Tracks Leading to a Float, 1960

We see tracks leading to a "float" or ferry across the Mississippi River. This picture is taken at Trotters Point, Mississippi, and shows a view of the track leading down to the float. Note here the heavy undergrowth along the right-of-way and the obstruction by the small building used by the track maintenance department. Due to the undergrowth of this building all signals are given on the fireman's side at this particular point. The way the switching is handled at Trotters Point is as follows: the cars are pulled by the engine from Clarksdale, Mississippi to Trotters Point. At Trotters Point there are three switch tracks. The reason for this is that it is necessary to line the cars up so that the maximum number of cars possible can be put on the float. Also, it is necessary to put the cars in front of the engine so that the cars can be pushed on the float. If there is a great deal of back and forth switching at Trotters Point there is a great number of obstructions which make it absolutely essential to maintain a watch on both sides of the locomotive.