Mike's Railroad Crossing Forum

Posted: **Mon Dec 21, 2020 12:25 am**

Tbarn31 wrote: Fri Dec 18, 2020 4:23 am Hi all does anyone know when Westinghouse stopped making the 1st generation hybrid bells and started making 2nd gen with what i can find on the internet it was in the 90s can anyone confirm that it was the 90s as i don't trust everything i see on the internet thanks all

Westinghouse started making the hybrid bell in the early 80s, around 1982,83 I belive. I don’t think they made many of the 1st gens as there a lot rarer than 2nd gens. They started making the 2nd gen bells as early as 1985-86. I have seen a picture from 1986 of Glen Huntly Rd getting installed with gates and it had a 2nd gen Westinghouse hybrid bell. I’ll try see what the earliest photo I can find of a Westinghouse hybrid bell.

Posted: **Mon Dec 21, 2020 5:03 am**

Ok thanks that is interesting but i do agree there is not many 1st generation bells around the 2nd gens are what you see around mostly ok thanks for seeing if you can find a early photo of a hybrid bell that will halp out

Posted: **Wed Dec 23, 2020 2:12 am**

Hi all! Just returned from a two week vacation to Queensland. While I was there, I was able to take a day trip across the boarder to NSW (on December 7, before all the fuss) to check out some of the abandoned crossings on the disused Casino - Murwillumbah line. While all of the remaining lights on the line have been covered up with protective padding, the vast majority of equipment is still in place and completely untouched! *Warning - this will be a very image heavy post!*

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to make it to the crossings beyond Mooball on this occasion (I'm planing on going back to QLD in Jan, so I'll try to visit them then), so the journey began at Wilfred St in Billinudgel. This crossing features Westinghouse LED lights, a WCH M-Bell and Alstom masts/signal bases:

IMG_4969 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4964 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4962 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4961 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4967 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4963 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4966 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4965 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4970 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Every active crossing on this line features a relay bungalow instead of just a typical relay case:

IMG_4968 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The next stop was Bayshore Dr at Byron Bay. This crossing is located right next to the terminus of the Byron Solar Train which runs shuttle services to Shirley St (Byron's main street). This is the only section of the line that is currently still in service and unfortunately, there are no active crossing signals along it!

Bayshore Dr just missed out! But at least the signals were repainted and "touched up" to look a bit nicer when the solar train and its new station were opened. Here's what the crossing looked like in 2010:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-28.629 ... 312!8i6656

Compare that to today:

IMG_4933 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

This crossing features a WCH M-Bell along with Alstom LED lights, masts and bases:

IMG_4950 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4934 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4935 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4936 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4937 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4944 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4938 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_E4943 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4949 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4947 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4939 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The original relay bungalow has been cleverly reused to house new electrical equipment for the solar trains:

IMG_4948 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

On a side note, this crossing at Kendall St is the only one on the line that is still currently being used by the solar train. I really do think it could do with lights as it's actually a pretty busy road:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-28.637 ... 312!8i6656

The next crossing I visited was Shirley St. Once again, the solar train terminates just before the crossing. This setup has lost one of its signals, but thankfully still retains its McK&H Teardrop Bell! It also features Harmon LED lights and an Alstom base:

IMG_4951 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4959 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4955 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4953 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4952 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4956 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4957 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4954 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4960 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4958 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

After leaving Byron, I drove over the Bangalow Rd crossing at Talofa, only to find that the signals (along with the rails) have been completely removed!

Here's what it used to look like:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-28.680 ... 312!8i6656

I then headed to Johnston Rd in Eltham to find the crossing completely unchanged from the 2010 street view image. It still has its McK&H Teardrop Bell (in very poor condition) along with two unmarked McK&H masts/signal bases (also in very poor condition) and a newer Alstom mast/base combo. I'm not sure what lights this setup used originally, but they have now all been removed:

IMG_4988 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4972 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4987 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4986 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4985 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4980 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4984 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4983 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4982 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4975 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4976 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4977 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4973 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4974 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4981 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4978 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4979 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4989 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4991 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4992 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4993 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4995 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

My next stop was Union St in Lismore. I was very surprised to find a Federal Signals M-Bell at this crossing!

IMG_E4929 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The setup also features Westinghouse lights (I presume LED but couldn't see past the protective cover) and unmarked bases:

IMG_4931 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4924 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4927 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4925 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4928 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4926 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Also while in Lismore, I stumbled upon this play park that featured a miniature railway with active crossing signals. The equipment appears to be custom made and features a separate bell unit housed in its own case on the ground:

IMG_4904 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4905 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4906 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4907 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4908 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

There's a second crossing located at the rear of the park:

IMG_4917 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4910 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4918 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4916 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4912 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4913 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4911 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Some close-up shots of the bell unit (it appears to be a fire alarm style bell):

IMG_4915 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4914 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The last crossing on the line I took a look at was West St at Casino. I believe this short section of the track (up until the rail yards just beyond the crossing) is occasionally still used to house freight wagons, hence why the track and crossing equipment appear to be in much better condition. The cross bucks have also been updated too. This setup features McK&H lights (upgraded with LEDs), a WCH M-Bell and unmarked bases :

IMG_4901 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4900 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4899 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4898 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4897 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4896 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Finally, to finish things off I drove to Fairy Hill to visit the Fairy Hill Station Rd crossing. Unfortunately, the WCH M-Bell this crossing previously had has been replaced with a Safetran Type 3. Everything else remains untouched though:

IMG_4895 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4894 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

IMG_4893 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

I was also hoping to document some crossings on the Brisbane network while I was there, but unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions (it poured rain for most of the time I was there) and limited time available, I wasn't able to on this occasion. Hopefully I'll have more luck in January (I also hope to visit the remaining crossings I missed on the Casino - Murwillumbah line too).

