Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

[Jack2003]

Here is something rather odd I found out with the crossings at Heinz Lane, Invermay Park and Scandinavian Crescent, Talbot. In 2003 both crossings had hybrid bells, here is a video of both crossings in action, skip to 1:03 for Heinz Lane and 2:59 for Scandinavian Crescent:

Admin edit: Just dropping the direct link here since doesn't seem to want to embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6lH7ZRjklMs

Rather oddly by 2007 both crossings had their hybrid bells replaced with a teardrop bell! Here's are Google Street View images of both crossings:

Heinz Lane: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.527 ... 312!8i6656

You can hear the teardrop bell ringing in this video, skip to 6:34:


Scandinavian Crescent, rather oddly the pedestrian crossing had no path going across the tracks: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.174 ... 328!8i1664

By 2009 Scandinavian Crescent was completely upgraded with new signage, LED lights, a General Signals ebell and a new relay box. The pedestrian crossing signage remained the same and a new path was added across the tracks: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.174 ... 312!8i6656

Then in mid 2015 the crossing was upgraded with boom gates. Here's what it looks like now: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.176 ... 312!8i6656

By 2014 the teardrop bell at Heinz Lane was replaced with a Safetran Type 3 ebell: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.527 ... 312!8i6656

Three months later Heinz Lane was upgraded with boom gates and with the new bells being General Signals Type 2's. In about late 2016 a new pedestrian crossing was installed. Here is when the pedestrian crossing was still being worked on in October 2016: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.527 ... 312!8i6656

The finished pedestrian crossing in July 2020:

[chris96]

Here is something rather odd I found out with the crossings at Heinz Lane, Invermay Park and Scandinavian Crescent, Talbot. In 2003 both crossings had hybrid bells, here is a video of both crossings in action, skip to 1:03 for Heinz Lane and 2:59 for Scandinavian Crescent:
[YouTube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6lH7ZRjklM&t=202s[/YouTube]

Rather oddly by 2007 both crossings had their hybrid bells replaced with a teardrop bell!

Interesting discovery there! I actually visited Talbot quite a lot when I was younger (my uncle owned a property there). I often rode my bike up to the Scandinavian Crescent crossing, however I didn't realize it had a Hybrid Bell at one time. All I can remember seeing was the Teardrop (which was actually a Westinghouse version). The Hybrid must have been replaced soon after that video was taken, as I'm sure the Teardrop was there in 2004.

The museum at the old Talbot railway station also used to have a McK&H Teardrop and older-style McK&H incandescent lights on display, but they were removed a few years ago when the station was converted into a plant nursery. As far as I know, the same person still owns the station, so chances are that he still has the lights and bell in storage somewhere.

I can also remember when the Ballarat - Maryborough Rd crossing was first upgraded in early 2010. The original equipment (consisting of McK&H lights and a hybrid bell) was dumped and left abandoned next to the line. You can see it all in these street view images:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.177 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.177 ... 312!8i6656
I remember being very tempted to take this equipment, but decided it was best not to. By December 2010, it had all been removed.

[Jack2003]

Unfortunately the McMahons Road level crossing at Springhurst now has boom gates, so it’s RIP to the hybrid bell and Westinghouse incandescent strobe lights. The crossing was upgraded between July and September this year as it was still gateless when McK&H Aust went on a filming trip on the North East line. It had had new signal bases installed in early 2019, so I’m surprised that it took a year and a half to upgrade it with gates. Another pointless crossing upgrade as well as it doesn’t see that much traffic.

Also some news on the Murray Valley Highway crossing at Echuca, on Monday this week co-ordinated traffic lights were installed at the crossing, probably to make the crossing a bit safer as it’s a busy road and I’m very surprised it doesn’t have boom gates as every other crossing between Bendigo and Echuca does but not the Murray Valley Highway crossing at Echuca. Here is an article about it on the Weekly Operational Notice page:

[chris96]

Also some news on the Murray Valley Highway crossing at Echuca, on Monday this week co-ordinated traffic lights were installed at the crossing, probably to make the crossing a bit safer as it’s a busy road and I’m very surprised it doesn’t have boom gates as every other crossing between Bendigo and Echuca does but not the Murray Valley Highway crossing at Echuca. Here is an article about it on the Weekly Operational Notice page:

Thanks for the updates! There must be a reason why this crossing hasn't received boom gates yet. I wonder if the local council is opposed to it or something about the location makes installation difficult? It really doesn't make sense considering some private gravel roads even have boom gates now.

