Mike's Railroad Crossing Forum

Only other crossings on the Mernda line which have been upgraded are Woolton Avenue and Normanby Avenue so far, it hasn't been announced yet when they'll upgrade the other crossings with Westinghouse gate mechs. Anyway I happen to have something to share with you all, I just found out today on YouTube on the video of onalky's showing the new Safetran Type 3 at Racecourse Road, Donald that someone asked if onalky got the Wabco bell and onalky said that the Wabco bell will be used at the Invermay Miniature Railway in Ballarat and that'll be operational. The miniature railway operates on the last Sunday of every month. Here is the comment:


I still wish it was still at Racecourse Road though

Level Crossing Fan wrote: Tue May 26, 2020 6:23 am Only other crossings on the Mernda line which have been upgraded are Woolton Avenue and Normanby Avenue so far, it hasn't been announced yet when they'll upgrade the other crossings with Westinghouse gate mechs. Anyway I happen to have something to share with you all, I just found out today on YouTube on the video of onalky's showing the new Safetran Type 3 at Racecourse Road, Donald that someone asked if onalky got the Wabco bell and onalky said that the Wabco bell will be used at the Invermay Miniature Railway in Ballarat and that'll be operational. The miniature railway operates on the last Sunday of every month. Here is the comment:


I still wish it was still at Racecourse Road though

Yes!! This is the best news I've heard in ages! I'm so pleased to hear the bell has been saved and will be given a second life! I can't wait to go there and check it out once it's installed!

I'm not sure if this has been posted before, but while browsing street view, I found out that Toolamba Rd in Toolamba, Victoria had a Safetran M-Bell back in 2007:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.478 ... 328!8i1664
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.479 ... 328!8i1664
Unfortunately, it would have almost certainly been replaced by now, as all other crossings in the area have been upgraded with E-Bells.

I also came across this odd setup on Andrew Fairley Ave in Shepparton, where a signal was installed facing the tracks for some reason. My guess is the open area to the right of the signal was a service road at some point. It still looks quite bizarre though, especially considering how close it is to the tracks:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.375 ... 328!8i1664

Of course, the entire crossing was upgraded a few years ago and the signal was unfortunately removed:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.375 ... 384!8i8192

Sorry for double posting BTW.

chris96 wrote: Mon Jun 08, 2020 5:54 am I'm not sure if this has been posted before, but while browsing street view, I found out that Toolamba Rd in Toolamba, Victoria had a Safetran M-Bell back in 2007:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.478 ... 328!8i1664
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.479 ... 328!8i1664
Unfortunately, it would have almost certainly been replaced by now, as all other crossings in the area have been upgraded with E-Bells.

I checked the crossing at Toolamba in August last year and sadly it now has (you guessed it) a Safetran type 3 e-bell

Managed to do a couple of quick road trips following the relaxing of covid19 travel restrictions.
The Single St crossing at Werris Creek still has it's black hybrid bell, only changes to the crossing have been the installation of red background crossbucks
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.366 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/

The other crossing at Werris Creek sadly had one of it's teardrop bells replaced, although they used a recycled WCH m-bell from White St, Tamworth!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.341 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/

Apart from White St, Tamworth which received new signals a couple of years ago, all other crossings at Tamworth still have their m-bells although now have red background crossbucks and both pedestrian crossings are unchanged.

The crossing at Currabubula has sadly been upgraded with new signals, so RIP to another teardrop bell
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.265 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/

Likewise the crossing at Thunderbolts Way, Uralla has also received new signals, so there goes another m-bell. At both Currabubula and Uralla both new signals have WCH e-bells for some reason, replacing just a single bell on the old signals
Uralla has also received new rectangular backgrounds!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-30.665 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/

After photographing Uralla in the early morning, I drove across to Wauchope where this crossing is unchanged, the Westinghouse hybrid bell still being dead and the WCH m-bell sounding until the gates lower https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.458 ... 312!8i6656

Thankfully the crossing at Lansdowne remains unchanged but the Westinghouse teardrop bell is sounding rather clunky and in need of TLC
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.790 ... 312!8i6656

Got a look at the new signals at Melinga https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.801 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/

Filmed the new signals at Macquarie St, Taree where the WCH e-bell has already died, with only the Safetran type 3 sounding!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.907 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
Thankfully the other two crossings at Taree (Muldoon St and Bushland Drive) are unchanged and still have their m-bells.

