Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

McK&H.Aust · Post by **McK&H.Aust** » Wed Jan 04, 2017 6:58 pm

TrickyMario7654 wrote:
McK&H.Aust wrote:Here is a hazard triangle (sadly the bottom sign is missing) from an advanced warning sign for a level crossing at Wollongong NSW. The only problem is that the crossing was closed in 1989 but this sign still exists today!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.417 ... 312!8i6656
Why was the crossing closed, and how did you know what the equipment was?

The crossing was replaced by an overpass a few hundred metres to the south.
I have some photos of the crossing, they are a bit grainy but you can still see the equipment well enough. All I need now is a decent scanner.

TrickyMario7654 wrote:Also, I've noticed that some Westinghouse Gate Mechanisms look slightly different. Take a look at this crossing in Officer, VIC.

Here's the gate mechanism on one side of the crossing. As you can clearly see, the logo is on the bottom of the case.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8Y7t ... c0ajhwdFJR

Here's the other one, notice how the logo is on the top of the case?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8Y7t ... NCSVV3ZEow

Also, this signal is missing the crossbuck!
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8Y7t ... cyQTFVTkJV

It was there in 2014.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.061 ... 312!8i6656

Not to mention, the lights on the signal are crooked.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8Y7t ... hfSFRQZmRv

Maybe one gate mech is a slightly different (newer) model than the other. I noticed that one has air vents in the mechanism cover, but the other one doesn't have any.

I've noticed crooked lights on other crossings before. It seems to be common with Westinghouse lights. Where the cross-arms for the lights joins onto the junction box assembly, there is a T piece which looks like it could swivel if the lights were bumped hard enough. Maybe they can't be bothered to fix it, but it looks untidy that's for sure.

TrickyMario7654 wrote:Finally, I've noticed that sometime in 2016, new relay cases appeared at many of the crossings on the Pakenham line between Dandenong and Pakenham. Take a look at the ones I've found.

Progress Street, Dandenong South.
2015: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.006 ... 312!8i6656
2016: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.006 ... 312!8i6656

In the description for his video of Progress St, Stuart Hunt mentioned that the train detection for the crossing had been changed to axle counters. It's probably an extra relay case for the axle counting equipment. Not sure if the other crossings you mentioned had a similar upgrade.

TrickyMario7654 · Post by **TrickyMario7654** » Wed Jan 04, 2017 7:03 pm

McK&H.Aust wrote:Maybe one gate mech is a slightly different (newer) model than the other. I noticed that one has air vents in the mechanism cover, but the other one doesn't have any.

I've noticed crooked lights on other crossings before. It seems to be common with Westinghouse lights. Where the cross-arms for the lights joins onto the junction box assembly, there is a T piece which looks like it could swivel if the lights were bumped hard enough. Maybe they can't be bothered to fix it, but it looks untidy that's for sure.

I wonder why they would put air vents in them?

McK&H.Aust · Post by **McK&H.Aust** » Thu Jan 05, 2017 5:08 am

TrickyMario7654 wrote:
McK&H.Aust wrote:Maybe one gate mech is a slightly different (newer) model than the other. I noticed that one has air vents in the mechanism cover, but the other one doesn't have any.
I wonder why they would put air vents in them?

That's an interesting question, wish I knew the answer. Normally most gate mechanisms seem to be reasonably well sealed, there's no way you would want water, dust or other contaminants coming into contact with the electric motor or the other moving parts. I doubt the motors would get very hot under normal conditions, they are only operating for a few seconds when lowering or rising.

There must be something different about the way those mechs with the air vents operate. It's a shame the manuals are not readily available. You can go online and find manuals for Safetran (Siemens), WCH, WRRS and US&S gate mechs, but nothing about Westinghouse or McK&H equipment. The railways must have manuals for them, but I get the feeling that they are not the sharing kind of people!

TrickyMario7654 · Post by **TrickyMario7654** » Thu Jan 05, 2017 3:03 pm

McK&H.Aust wrote:
TrickyMario7654 wrote:
McK&H.Aust wrote:Maybe one gate mech is a slightly different (newer) model than the other. I noticed that one has air vents in the mechanism cover, but the other one doesn't have any.
I wonder why they would put air vents in them?
That's an interesting question, wish I knew the answer. Normally most gate mechanisms seem to be reasonably well sealed, there's no way you would want water, dust or other contaminants coming into contact with the electric motor or the other moving parts. I doubt the motors would get very hot under normal conditions, they are only operating for a few seconds when lowering or rising.

