Can someone explain the term “interurban line”? The only thing that I can think of is a trolley line. Some folks have used the term writing about less-than-Railroad Grade watch mechanisms. Were the specifications ever codified (even within a state)? In short, what are the parameters of an interurban line timepiece?

Mark,
The term "interurban line" usually refers to a trolley or other short line, usually hauling passengers, that only ran on local tracks. Since they could get correct station times quickly, they didn't require the level of accuracy that the watches used on Class I railroads did. Thus they aften found that three or four positions watches would maintain the level of accuracy that they required without subjecting their employees to the additional expense of purchasing the more expensive "railroad" movements that were needed on the longer run railroads.
While the Associaltion of American Railroads published guidelines for standard watches, each railroad could (and did), modify these guidelines to suit their own requirements. To add to the complexity of the situation, these requirements changed, railroad by railroad, as the years progressed. To the best of my knowledge, there were never any government mandated specifications, either for the interurban or the bigger railroads. Each railroad, in conjunction with the inspection service that they used, worked out the requirements that they wanted. Usually these specs didn't vary a whole lot between different roads, but some differences did exist.

Hi Mark, I guess it was I who threw out the "interurban" term in another post. We railroad buffs have a tendency to throw out terms that we assume all will understand. Mea Culpa.

Tom

Probably the most famous of the interurban lines was the "Big Red" that covered most of the current Los Angeles basin and was featured in the film Roger Rabbit.

The political back plot in Roger Rabbit was the takeover of the interurban lines by General Motors and their dismantling to promote bus sales (and tires and gasoline). Many viewed it as the great conspiracy.

It is fascinating that light rail is now making a bit of a comeback in urban areas.

When I lived in Morgantown WV there were remnants of a light rail system that once brought tourists down from Pittsburgh to have a day trip to the mountains.

We had the Portsmouth Interurban Line in Portsmouth, Ohio until the late 30's that ran from Portsmouth to Wheelersburg. You can STILL see the old tracks where they ran down Gallia street in Portsmouth, as all they did was pave over the rails, and this past summer the asphalt got so hot, it actually sank, allowing the rails to be seen again after all these years.

I occasionally carry my 16s Hamilton Electric Special, and think of those of small rail lines that ran using these type watches. The one thing mine does that I find upsetting, and makes me understand why they were never approved for standard railroad use, is it's a pendant set watch, and occasionally re-sets itself when I'm carrying it in my pocket. Not good if you were on a standard railroad schedule.

Regards! Mark

Ed;
Thanks once again for bailing out my ignorance. The term “Adjusted” indicated three positions (if I recall correctly), so would a watch just marked “Adjusted” fall within the purview of what was required for an interurban line? Attempting to interpret what you have said into actual timepiece examples I would think that a Bunn would meet the requirements, or would this be overkill?

Tom H;
Your use of the term is not a problem – it affords me the opportunity to ask for its definition so that I can understand it also.

Tom M;
I will bet that the Morgantown city fathers are kicking themselves now! Had they built a connection to Charlestown rather than ripping-up the rails, they could make a tidy sum from the race track/slot machine traffic.

Mark;
Do you folks have a casino nearby?

A casino? Nope...not unless one blew into the back yard after the last hurricane!

Regards! Mark