Control is provided over the pouring of iron in the casting of iron pipe in a centrifugal casting machine. The initial flow of molten iron from the pouring ladle into the trough actuates an electric eye. A second electric eye is actuated when the molten iron has filled the pouring ladle. The centrifugal casting machine is rolled up to surround the trough, the bell end of the pipe to be formed being at the end of the trough. The molten iron is poured into the casting machine trough and flows into the bell section of the pipe being cast. The casting machine is then moved away from the trough end to form the rest of the pipe.