There must be something different about the way those mechs with the air vents operate. It's a shame the manuals are not readily available. You can go online and find manuals for Safetran (Siemens), WCH, WRRS and US&S gate mechs, but nothing about Westinghouse or McK&H equipment. The railways must have manuals for them, but I get the feeling that they are not the sharing kind of people!

I've noticed that the pedestrian gate mechs have air vents too. Here's an example at the Main Street crossing in Pakenham.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8Y7t ... VLNDVMa1dv

McK&H.Aust · Post by **McK&H.Aust** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 8:59 am

TrickyMario7654 wrote:I've noticed that the pedestrian gate mechs have air vents too. Here's an example at the Main Street crossing in Pakenham.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8Y7t ... VLNDVMa1dv

Those are neat looking gate mechs. Unfortunately I've never seen one in person (pretty sure they were never used in NSW), so I can't really comment on why they would need air vents (except maybe something gets hot lol). McK&H and Westinghouse made some nice stuff and it's a shame there is very little information about their products.

TrickyMario7654 · Post by **TrickyMario7654** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 3:49 pm

McK&H.Aust wrote:
TrickyMario7654 wrote:I've noticed that the pedestrian gate mechs have air vents too. Here's an example at the Main Street crossing in Pakenham.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8Y7t ... VLNDVMa1dv
Those are neat looking gate mechs. Unfortunately I've never seen one in person (pretty sure they were never used in NSW), so I can't really comment on why they would need air vents (except maybe something gets hot lol). McK&H and Westinghouse made some nice stuff and it's a shame there is very little information about their products.

IKR. Shame there isn't a lot of information on them.

Also, can you identity the gate mechs used on this crossing?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8Y7t ... 43WHB1U3RB

McK&H.Aust · Post by **McK&H.Aust** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 9:29 pm

TrickyMario7654 wrote:Also, can you identity the gate mechs used on this crossing?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8Y7t ... 43WHB1U3RB

Looking at the counterweight arms, I think there's a good chance they could be McK&H or Westinghouse gate mechs.

TrickyMario7654 · Post by **TrickyMario7654** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 10:24 pm

McK&H.Aust wrote:
TrickyMario7654 wrote:Also, can you identity the gate mechs used on this crossing?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8Y7t ... 43WHB1U3RB
Looking at the counterweight arms, I think there's a good chance they could be McK&H or Westinghouse gate mechs.

Thanks for that. Anyways, I thought I would share some crossings in the Mildura area.

The first one has been blocked off (no idea why), and has a hybrid bell.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.260 ... 312!8i6656

Another Hybrid bell.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.242 ... 312!8i6656

This one is located on a major highway and is quite interesting...
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.235 ... 312!8i6656

It has both a Westinghouse Hybrid and a Safetran Type 3 E-Bell!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.235 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.235 ... 312!8i6656

Odd Median Signals.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.235 ... 312!8i6656

This next one has a Teardrop bell! (Only problem, the image is from 2008.)
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.227 ... 328!8i1664

Here's a four-way crossing. One of the signals have two 'SORS' signs!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.218 ... 328!8i1664

Another crossing with a hybrid bell.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.210 ... 328!8i1664

This one runs through a roundabout!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.201 ... 312!8i6656

The same crossing above in 2010. At the time, it was gateless and had two hybrid bells.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.201 ... 312!8i6656

One close to an adjacent intersection.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.195 ... 312!8i6656

In 2010, the crossing still had a Teardrop bell!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.195 ... 312!8i6656

Another crossing in a roundabout, and it still has two hybrid bells!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.189 ... 312!8i6656

Another Teardrop!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.185 ... 312!8i6656

Sadly, it's gone now.

https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.185 ... 312!8i6656

The next crossing had a Teardrop bell in 2008.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.178 ... 328!8i1664

By 2010, it was gone!

https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.178 ... 312!8i6656

This passive crossing has a HUGE 'Give Way' sign!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.178 ... 312!8i6656

Another crossing with a Safetran Type 3 E-Bell.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.182 ... 312!8i6656

Yet another Safetran Type 3 E-Bell.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.185 ... 312!8i6656

And another...
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.190 ... 312!8i6656

Also, someone in the Victorian Railways must really hate Mechanical bells! (Not to mention, vintage crossing equipment in general.)

