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What Type of Locks Did the B & M Railroad Use?

In the days of the old railroads, locks were integral parts of the system. They came in a variety of shapes and appearances, but a particular lock usually carried the name or initials of its railroad. The B&M Railroad was one of many railroads widely used through the 19th and early 20th centuries, and it had its own distinctive locks. Today their relatively small sizes and important place in railroad history make any railroad locks interesting items for collectors.

Railroad Locks
- One of the main functions of railroad locks was to lock switches -- or the places where railroad lines converged and diverged. As those places on the track could be moved depending on the route a particular train was to take, it was important that the switch be set correctly and locked into place. This helped protect the railroads from accidental switch movement as well as intentional harm.
The Boston & Maine Railroad
- The Boston & Maine (B&M) Railroad once ran throughout New England. It officially began in 1835 with the merging of several smaller railroads in the area; it had almost 2000 miles of track at its peak in the early 1900s. It connected to other surrounding railroads in New York and Maine and was an important transportation system in the area for many years. Today over 1000 miles of the original B&M Railroad track are operated under the aegis of Pan Am Railways.
Locks Used on the B&M Railroad
- Like most railroads of the time, the B&M Railroad did not use one specific kind of lock throughout its run. All locks needed to be strong to withstand the harsh conditions of railroad use; in general, railroads used both brass and steel models. Steel was subject to corrosion, so brass was considered the stronger material. B&M used both brass and steel locks; heart-shaped padlocks were common in the era, as they apparently provided more protection than a padlock with shoulders.
More Information on B&M Railroad Locks
- To learn more about the specific kinds of locks used on the B&M Railroad, look for locks available for purchase. Locks for sale on the internet usually include detailed photographs and information describing them. Visiting stores and collections that have B&M Railroad locks can also provide a great deal of useful information; usually a knowledgeable person who knows about the locks and can discuss them and answer questions is on hand to discuss them. Like other railroads, the B&M Railroad used many kinds of locks over the years, but their locks should be identifiable with the railroad's name or initials carved into them.

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