Since the upcoming release of the reworked Port Jefferson Branch timetable, I decided to visit HUNT interlocking (located in Huntington), for this interlocking walkthrough. This interlocking is split into three parts. It would be difficult to insert photos of all 3 interlockings, so, instead here's a bird's eye view of the location.
HUNT Interlocking has been around for some time, being opened on June 26, 1976. Orginally, the three interlockings actually had different names. HUNT 1 was referred to as BURKE, HUNT 2 as HUNT, and HUNT 3 as COREY. However, some years back, they combined them (similar to what happened at FOX) to form the what is now known as HUNT interlocking.
Switches
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| HUNT 1 |
When approaching from the west, a westbound train would first encounter HUNT 1. Firstly, there's a crossover from Port Jefferson 2 to Port Jefferson 1. Shortly then after, the North Side Track splits off.
The North Side Track is where the LIRR stores it's diesel fleet in service for the Port Jefferson scoot. When a westbound shuttle comes in, it'll unload passengers then come onto this siding to wait for it's eastbound action.
Then there's a 6-way grade crossing, before the interlocking officially ends.
You thought we're done????? Hell no. We're just getting started. Just after the eastern limit of HUNT 1, the two team tracks split off and run north. There's also a run-around track, similar to what would be seen at interlockings like DIVIDE.
Now we're onto HUNT 2, which, begins just east of the station. It's pretty much a reversed carbon-copy of HUNT 1. It starts out with the North Side Track merging back into Port Jefferson 1, followed by a crossover over to Port Jefferson 2. HUNT 2 then ends shortly before the actual station platforms.
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| HUNT 2 |
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| HUNT 3 |
Signals
HUNT interlocking has the typical Pensy-style position-light signals seen at many interlockings still across the railroad.
Towers
HUNT never had a tower, and all operations were controlled via DIVIDE interlocking.
Neighbors
HUNT is neighbored by AMOTT interlocking to the west (between Cold Spring and Syosset, and by DUKE interlocking (in Northport) to the east. There's a passing siding in Greenlawn, however it is hand-thrown, therefore, it doesn't really count as an interlocking.