Is there a a ladder hidden behind the signal box, or is that what we're seeing on the leg in the foreground? (If so, it looks rather difficult to climb). But regardless, this appears to be a position where getting to work is the hardest part.

[There's also a ladder on top of the signal box. - Dave]

Indeed, but I believe she'd have a hard time reaching it.

The film noir "Woman in the Window" premiered in 1944 with an innocent Clark Kent-like Edward G. Robinson becoming involved with a beguiling woman and a murder.

Postwar world -- Replacing both with automatic machinery.

She's clearly yelling at the brakeman to stay off his dang smartphone while he's working

This is not an easy job.

In my young days before I came to the USA, I was a conductor Guard on British Railways (as it was known then). Part of the training was to observe the signalman in the signal box (as they were called back then), and to see how that job functioned.

The strength needed to pull those levers was tantamount to doing the job correctly.

Kudos to that lady for doing that job.

if the lady managed to get his attention. He seems to be engrossed on his phone?

Two fallen flags --

MEC Maine Central: The Pine Tree Route
T&NO Texas & New Orleans: a subsidiary of the Southern Pacific Railroad

Whether it's a tower to control trains or highway gates, it is well-built, airy, and in need of some flower boxes to complement this sturdy structure