Abandoned Railroad Crossing Questions

[msj191961]

Hey guys. I'm new to this forum, and I am enjoying my stay so far. This topic is in regards to this abandoned railroad crossing near me.

This railroad was officially abandoned in 2012, and the line was ripped up shortly after. However, 2 crossings along the line with signals are still intact. Just to get right down to it, I've been really interested in beginning a crossing signal part collection, and one of these signals has exactly what I want: a mechanical bell. Probably a WC Hayes bell. I would like to obtain this bell, but I have several questions I need cleared up.

First of all, does anyone know who would be the owner of these signals? The railroad? The strip mall nearby? I don't think it would be legal to just come and take these. I would like to contact the owner and see what he says. Secondly, how would whole uninstall process go down? With the way the signal looks like it's about to tip and fall, I wouldn't even attempt to do anything to it. Unfortunately, these signals have the whole cantilever/overhead thing going on. Finally, what would even be the chances of me actually getting this bell? My Dad says I can try, but he doesn't think anyone would even care enough to talk about the matter. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. -Ryan :)

[AndyWS]

Start by contacting the railroad that owned and/or operated the tracks. They might not own them anymore, especially in the case of an abandoned line the owner might be the salvage company that removed the tracks, the state, the county, the city. In some jurisdictions the city installs and owns the crossing signals, and the railroad just maintains them. In others the railroad owns everything. At least they might be able to point you in the right direction. I would never recommend just taking signal parts without permission. Even if they look to be "abandoned" by the railroad, they're probably still owned by somebody which would constitute theft.

[msj191961]

Okay. That sounds like a good start. I'll see what I can do as far as contacting them tomorrow. It should be pretty easy, considering this is only a branch off from the main line that is still in operation. Thanks.

[NSrailfan4life]

To answer your question in aquiring the bell,it may be a harder chance to get it than if you ask for the crossbuck.I used to know a man who worked for NS railway.He gave me crossing parts.But when I asked him for a bell once,he said no because it could get reused at another crossing in need of it.You could still try though,the railway worker could probalbly still give it to you.

[msj191961]

Okay. Thanks for the info. Although I don't see why they would want want to reuse an old, probably rusty, mechanical bell. You would think they would want a new WCH E-Bell. Aw well. Again, maybe they will give it to me.

[NSrailfan4life]

Well the bell I asked them for was in coincidance the same bell your looking for,and in the same condition.I was kind of dissapointed when I could'nt recieve it.

[cabman701]

If you are looking for "a" mechanical bell (not particular about the type, etc)... you will have a much better chance just getting one on-line. E-bay, etc is your best bet.

I have a feeling you are going to be in for a bit of a run-around trying to find the owners of those signals in your picture.