Thought I 'd share a photo or two of the two sets of Edison Railroad Batteries I have.

These are nickel cadmium ED-160 units. I also have much of the associated equipment found in the control box, including the Edison charger unit. Originally, I had intended on reconstructing an authentic crossing signal set up. I still have the General Railways Signal two sided flasher (4) light assembly.

I could kick myself that I did not pickup two mint aluminum signal mast poles I found a few years back at a wreck site. They are not easy to find, nor cheap as is any of the associated hardware.

In addition I was told, these units do incorporate the use of oil, not unlike the earlier lead acid batteries of the day. Oil has two functions, one to dissipate heat and to keep the electrolyte/water mixture from evaporating during use and recharge cycles, lengthening the time between maintenance checks and topoffs.