I’m sure I’ve spoken before about the departures board at South Station.  I love it because it’s a glorious holdover from the 1980s (and earlier). Unlike modern LED or television displays, it’s a mechanical model, where changing the information requires physically rolling over from one flap to another.

You can easily find plenty of examples of signs like this on YouTube.

Of course, the fun only really happens when it’s time for a dramatic change (e.g., moving each departure over a column to make room for more).  In truth, the sign is the one aspect of South Station I really love.  Railroad travel should carry a certain antiquity, even if you’re just catching a commuter rail train to Waltham.

Well, there’s good news and bad news.

The bad news?  The MBTA installed a new, all-singing, all-dancing light-up sign in June, which will replace the mechanical model.  There goes my favorite part of a South Station visit.

The good news?  The Globe reports they’re selling it on eBay.  The auction is still online (here), though it looks like some form of silent auction, where potential buyers contact the seller directly, rather than placing bids on the site.  In any case, there’s no public information besides that the MBTA wants at least $500.

If only I had somewhere to put it!