Railroad crossing signs used a number sign under the crossbuck to indicate how many tracks lay beyond the sign. An angle bar wrench took bolts out of angle bars that held the rail in place at joints between rails, and a claw bar pulled spikes holding the track in place. Rail tongs were used to pick up rails, and it took 6 men and 3 of these to lift a 40 ft. rail weighing over 1,000 lbs. A track switch was thrown when a train was coming so cars moved from one track to another. A spike maul pounded spikes in, tie tongs installed ties, tie anchors kept ties from shifting, a whistle sign told the engineer or brakesman when to blow the whistle, and a gang or crew car held tools and up to 16 men.