Tracks out of service

[TrickyMario7654]

Before the line to Epping was extended to South Morang in 2012, the track at the Cooper Street level crossing was still easily visible. The line use to run all the way to Whittlesea, but was closed in the late 50's.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.652 ... 312!8i6656

Oh my goodness, that whole intersection looks nothing like that now.

https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.652 ... 312!8i6656

I know, I'm still finding some remains of the Orbost line to share with you guys...

[freebrickproductions]

Brookville, PA:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1504443 ... 312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1506239 ... 312!8i6656

[SirKrunch]

Brookville, PA:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1504443 ... 312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1506239 ... 312!8i6656

Just a bit to the East: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1489147 ... 312!8i6656

[freebrickproductions]

Brookville, PA:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1504443 ... 312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1506239 ... 312!8i6656

Just a bit to the East: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1489147 ... 312!8i6656

Wow! How did I miss that?

[ZachL]

Brookville, PA:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1504443 ... 312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1506239 ... 312!8i6656

Just a bit to the East: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1489147 ... 312!8i6656

Wow! How did I miss that?

Let alone, how did those even get missed?

[freebrickproductions]

Here's the UP Newark Branch line that's mostly out of service. Not sure if this first part that's connected to the main line gets any use:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.52727,- ... 312!8i6656
This one is undoubtedly abandoned though:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.5275669 ... 312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@37.5257355 ... 312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@37.5236914 ... 312!8i6656

These bridges mark where the line is undoubtedly out of service:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.5133881 ... a=!3m1!1e3
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.4976679 ... a=!3m1!1e3
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.4888223 ... a=!3m1!1e3

The first crossing after the bridges:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.4815065 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.4817356 ... 312!8i6656

This crossing was featured in a YouTube video by Pacific Zone Railfan, which is how I found out about the line:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.4803058 ... 312!8i6656

The line goes back in use again just west of this crossing:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.4796156 ... 312!8i6656

[freebrickproductions]

Not sure if this was posted before, but West Sacramento, CA:
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.5665321 ... 312!8i6656

[chris96]

Not sure if this was posted before, but West Sacramento, CA:
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.5665321 ... 312!8i6656

I don't understand why railroads sometimes go to the effort of turning the lights around and installing a "tracks out of service" sign when they could just remove the equipment all together and put it in safe storage. The same thing also happened at this crossing nearby:
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.5964936 ... 312!8i6656

I used to think this only happened on lines that had the possibility of being used again in the future (as a way to protect the equipment temporarily, but still keep it in place if needed). But I've see this happen at crossings where the tracks have been totally ripped up!

[TrickyMario7654]

I don't understand why railroads sometimes go to the effort of turning the lights around and installing a "tracks out of service" sign when they could just remove the equipment all together and put it in safe storage. The same thing also happened at this crossing nearby:
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.5964936 ... 312!8i6656

I used to think this only happened on lines that had the possibility of being used again in the future (as a way to protect the equipment temporarily, but still keep it in place if needed). But I've see this happen at crossings where the tracks have been totally ripped up!

Speaking of removing equipment...

Congrats Daniel Andrews, you've won a billionth of my respect. I'm just joking. Level crossing removals are stupid. This video is a free dislike video for all signal fans...

[cabman701]

I don't understand why railroads sometimes go to the effort of turning the lights around and installing a "tracks out of service" sign when they could just remove the equipment all together and put it in safe storage. The same thing also happened at this crossing nearby:
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.5964936 ... 312!8i6656

I used to think this only happened on lines that had the possibility of being used again in the future (as a way to protect the equipment temporarily, but still keep it in place if needed). But I've see this happen at crossings where the tracks have been totally ripped up!

Speaking of removing equipment...

Congrats Daniel Andrews, you've won a billionth of my respect. I'm just joking. Level crossing removals are stupid. This video is a free dislike video for all signal fans...

I wholeheartedly agree on preserving equipment after the tracks go dormant. As Brick showed in Courtland, Alabama... all of the equipment (including the relay box) can be moved from one crossing to another and put back into service. I would have to think this is a cheaper alternative than purchasing brand new equipment.