Take a look at this crossing in Shepparton. In 2010, it has an old setup with WRRS gate mechanisms and two Teardrop bells!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.382 ... 312!8i6656

But someone between 2010 & 2015 thought, "Hey, lets install new signals at High Street, Shepparton even though there's already boom gates there!"
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.382 ... 312!8i6656

As you can tell, the Teardrop bells are gone and new gated signals have taken their place. To whoever did that, I give you a dozen thumbs down.

McK&H.Aust · Post by **McK&H.Aust** » Sat Jan 07, 2017 6:17 am

TrickyMario7654 wrote:This next one has a Teardrop bell! (Only problem, the image is from 2008.)
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.227 ... 328!8i1664

In 2010, the crossing still had a Teardrop bell!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.195 ... 312!8i6656

Another Teardrop!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.185 ... 312!8i6656

Sadly, it's gone now.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.185 ... 312!8i6656

The next crossing had a Teardrop bell in 2008.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.178 ... 328!8i1664

By 2010, it was gone!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.178 ... 312!8i6656:

Sadly I would guess that all those teardrop bells are probably gone by now. They most likely replaced them all around the same time, but I hope that I'm wrong!

One thing that really frustrates me is the amount of old images on streetview. I don't expect them to update their images every year, but having grainy images that are approaching 10 years old is ridiculous. Even images from 2010 should probably be updated soon. I don't know their official policy, but I give google a thumbs down for old images

TrickyMario7654 wrote:Also, someone in the Victorian Railways must really hate Mechanical bells! (Not to mention, vintage crossing equipment in general.)

Take a look at this crossing in Shepparton. In 2010, it has an old setup with WRRS gate mechanisms and two Teardrop bells!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.382 ... 312!8i6656

But someone between 2010 & 2015 thought, "Hey, lets install new signals at High Street, Shepparton even though there's already boom gates there!"
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.382 ... 312!8i6656

As you can tell, the Teardrop bells are gone and new gated signals have taken their place. To whoever did that, I give you a dozen thumbs down.

I don't mean to add insult to injury, but those gate mechs look like they could have been McK&H. It was a really nice crossing and of course they had to ruin it. Finding crossings with 2 teardrop bells these days is as rare as hens teeth, but old gate mechs as well is even rarer. The thumbs down is not strong enough

TrickyMario7654 · Post by **TrickyMario7654** » Sat Jan 07, 2017 3:18 pm

McK&H.Aust wrote: Sadly I would guess that all those teardrop bells are probably gone by now. They most likely replaced them all around the same time, but I hope that I'm wrong!

One thing that really frustrates me is the amount of old images on streetview. I don't expect them to update their images every year, but having grainy images that are approaching 10 years old is ridiculous. Even images from 2010 should probably be updated soon. I don't know their official policy, but I give google a thumbs down for old images

I find that pretty annoying too. They seriously need to update them.

McK&H.Aust wrote:I don't mean to add insult to injury, but those gate mechs look like they could have been McK&H. It was a really nice crossing and of course they had to ruin it. Finding crossings with 2 teardrop bells these days is as rare as hens teeth, but old gate mechs as well is even rarer. The thumbs down is not strong enough

Take a look at all these old setups in regional and rural Victoria that have been trashed.

Wallan-Whittlesea Rd, Wallan (trashed shortly after this image was taken):
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.419 ... 312!8i6656

Creswick Rd, Wendouree (trashed by 2009):
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.546 ... 328!8i1664

Inkerman St, Maryborough (trashed in 2014):
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.053 ... 328!8i1664

High Street, Wodonga (trashed by a rail bypass):
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.120 ... 312!8i6656

Additionally, this crossing in Baddaginnie is set to be upgraded with gates soon. Say goodbye to the Teardrop bell.

https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.588 ... 312!8i6656

Thanks to Daniel Andrews, these old setups in Melbourne will be history, or are already history...

Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals