GC3XEBM TMIOBY PH-75 (Traditional Cache) in Pennsylvania, United States created by lost patrol

This cache has been archived.

lost patrol: The State of NJ is going to be requiring permits to place caches in state parks, WMA's and open space/green acre sites, effectively removing from play the majority of cache free areas in the state.

These permits will be doled out, at the park administrators discretion, using the State's criteria, not Goundspeak's, creating boring cookie cutter lock-n-lock caches and preventing any true innovations or creativity.

Faced with that future I have decided to cash in my caches (regardless of where they are located) and cash in my caching.

Over the next few months I will do what all good retiring members should do, archive and remove the physical caches from their hiding spots.

I want to thank all the good people that have taken the time to create truly epic hides, I've enjoyed them all.

Been at this since 2004 but times have changed and apparently so must I.

Good bye and thanks for all the fishes!

GC3XEBM ▼

A cache by lost patrol Message this owner

Hidden : 9/24/2012

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

The Missiles In Our Back Yards (TMIOBY) Cache series revealing the hidden Cold War remnants in our backyards.

Visit the main page "GC3V4NE TMIOBY" for more details and a list of all the caches in the series.

Remember to write down the coordinate provided with each cache to find the final

PH-75 (control Site) Edgemont_ Designated PH 75 or Battery 'B', 176 AAA Missile Battalion, was located approximately 15 miles west of center city Philadelphia. The base was sometimes referred to as PH75/76, as the Edgemont base was one of the few dual batteries housing two complete, independent sets of fire control and launcher equipment. The Control Area-which contained the radar equipment for searching for enemy aircraft and controlling the missiles-was on Delchester Road North of West Chester Pike (State Highway 3) in Willistown Township and the Launch Area-where the missiles were assembled, maintained and stored-was also on Delchester Road a half-mile South of the highway. It was not uncommon for the two sections to be in different townships. The site was chosen for its high terrain necessary for the radar equipment. The base was part of a ring of 12 Nike Bases built by the US Army to protect the City of Philadelphia in the advent of an enemy air attack, a threat during the Cold War years. Major metropolitan areas in the US were protected by these rings of Nike bases from the mid 1950's until 1974.
The Edgemont base was activated in May 1955 with about 100 men stationed there. The $1 million facility began operation before most of the buildings were completed. While the Barracks were being completed the enlisted men and officers slept in Jamesway huts, constructed of a double layer of canvas on a wood frame and housing about a dozen men.
The base was later converted into a dual site with the addition of Nike Hercules missiles along with the Nike Ajax missiles. Additional personnel were added at this time. After 1963, only the five bases in the Philadelphia Defense Area that housed the Hercules missiles remained in operation. Fewer bases were needed with the more advanced Hercules.
The base was deactivated by the mid 1970's along with the remaining 48 Nike facilities in the US and abroad.
Today the Control Area is used by the Delaware County Highway Department and the Launch Area is home to US Army Reserve 157th Support Battalion.

Control Site
Location: Delchester Rd
Condition: Off Limits Delaware County Highway Department
Remaining structure: From Google maps it appears that the concrete radar support towers and a building still remain. Site gated, locked and posted no trespassing

Launch Site
Location: Delchester Rd
Condition: Re-purposed. Us Army Reserve Center
Remaining structure: None

Thanks to: John S. Flack Jr. (visit link)

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

ebpx

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)