The old Safetran m-bell from Macquarie St, Taree actually found it's way to Wingham, along with two recycled Harmon lights and a Harmon bracket on the southern signal, along with a new WCH base https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/

That's it for the first road trip, might do a separate post for the second.

Second road trip was a quick visit to Victoria to check out some northeast line crossings.

The Mcmahons Rd crossing at Springhurst remains gateless despite foundations for new gated signals being installed over a year ago
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.208 ... 384!8i8192

The new pedestrian crossing at Sisely Ave, Wangaratta remains unfinished with the Westinghouse pedestrian gates still in use
The eastern signal was upgraded with new WCH gate mech a Safetran type 3 which only rings until the gates lower, compared to the old hybrid bell which rang for the entire activation. The western signal still has it's hybrid bell and EB gate mech.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.360 ... 384!8i8192
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/

The crossing at Boorhaman Rd, North Wangaratta actually has some interesting equipment https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.325 ... 384!8i8192
These gated signals were installed in August 2015 and have Siemens gate mechs and GS type 3 e-bells rather than the usual Safetran e-bells. The eastern signal also has two strobe lights mounted inside Westinghouse incandescent housings
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
Not sure why the strobes are needed when the crossing now has LED lights and gates, but possibly they were reinstalled because the old gateless signal had them https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.325 ... 312!8i6656

Nunn St, Benalla still has it's teardrop/hybrid bell combo, while Arundel St and Faithfull St still have their hybrid bells

Filmed the new gated signals at Beveridge with the high-pitched Safetran type 3 e-bell on the eastern signal https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.471 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
The gates were possibly installed because of some quite large housing developments being built near the crossing, and sadly the crossing will probably lose it's nice rural scenery in the near future.

Also filmed the crossing at Summerhill Rd, Craigieburn which remains unchanged, still having it's EB gate mechs and old signage https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.571 ... 384!8i8192

Finally, checked the crossing at Creighton which is also unchanged https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.775 ... 312!8i6656

McK&H.Aust wrote: Thu Jun 11, 2020 11:12 pm Second road trip was a quick visit to Victoria to check out some northeast line crossings.

The Mcmahons Rd crossing at Springhurst remains gateless despite foundations for new gated signals being installed over a year ago
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.208 ... 384!8i8192

The new pedestrian crossing at Sisely Ave, Wangaratta remains unfinished with the Westinghouse pedestrian gates still in use
The eastern signal was upgraded with new WCH gate mech a Safetran type 3 which only rings until the gates lower, compared to the old hybrid bell which rang for the entire activation. The western signal still has it's hybrid bell and EB gate mech.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.360 ... 384!8i8192
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/

The crossing at Boorhaman Rd, North Wangaratta actually has some interesting equipment https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.325 ... 384!8i8192
These gated signals were installed in August 2015 and have Siemens gate mechs and GS type 3 e-bells rather than the usual Safetran e-bells. The eastern signal also has two strobe lights mounted inside Westinghouse incandescent housings
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
Not sure why the strobes are needed when the crossing now has LED lights and gates, but possibly they were reinstalled because the old gateless signal had them https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.325 ... 312!8i6656

Nunn St, Benalla still has it's teardrop/hybrid bell combo, while Arundel St and Faithfull St still have their hybrid bells

Filmed the new gated signals at Beveridge with the high-pitched Safetran type 3 e-bell on the eastern signal https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.471 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184329370 ... ed-public/
The gates were possibly installed because of some quite large housing developments being built near the crossing, and sadly the crossing will probably lose it's nice rural scenery in the near future.

Also filmed the crossing at Summerhill Rd, Craigieburn which remains unchanged, still having it's EB gate mechs and old signage https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.571 ... 384!8i8192

Finally, checked the crossing at Creighton which is also unchanged https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.775 ... 312!8i6656

Thanks so much for the updates! It's so great to see that you're out traveling again! We certainly appreciate your dedication in documenting all these crossings. Keep up the good work! I'm looking forward to seeing the footage you were able to capture during your trips!

