Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

[chris96]

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.

That's too bad. Thanks for the update. It's not looking good for other M-Bells on the line at this rate. I'd say ARTC has made crossing "upgrades" a priority now that the line has been reactivated. I'm hoping to take a trip to Portland in a few weeks to check out the crossings on the line and see what's going on.

I've actually been quite busy over the past couple of days going on a few road trips and checking out some crossings around the state.

I'm pleased to report that the Hybrid bells at Donnybrook Rd in Donnybrook are still there! However, the bell on the station side has been turned around for some reason and is starting to sound a little flat:
IMG_4805 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4806 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4808 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4810 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4809 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4807 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

It looks as though some upgrades might be coming to this crossing soon, as there were a lot of markings on the ground around the relay cases:
IMG_4811 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

I actually witnessed a rather odd malfunction while at this crossing. The Hybrid bell on the station side (the one that's been turned around to face the pedestrian crossing) briefly rang twice just before the gates finished raising at the end of an activation. No idea what happened there.

I also visited the Werribee St crossing in Werribee to take a look at the grade separation works taking place there:
IMG_4804 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

As you can see, the two V/Line operated tracks have been completely removed with only the ARTC freight line still in operation. The crossing signals have been moved and now operate as a single track setup. Also note the US style "1 Track" signs being used:
IMG_4802 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4803 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4797 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4794 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4790 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4796 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4792 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The signal on the Geelong side has been given a new mast and new Westinghouse LED lights, but still retains the rest of its original equipment:
IMG_4799 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The pedestrian crossing has also been completely rebuilt with a brand new Magnetic Autocontrol swing gate added on the Werribee side:
IMG_4798 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4800 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4801 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

It seems the signaling system in the area was going a little haywire the day I visited. As you can see, this searchlight signal is clearly displaying amber "proceed with caution":
IMG_4785 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Just one small problem.....
IMG_4786 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4784 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The lights on the opposite side are also completely out:
IMG_4783 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4782 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Finally, I visited Cherry Swamp Rd in Little River and was glad to see that the A-Frame Wishbone gates are still there!
IMG_4812 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4813 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4814 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4815 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4816 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Here's a video of the crossing in action, as well as an overview of the setup:


Anyway, that's it from me for now! (Also, sorry for the image heavy post).

[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.

That's too bad. Thanks for the update. It's not looking good for other M-Bells on the line at this rate. I'd say ARTC has made crossing "upgrades" a priority now that the line has been reactivated. I'm hoping to take a trip to Portland in a few weeks to check out the crossings on the line and see what's going on.

I've actually been quite busy over the past couple of days going on a few road trips and checking out some crossings around the state.

I'm pleased to report that the Hybrid bells at Donnybrook Rd in Donnybrook are still there! However, the bell on the station side has been turned around for some reason and is starting to sound a little flat:
IMG_4805 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4806 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4808 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4810 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4809 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4807 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

It looks as though some upgrades might be coming to this crossing soon, as there were a lot of markings on the ground around the relay cases:
IMG_4811 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

I actually witnessed a rather odd malfunction while at this crossing. The Hybrid bell on the station side (the one that's been turned around to face the pedestrian crossing) briefly rang twice just before the gates finished raising at the end of an activation. No idea what happened there.

I also visited the Werribee St crossing in Werribee to take a look at the grade separation works taking place there:
IMG_4804 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

As you can see, the two V/Line operated tracks have been completely removed with only the ARTC freight line still in operation. The crossing signals have been moved and now operate as a single track setup. Also note the US style "1 Track" signs being used:
IMG_4802 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4803 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4797 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4794 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4790 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4796 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4792 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The signal on the Geelong side has been given a new mast and new Westinghouse LED lights, but still retains the rest of its original equipment:
IMG_4799 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The pedestrian crossing has also been completely rebuilt with a brand new Magnetic Autocontrol swing gate added on the Werribee side:
IMG_4798 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4800 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4801 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

It seems the signaling system in the area was going a little haywire the day I visited. As you can see, this searchlight signal is clearly displaying amber "proceed with caution":
IMG_4785 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Just one small problem.....
IMG_4786 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4784 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The lights on the opposite side are also completely out:
IMG_4783 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4782 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Finally, I visited Cherry Swamp Rd in Little River and was glad to see that the A-Frame Wishbone gates are still there!
IMG_4812 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4813 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4814 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4815 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4816 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Here's a video of the crossing in action, as well as an overview of the setup:


Anyway, that's it from me for now! (Also, sorry for the image heavy post).

Please do get pics of Glenelg Highway, Moutajup and Mill Road, Strathkellar if you do end up getting down there.

[chris96]

Please do get pics of Glenelg Highway, Moutajup and Mill Road, Strathkellar if you do end up getting down there.

I'll visit as many crossings as I can if I end up doing the trip.

[chris96]

I came across something unusual while in Geelong today. A railway "Stop On Red Signal" sign used with traffic lights at a regular intersection!:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.152 ... 312!8i6656
Never seen that before!

On the subject of traffic lights, I was very surprised to see a vintage Eagle Signal Company pedestrian light from the 60's/70's still surviving at the Bellarine Hwy/Boundary Rd intersection in East Geelong! I thought these were extinct, I haven't seen one in years!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.168 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.168 ... 312!8i6656
This would have to be one of the last left in the state! Amazing that it's lasted so long!

[TrickyMario7654]

I'm sad to hear about some of the Teardrop bells being replaced on the Portland line. I really don't like the sound of that.

Again, it makes me laugh hearing that a crossing only really used by freight trains and The Overland nowdays is being removed because it's "congested and dangerous". Were the government smoking something when picking which crossings to remove?!

[chris96]

I'm sad to hear about some of the Teardrop bells being replaced on the Portland line. I really don't like the sound of that.

