Atlanta Depot: 1864

The "blades" you refer to are properly called "points." Points move back and forth to be pushed close to the main running rails to make the locomotives go to the appropriate track. The switches are called stub switches.

Before the day of the automatic coupler, many a railroad worker lost limb or life to the dangers involved with building a train.

That's a lot of guys just hangin' out in the switchyard...

The large stacks were indeed intended to help keep embers from falling on the grass along the tracks. They are much more complicated than they appear since they had cast iron deflectors and screens inside the stacks.

Does anyone know why the engine stacks are so big, especially compared to the size of the shunters. Creosote traps? Flash and ember traps?

Check out the cute little switch engine steaming away over by the cut of cars on the right. Those stub switch stands are the precursors to the harp switch stands, seen here.

This photo brightens the day by bringing Buster Keaton's "The General" to mind -- especially the scene involving the famous Keaton curve.

Notice how there are no blades as such. Sections of rail move across when the lever is pushed/pulled rather than the traditional machined tapered blade.