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Interlocker Internal Works

Drawing of the Santa Clara Depot
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Picture of the internal mechanism of the interlocking machine.
The internal works of the Interlocking Machine

The interlocking machine uses a matrix of bars in a row and column formation to prevent certain combinations of switch and signal positions to occur for any given selection. This helps prevent two trains from colliding. The red can, seen above, was used by the signal maintainers to remind the tower man that the function of that lever was out of service.