by David Swearingen » 13 Sep 2006 4:10
That is a railroad crossing signal lock. Most of them are marked RACO (Railroad Accessory Company) although this appears to be an older one marked SACO. I believe they are now being sold through Safetrans. They key appears to be a modified original - the original keys have a large diamond shaped bow; this one appears to be filed down to make it smaller. These locks are simple screw locks, not very secure, but quite common here in the U.S. because they are cheap. We don't take railroads very seriously over here. This appears to be a simple triangular keyway; they also have slotted rouond keyways and hexagonal keyways. The triangular ones come in two sizes. The hexagonal ones are also available slotted. There are hexagonal keys to match the triangular ones, there are flat arched keys to fit the slotted keyways, and there is even a crank-shaped key for extra-fast openings. I may have a few of each lock and key for sale if anyone is interested.
We are all born as originals. Why do so many of us die as copies?
