&N Passenger Station, 1960

This is a view of the L&N passenger station, Birmingham, Alabama. On the right of the photo, notice the curve of the track and the station platform. There are many people working around the platform and waiting for passenger trains. There are also walkways across the station tracks. The tracks to the left of the passenger station are the Southern and L&N main lines. The L&N crosses the Southern at the small building down the tracks. The two tracks at the bottom right hand corner of the photo service the L&N freight house. There is very close clearance on each side and over-head. In spotting cars at the freight house, it is necessary to have a man on both sides of the engine to observe the numerous switch targets and crossovers. Note the curvature of the tracks going in to station at the station platforms. There will be baggage cars sitting on the walks. There are stairs going down to station and walkways across No. 2 and 3 tracks. While the passenger trains are in the station, switch engines will be switching over these walk ways. Also, SAL inspectors will be walking on and about the cars making it important to keep a close look out on each side of the engine. Note the small building to left of passenger station is a control tower. The L&N crosses the southern tracks. The tracks make a very sharp turn to the left. There are 5 tracks running parallel with the main line and several crossovers that yard engine use at all times. Making it very important that a man of the left side keep a close watch.