I'm surprised that Werris Creek Rd in Currabubula was upgraded. I really don't see the point since the new signals are basically just slightly updated versions of what was already in place. I expected the teardrop to be replaced at some point, but not the entire installation! The same can be said for Uralla and Melinga (but at least they kept the unique backing boards in Uralla). I'd really love to know the reasoning behind these "upgrades".

Interesting that it was the WCH E-Bell to die first at Taree. I would've predicted it to be the other way round! WCH bells seem to be far more reliable generally speaking. I did notice that they kept the original median signals at the crossing which is nice.

Great to see the old Safetran M-Bell back in service at Wingham. Seems like the railways are starting to once again recycle equipment where possible which is defiantly a good thing. Perhaps it's been harder to get the goods in recent times?

In regards to the "in progress" crossings on the Northeast line, I've heard a rumor that work was halted after the XPT crash earlier in the year and hasn't resumed due to COVID. I'm not sure if there's any truth to this, but it seems plausible. I hope the crash doesn't cause a "safety blitz" where all crossings on the line are upgraded, but unfortunately that also seems possible.

Boorhaman Rd, North Wangaratta certainly does have a very unique setup. Those are probably the only GS Type 3's outside of Melbourne at the moment, as well as one of the few Siemens mechs in rural Vic (along with Wests Rd in Little River and Dry Creek Road in Broadford). Great find!

I'm very surprised to hear that Beveridge Rd, Beveridge has a high pitched Type 3. That could most likely be the first one in the country! I know Siemens mentioned them on their Australian site, but I've never seen one installed. Can't wait to see the video of it!

Thanks again for the updates!

I have some very sad new to share and that is the last black and white boom gates in all of Australia at Millers Road, Seaholme have sadly been replaced with the usual red and white wishbone gates. Everything else is unchanged though but this is a very sad moment for Victorian crossings this year. Here's a picture showing the new gates:


In other news on the South Gippsland Railway, the section between Leongatha and Ruby and between Korumburra and Nyora has been dismantled with some bits of rail still in place, mostly the level crossings and the Ruby-Loch section is currently still in place. Unfortunately Turner Street, Leongatha has had it's signals removed and have been placed in the council yards, but the bases, large railway and crossing signs, relay box, hazard triangle warning sign and searchlight signal are still there. All other semaphore and searchlight signals still survive. Warragul Road, Korrumburra has also had it's signals removed too, but everything else is still intact. Here is a video showing the current state of the line and crossings:

However when Applehead 137 visited in mid March this year, he asked about the signals about Roughead Street, Turner Street and Warragul Road to a Leongatha Council member and they said that they'd try and reuse the signals in the railyards.

Also Davis Street, Nyora had one of it's mast's removed recently with the base still there:

Anyway that's all from me

Level Crossing Fan wrote: Sat Jun 13, 2020 6:35 am I have some very sad new to share and that is the last black and white boom gates in all of Australia at Millers Road, Seaholme have sadly been replaced with the usual red and white wishbone gates. Everything else is unchanged though but this is a very sad moment for Victorian crossings this year. Here's a picture showing the new gates:


In other news on the South Gippsland Railway, the section between Leongatha and Ruby and between Korumburra and Nyora has been dismantled with some bits of rail still in place, mostly the level crossings and the Ruby-Loch section is currently still in place. Unfortunately Turner Street, Leongatha has had it's signals removed and have been placed in the council yards, but the bases, large railway and crossing signs, relay box, hazard triangle warning sign and searchlight signal are still there. All other semaphore and searchlight signals still survive. Warragul Road, Korrumburra has also had it's signals removed too, but everything else is still intact. Here is a video showing the current state of the line and crossings:

However when Applehead 137 visited in mid March this year, he asked about the signals about Roughead Street, Turner Street and Warragul Road to a Leongatha Council member and they said that they'd try and reuse the signals in the railyards.

