Viall Ave. 1 - Mechanicville, NY

[weatherdan882002]

Well, construction has finally made its way to the crossing. Today the crossing is closed and workers are digging up the grade in what is likely a preparation for adding in a second track. They are also in the relay case too, but no new signals as of yet...

[AlvinAZ]

They are also in the relay case too, but no new signals as of yet...

Cool.
Now, go over and talk to 'em, well? :)

Alvin in AZ

[weatherdan882002]

Well, I went over and got some pictures. A couple of them saw me, but didn't say anything to me. I'm a bit nervous to go over and start conversations. I don't want them to distract them from working or better yet, have them think I'm a threat of some sort. I'm sure they are friendly, but there's always that one person who ends up thinking in a negative manner.

[AlvinAZ]

Well, I went over and got some pictures.
A couple of them saw me, but didn't say anything to me.
I'm a bit nervous to go over and start conversations.

It'll be ok, Dan. :)

Tell 'em what you're up to and they'll just think you're a "railroad buff" and
so... you're completely wacko is all. ;) They'll treat you nice like any other
nut-case. LOL ;)

BTDT just this weekend even. My son and grandsons have gotten into train
watching and a friend of his is a "railroad buff" and wanted me to take 'em
to see the tunnels on the old SP Hayden Branch, so we did that. But we only
had time for tunnel #2 by Ray Junction tho. A trip to tunnel #1 is planned.

Tell those signalmen that you hang out on a website-forum called "Mike's
Railroad Crossing Forum" and they'll see their picture (or only pictures of
their handy work?) and maybe-so get some young signal-apes on here? :)

Ask 'em what type of equipment will be used to control the Xing, that's the
first thing -I'd- ask. YMMV?

-----------------

"if the person you are talking to about your hobby is not-into your hobby
and you don't-sound completely-wacko, then, you either held-back or you
aren't into your hobby very far" -Alvin

Came up with that one back in the late 70's when I got to know a "railroad
buff" neighbor. LOL :)

Alvin in AZ

[weatherdan882002]

Well, supposedly the crossing re-opened late that night and remained open through the weekend. Today it's closed once again and the workers are back filling in the grade (asphalt). I didn't see how many tracks are in the grade, but I hope to soon once the construction's complete. Still nothing new signal-wise though.

[gedunk]

[quote="KLM92"]Also don't trespass to talk to them. They can call the railroad police right now. Railroad police didn't make it into the real police force, and they will ream your a$$ to make up for it.quote]

FYI: in many (if not most) states railroad law predates, and thereby trumps, state & local law. A RR cop is a sworn officer with full police rights and privileges.

[weatherdan882002]

Well, went back to the crossing today and the new grade is complete, however there are no additional tracks at the crossing. While I was there, the company that was in charge of the pavement showed up with more equipment and there were white dotted lines going from one side of the road to the other on both sides of the crossing, just behind the signals. As I was leaving, one of the machines they brought in was beginning to cut along the line on the south side of the crossing. Also, when cars go over the crossing now, it's like going over a huge bump in the road. It seems the work that they did over the past couple of days was to raise the height level of the grade, and apparently they're not done just yet...

[AlvinAZ]

It seems the work that they did over the past couple of days was to raise
the height level of the grade, and apparently they're not done just yet...

Cool to watch, huh? :)

I've always got a kick out of watching someone work on something, started
that before kindergarten. (yeah, I can remember;)

Alvin in AZ

[weatherdan882002]

Well, I went back again today and all the construction stuff is gone and what was being cut up yesterday is now covered with asphalt. I did find something unusual however:



This was the only sign at the crossing. I tried looking it up online, but I couldn't find anything. Does anyone know what this means?

[Smjh1979]

Dictionary.com doesn't show the word either. No idea from me either.