I also have a few updates of my own that I'd like to share. I drove though Cressy today and was amazed to see that the Westinghouse EB gate mechanisms on the Hamilton Highway crossing are still there!
IMG_4773 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4777 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

This came as a huge surprise, as I was sure new WCH mechs would've been installed here by now. One unusual thing I noticed on Google street view is that the wishbone gates were replaced at different times at this crossing. In 2010, the gate on the Geelong side was a newer flat version, while the other was still the original A-frame:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.024 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.024 ... 312!8i6656

While in the area, I also had time to visit Inverleigh and am pleased to report that all of the Hybrid bells are still there! Even the previously dead bell at Mahers Rd is still there (I wonder if it's been repaired?).
IMG_4768 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4766 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4765 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4757 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4754 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4755 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4758 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

I actually got to see a train pass through at Barwon Park Rd and the Hybrid is sounding very healthy:
c1 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

I just realized that this crossing used to have a driver beacon near the bell, but it was removed sometime after 2008. I wonder why? :
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.102 ... 328!8i1664

Also, I discovered that this gate-less crossing in Lismore (that was installed after 2008) used a recycled Westinghouse Hybrid bell! This is very unusual as most new installations were using E-Bells at that time:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.969 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.969 ... 312!8i6656

You can clearly tell that the bell is much older than the rest of the signals:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.969 ... 312!8i6656

In 2008, the crossing still had passive signage:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.969 ... 328!8i1664

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to see this crossing today, so I am unsure if the Hybrid is still there.

Anyway, that's it from me for the moment!

[Jack2003]

Unfortunately Moscript Street has now had the signals and relay box removed, so it's RIP to the teardrop bell there. The signal bases are still there as well as the relay box base. Here is what the crossing now looks like:


The relay box at Campbell's Creek-Fryers Road has also been removed and the track and sleepers on both sides has been removed as VGR are in need of rail. The Guildford-Maldon Junction section of the line is all being ripped up as well. Here's a pic taken by TheRailRanger:


Also the reason why traffic lights were installed at the Murray Valley Highway aka Ogilvie Avenue level crossing at Echuca on the western side is because the intersection at Sturt Street/Murray Valley Highway has been upgraded with traffic lights and this is to prevent traffic from stopping on the track. Here is a link to the intersection upgrade:
https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/no ... on-upgrade

Lastly I can confirm that the hybrid bell at Maher’s Road, Inverleigh now works again.

Anyway that's all from me

[chris96]

Unfortunately Moscript Street has now had the signals and relay box removed, so it's RIP to the teardrop bell there. The signal bases are still there as well as the relay box base. Here is what the crossing now looks like:
[YouTube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yuqo2eEjvY&t=4s[/YouTube]

The relay box at Campbell's Creek-Fryers Road has also been removed and the track and sleepers on both sides has been removed as VGR are in need of rail. The Guildford-Maldon Junction section of the line is all being ripped up as well. Here's a pic taken by TheRailRanger:


Also the reason why traffic lights were installed at the Murray Valley Highway aka Ogilvie Avenue level crossing at Echuca on the western side is because the intersection at Sturt Street/Murray Valley Highway has been upgraded with traffic lights and this is to prevent traffic from stopping on the track. Here is a link to the intersection upgrade:
https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/no ... on-upgrade

Lastly I can confirm that the hybrid bell at Maher’s Road, Inverleigh now works again.

Anyway that's all from me

Thanks for the info. That's so sad to hear about Moscript Street (though I was expecting that to happen in the near future). I really hope the VGR were able to get hold of it and it didn't just end up in the trash. I'm curious to know if other Teardrop Bells (apart from Glenelg Highway) have been replaced along the Portland line? If so, there could be barely any left in service at this point.

Great to hear the Maher’s Road Hybrid is fixed! So glad they didn't just replace it with a Type 3!

[Jack2003]

Unfortunately Moscript Street has now had the signals and relay box removed, so it's RIP to the teardrop bell there. The signal bases are still there as well as the relay box base. Here is what the crossing now looks like:
[YouTube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yuqo2eEjvY&t=4s[/YouTube]

The relay box at Campbell's Creek-Fryers Road has also been removed and the track and sleepers on both sides has been removed as VGR are in need of rail. The Guildford-Maldon Junction section of the line is all being ripped up as well. Here's a pic taken by TheRailRanger:


Also the reason why traffic lights were installed at the Murray Valley Highway aka Ogilvie Avenue level crossing at Echuca on the western side is because the intersection at Sturt Street/Murray Valley Highway has been upgraded with traffic lights and this is to prevent traffic from stopping on the track. Here is a link to the intersection upgrade:
https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/no ... on-upgrade

Lastly I can confirm that the hybrid bell at Maher’s Road, Inverleigh now works again.

Anyway that's all from me

Thanks for the info. That's so sad to hear about Moscript Street (though I was expecting that to happen in the near future). I really hope the VGR were able to get hold of it and it didn't just end up in the trash. I'm curious to know if other Teardrop Bells (apart from Glenelg Highway) have been replaced along the Portland line? If so, there could be barely any left in service at this point.

Great to hear the Maher’s Road Hybrid is fixed! So glad they didn't just replace it with a Type 3!

I haven’t heard if any other mechanical bells have been replaced on the Portland line at this stage.

[chris96]

Unfortunately Moscript Street has now had the signals and relay box removed, so it's RIP to the teardrop bell there. The signal bases are still there as well as the relay box base. Here is what the crossing now looks like:
[YouTube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yuqo2eEjvY&t=4s[/YouTube]

The relay box at Campbell's Creek-Fryers Road has also been removed and the track and sleepers on both sides has been removed as VGR are in need of rail. The Guildford-Maldon Junction section of the line is all being ripped up as well. Here's a pic taken by TheRailRanger:


Also the reason why traffic lights were installed at the Murray Valley Highway aka Ogilvie Avenue level crossing at Echuca on the western side is because the intersection at Sturt Street/Murray Valley Highway has been upgraded with traffic lights and this is to prevent traffic from stopping on the track. Here is a link to the intersection upgrade:
https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/no ... on-upgrade

Lastly I can confirm that the hybrid bell at Maher’s Road, Inverleigh now works again.

Anyway that's all from me

Thanks for the info. That's so sad to hear about Moscript Street (though I was expecting that to happen in the near future). I really hope the VGR were able to get hold of it and it didn't just end up in the trash. I'm curious to know if other Teardrop Bells (apart from Glenelg Highway) have been replaced along the Portland line? If so, there could be barely any left in service at this point.

Great to hear the Maher’s Road Hybrid is fixed! So glad they didn't just replace it with a Type 3!

I haven’t heard if any other mechanical bells have been replaced on the Portland line at this stage.

Fingers crossed that they're not. ARTC are usually pretty chill when it comes to replacing old equipment (at least compared to other rail operators), so I'm hopeful some may still be hanging on.

[TheRailRanger]

Unfortunately Moscript Street has now had the signals and relay box removed, so it's RIP to the teardrop bell there. The signal bases are still there as well as the relay box base. Here is what the crossing now looks like:
[YouTube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yuqo2eEjvY&t=4s[/YouTube]

The relay box at Campbell's Creek-Fryers Road has also been removed and the track and sleepers on both sides has been removed as VGR are in need of rail. The Guildford-Maldon Junction section of the line is all being ripped up as well. Here's a pic taken by TheRailRanger:


Also the reason why traffic lights were installed at the Murray Valley Highway aka Ogilvie Avenue level crossing at Echuca on the western side is because the intersection at Sturt Street/Murray Valley Highway has been upgraded with traffic lights and this is to prevent traffic from stopping on the track. Here is a link to the intersection upgrade:
https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/no ... on-upgrade

Lastly I can confirm that the hybrid bell at Maher’s Road, Inverleigh now works again.

Anyway that's all from me

Thanks for the info. That's so sad to hear about Moscript Street (though I was expecting that to happen in the near future). I really hope the VGR were able to get hold of it and it didn't just end up in the trash. I'm curious to know if other Teardrop Bells (apart from Glenelg Highway) have been replaced along the Portland line? If so, there could be barely any left in service at this point.

Great to hear the Maher’s Road Hybrid is fixed! So glad they didn't just replace it with a Type 3!

I haven’t heard if any other mechanical bells have been replaced on the Portland line at this stage.

Fingers crossed that they're not. ARTC are usually pretty chill when it comes to replacing old equipment (at least compared to other rail operators), so I'm hopeful some may still be hanging on.

I had asked my friend at VGR, and he said he didn't have any bells, so my assumption is that a worker was able to keep the teardrop signal. Not sure about the relay cases but that's what I'm going at. Wonder what happened to it.

[Jack2003]

Unfortunately another teardrop bell has sadly been replaced on the Portland line, the crossing been Mill Road, Strathkellar. I was told this by this guy named David Smith aka Western Victorian Railways. I haven’t heard at this stage if any other mechanical bells have been replaced on the line.