Also Davis Street, Nyora had one of it's mast's removed recently with the base still there:

Anyway that's all from me

Oh man, that's so sad. First the accident with the Ballarat swing gates and now this. It hasn't been a great couple of months for Victorian signal fans, that's for sure. I can't believe the last black and white gates in Australia are gone. I remember when I was younger and there were quite a few black and white gates in service. In fact, it wasn't all that long ago when most of the crossings on the Altona loop still had black and white gates. It's amazing to think there's now none left in the entire country. RIP.

This replacement must have happened very recently because I drove over the crossing a couple of weeks ago and the old black and white gates were still there. I wonder if the old gates will be repainted and brought back into service somewhere else? I've been told this is what Metro (and Connex prior) have done with previous black and white gates. In fact, since most of Metro's A-frame gates were made long ago and are recycled/refurbished where needed, there's probably a lot of repainted "black and white gates in disguise" still out there.

BTW, does anyone know if Metro has started trialing the new "flat" gates yet? They announced last year they were going to, but nothing seems to have happened yet.

Thanks for the updates from the South Gippsland Railway too! Such a shame all that equipment is going away as well.

chris96 wrote: Sat Jun 13, 2020 7:41 am

Level Crossing Fan wrote: Sat Jun 13, 2020 6:35 am I have some very sad new to share and that is the last black and white boom gates in all of Australia at Millers Road, Seaholme have sadly been replaced with the usual red and white wishbone gates. Everything else is unchanged though but this is a very sad moment for Victorian crossings this year. Here's a picture showing the new gates:


In other news on the South Gippsland Railway, the section between Leongatha and Ruby and between Korumburra and Nyora has been dismantled with some bits of rail still in place, mostly the level crossings and the Ruby-Loch section is currently still in place. Unfortunately Turner Street, Leongatha has had it's signals removed and have been placed in the council yards, but the bases, large railway and crossing signs, relay box, hazard triangle warning sign and searchlight signal are still there. All other semaphore and searchlight signals still survive. Warragul Road, Korrumburra has also had it's signals removed too, but everything else is still intact. Here is a video showing the current state of the line and crossings:

However when Applehead 137 visited in mid March this year, he asked about the signals about Roughead Street, Turner Street and Warragul Road to a Leongatha Council member and they said that they'd try and reuse the signals in the railyards.

Also Davis Street, Nyora had one of it's mast's removed recently with the base still there:

Anyway that's all from me

Oh man, that's so sad. First the accident with the Ballarat swing gates and now this. It hasn't been a great couple of months for Victorian signal fans, that's for sure. I can't believe the last black and white gates in Australia are gone. I remember when I was younger and there were quite a few black and white gates in service. In fact, it wasn't all that long ago when most of the crossings on the Altona loop still had black and white gates. It's amazing to think there's now none left in the entire country. RIP.

This replacement must have happened very recently because I drove over the crossing a couple of weeks ago and the old black and white gates were still there. I wonder if the old gates will be repainted and brought back into service somewhere else? I've been told this is what Metro (and Connex prior) have done with previous black and white gates. In fact, since most of Metro's A-frame gates were made long ago and are recycled/refurbished where needed, there's probably a lot of repainted "black and white gates in disguise" still out there.

BTW, does anyone know if Metro has started trialing the new "flat" gates yet? They announced last year they were going to, but nothing seems to have happened yet.

Thanks for the updates from the South Gippsland Railway too! Such a shame all that equipment is going away as well.

Metro did trial them at Evans Road, Lyndhurst, but now the signals are gone to make way for the new road bridge.

Level Crossing Fan wrote: Sat Jun 13, 2020 6:50 pm Metro did trial them at Evans Road, Lyndhurst, but now the signals are gone to make way for the new road bridge.

Ok, thanks for that. I wonder how the trial went? Perhaps they're still happy with wishbone gates if Seaholme just received a new pair. Speaking of which, I managed to get some additional photos of the crossing today:
IMG_4466 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4467 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4468 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4469 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4470 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4471 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
The line is currently closed for maintenance with buses replacing trains, so it's possible the gate replacements were a part of these works. It's likely a train hasn't even passed through them yet. I'm not sure if you can tell from the photos, but the Artcraft gate lights are so clean and shiny, they look brand new. I didn't think these lights were still being made, but I could be wrong (unless they were refurbished or are spare new old stock items).