Again, it makes me laugh hearing that a crossing only really used by freight trains and The Overland nowdays is being removed because it's "congested and dangerous". Were the government smoking something when picking which crossings to remove?!

Yeah, unfortunately it's looking as if the days are numbed for the M-Bells on the Portland line (if they haven't been replaced already). What a shame.

The Werribee St crossing was a real nightmare and caused traffic chaos when V/Line trains still used it. If it was still like that today, I could totally understand the need to remove it. However, ever since V/Line trains were diverted through Manor Lakes, the crossing barely caused any issues at all. The problem is that the LXRA decided to remove it when it was still busy and they never bothered to change their plans. It's a ridiculous waste of money and I honestly don't understand why it didn't get canceled back in 2015 when most traffic was taken off the line. But hey, at least we won't get held up by the Overland and maybe a few freight trains (many of which come through at night) anymore! That's totally worth investing millions of tax-payer dollars in right?!

[TrickyMario7654]

I'm sad to hear about some of the Teardrop bells being replaced on the Portland line. I really don't like the sound of that.

Again, it makes me laugh hearing that a crossing only really used by freight trains and The Overland nowdays is being removed because it's "congested and dangerous". Were the government smoking something when picking which crossings to remove?!

Yeah, unfortunately it's looking as if the days are numbed for the M-Bells on the Portland line (if they haven't been replaced already). What a shame.

The Werribee St crossing was a real nightmare and caused traffic chaos when V/Line trains still used it. If it was still like that today, I could totally understand the need to remove it. However, ever since V/Line trains were diverted through Manor Lakes, the crossing barely caused any issues at all. The problem is that the LXRA decided to remove it when it was still busy and they never bothered to change their plans. It's a ridiculous waste of money and I honestly don't understand why it didn't get canceled back in 2015 when most traffic was taken off the line. But hey, at least we won't get held up by the Overland and maybe a few freight trains (many of which come through at night) anymore! That's totally worth investing millions of tax-payer dollars in right?!

I believe there’s long-term plans to electrify the line up to Wyndham Vale from Werribee, so maybe that might explain why they didn’t scrap the removal of this crossing. But still, that won’t happen until years from now, so why bother at this stage?

[chris96]

I believe there’s long-term plans to electrify the line up to Wyndham Vale from Werribee, so maybe that might explain why they didn’t scrap the removal of this crossing. But still, that won’t happen until years from now, so why bother at this stage?

You'd think the removal would be made part of the electrification project if/when it actually goes ahead. From what I can gather, the project hasn't been greenlit yet, so there's a chance it may not happen.

Also, while I'm here, I have a few more updates from the Geelong region. First off, the Hybrid bell at Geelong - Ballan rd in Batesford is thankfully still there!:
IMG_4841 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4842 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

However, one of the GS E-Bells at Evans Rd has been replaced with a Safetran Type 3. Interestingly, the Type 3 is actually an old long-base model that appears to have been recycled from another crossing (due to the scruffs, scratches and general wear). I wonder where it came from?:
IMG_4845 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4844 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4850 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

As you can see, the other GS E-Bell remains:
IMG_4853 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Here's the crossing in 2015 with both GS Bells:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.077 ... 312!8i6656

This setup is actually quite unique, as it uses clear Westinghouse LED'S:
IMG_4849 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

WCH signal bases (most installations used standard unmarked "flat" bases around this time):
IMG_4848 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4852 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

As well as a dedicated relay bungalow instead of a simple trackside equipment case:
IMG_4854 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Unfortunately, I do have some very sad news to share. The unique "strobe only" crossing in North Geelong has been removed due to the road being closed. Here's what the setup used to look like:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.111 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.111 ... 312!8i6656

Here's what it looks like now, all gone!
IMG_4855 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4857 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

In other unfortunate news, this Westinghouse EB mech at Thompson Rd has been replaced with a new WCH unit:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.103 ... 312!8i6656

Anakie Rd remains untouched though.

Finally, I managed to get some close up shots of the ARTC defect detector next to Plains Rd in Lara. Though not exactly crossing related, I though it might be interesting to have a close-up look at the equipment:
IMG_4858 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4869 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4859 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4862 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

This "Track IQ'' device was made by WABTEC. I wonder if there is any relation to WABCO here?
IMG_4861 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4860 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Some of the axle counting/detection equipment:
IMG_4868 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4865 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4866 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4867 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4864 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4870 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

I'd love to know what the spoken error report given by the detector system actually sounds like. Perhaps someday somebody will figure out how to listen to the detector over radio like many railfans in the US have managed to do.

Edit: I just realized that much of the axle counting equipment was installed sometime after 2010. Prior to that, the system was much more "bare bones" and similar to other basic ARTC detector setups found around the state:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.999 ... 312!8i6656

I also discovered that McClelland Ave in Lara actually had a WCH M-Bell for a brief period of time back in 2007! I never knew this existed!:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.023 ... 328!8i1664

That's it from me for now.

[Tbarn31]

Good evening i would like to introduce myself my name is Tyler and am starting to get into collecting leval crossing and railway equipment ect i have brought a set of Westinghouse old style LED with the arm and everything so it is fully complete apparently they came from seaford rd leval crossing when it was removed but i can't seem to find them in the YouTube videos and yesterday i brought a first generation Westinghouse hybrid bell from VR workshop in Seymour just waiting for it to come in the post and was wondering if anyone here would halp me to find out what leval crossing it came from if there is a way to find out? Any halp i would appreciate it the man at VR got it 3 months ago so it is more than likely a recent decommissioned bell so it might be easier to work out for one of you but how do i post a picture on here of it i can't work it out?? Thanks for your halp

[Tbarn31]

My first generation bell anyone know what leval crossing it has come from by the look of it?

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