Independence, MO bell replacements

[KCMO Railfan]

Very recently two crossings along the UP River Sub have had their mechanical bells replaced. First crossing on the River Sub, Courtney Atherton Rd has recently had its WCH Mechanical Bell replaced to an NEG Electronic bell

Fortunately I did get photos of the crossing before the upgrade (which should be included in the next update from Ethan).
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.1635721 ... ?entry=ttu Google Maps confirmed as it went by the crossing a month ago. This means now two NEGs exist in Independence (with the other being Sterling Ave).

Next up down the line at Ferguson Spring Rd. It recently lost BOTH its Safetran and WCH Mechanical bells in favor of a GS (more than likely type 3), and a WCH Electronic bell combo.
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.1266078 ... ?entry=ttu
Fortunately I was able to film this crossing on both sides (and got photos of it for the next update) before it got upgraded.

While on topic of WCH Mechanical bells, the 1st gen at Vermont has gotten worse since I last filmed that crossing in action. The bell is still here as of today, but I have a feeling UP will eventually replace it. More than likely with a horrid NEG.

[KCMO Railfan]

I thought I would update this thread as UP has done another bell replacement in Independence for 2024. Sadly the Iconic WCH Mechanical Bell with the really high pitched gong was sadly replaced with a WCH electronic bell this morning. The video below would unfortunately turn out to be my final video I filmed in action before the bell was replaced.

I will be getting some pictures of the crossing with the new bell, and possibly record the crossing in action either tonight or this weekend. That's not the end of the road for the WCH Mechanical Bell though, as I was able to get my hands on the bell as the maintainer I spoke to was really nice. He also let me look inside the relay bungalow where he had a 2nd gen WCH Mechanical Bell he keeps in there. I was told that they occasionally reuse mechanical bells as well. I'm very glad to save the bell, and add it into my collection. Currently the bell is non-functional, but I will be fixing the bell up so it can ring again on its own power. The picture of the bell taken after bringing it home can be seen below.
My new WCH Mechanical Bell that I got from Vermont Ave. by Nascar Fan007, on Flickr

UPDATE! So I was completely wrong when it came to the bell replacement as apparently in a strange, but epic move, UP decided to reuse a 2nd gen WCH Mechanical Bell as the replacement of the original 1st gen WCH Mechanical bell at Vermont Ave!
The "new" used WCH 2nd gen Mechanical Bell installed at Vermont Ave. by KCMO Railfan, on Flickr
I was very shocked, and surprised by this. This bell might've been the bell I saw the signal maintainer tinker with inside the bungalow this morning after he took down the original bell. I assume the WCH Electronic Bell he had sitting on the ground ended up going into the bungalow for storage. At least Vermont Ave retains dual mechanical bells though!