One final piece of news from my trip is that unfortunately, the Dreamworld express train (along with the final Teardrop Bell in Queensland) is once again out of service due to the tracks being ripped up to allow for the construction of the new "Steel Taipan" roller-coaster. Here's what the railway looks like now (images from PARKZ.COM.AU):

However, the good news is that the train has been confirmed to make a comeback once the construction is complete. The railway tracks will be re-routed to accommodate the new coaster.

Sorry for this very long and image heavy post, but I hope you enjoyed this little update!

Posted: **Wed Dec 23, 2020 3:57 am**

chris96 wrote: Wed Dec 23, 2020 2:12 am Hi all! Just returned from a two week vacation to Queensland. While I was there, I was able to take a day trip across the boarder to NSW (on December 7, before all the fuss) to check out some of the abandoned crossings on the disused Casino - Murwillumbah line. While all of the remaining lights on the line have been covered up with protective padding, the vast majority of equipment is still in place and completely untouched! *Warning - this will be a very image heavy post!*

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to make it to the crossings beyond Mooball on this occasion (I'm planing on going back to QLD in Jan, so I'll try to visit them then), so the journey began at Wilfred St in Billinudgel. This crossing features Westinghouse LED lights, a WCH M-Bell and Alstom masts/signal bases:
IMG_4969 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4964 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4962 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4961 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4967 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4963 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4966 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4965 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4970 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Every active crossing on this line features a relay bungalow instead of just a typical relay case:
IMG_4968 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The next stop was Bayshore Dr at Byron Bay. This crossing is located right next to the terminus of the Byron Solar Train which runs shuttle services to Shirley St (Byron's main street). This is the only section of the line that is currently still in service and unfortunately, there are no active crossing signals along it! Bayshore Dr just missed out! But at least the signals were repainted and "touched up" to look a bit nicer when the solar train and its new station were opened. Here's what the crossing looked like in 2010:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-28.629 ... 312!8i6656

Compare that to today:
IMG_4933 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

This crossing features a WCH M-Bell along with Alstom LED lights, masts and bases:
IMG_4950 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4934 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4935 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4936 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4937 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4944 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4938 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_E4943 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4949 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4947 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4939 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The original relay bungalow has been cleverly reused to house new electrical equipment for the solar trains:
IMG_4948 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

On a side note, this crossing at Kendall St is the only one on the line that is still currently being used by the solar train. I really do think it could do with lights as it's actually a pretty busy road:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-28.637 ... 312!8i6656

The next crossing I visited was Shirley St. Once again, the solar train terminates just before the crossing. This setup has lost one of its signals, but thankfully still retains its McK&H Teardrop Bell! It also features Harmon LED lights and an Alstom base:
IMG_4951 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4959 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4955 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4953 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4952 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4956 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4957 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4954 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4960 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4958 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

After leaving Byron, I drove over the Bangalow Rd crossing at Talofa, only to find that the signals (along with the rails) have been completely removed! Here's what it used to look like:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-28.680 ... 312!8i6656

I then headed to Johnston Rd in Eltham to find the crossing completely unchanged from the 2010 street view image. It still has its McK&H Teardrop Bell (in very poor condition) along with two unmarked McK&H masts/signal bases (also in very poor condition) and a newer Alstom mast/base combo. I'm not sure what lights this setup used originally, but they have now all been removed:
IMG_4988 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4972 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4987 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4986 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4985 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4980 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4984 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4983 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4982 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4975 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4976 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4977 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4973 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4974 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4981 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4978 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4979 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4989 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4991 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4992 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4993 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4995 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

My next stop was Union St in Lismore. I was very surprised to find a Federal Signals M-Bell at this crossing!
IMG_E4929 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The setup also features Westinghouse lights (I presume LED but couldn't see past the protective cover) and unmarked bases:
IMG_4931 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4924 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4927 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4925 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4928 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4926 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Also while in Lismore, I stumbled upon this play park that featured a miniature railway with active crossing signals. The equipment appears to be custom made and features a separate bell unit housed in its own case on the ground:
IMG_4904 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4905 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4906 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4907 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4908 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

There's a second crossing located at the rear of the park:
IMG_4917 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4910 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4918 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4916 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4912 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4913 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4911 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Some close-up shots of the bell unit (it appears to be a fire alarm style bell):
IMG_4915 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4914 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

The last crossing on the line I took a look at was West St at Casino. I believe this short section of the track (up until the rail yards just beyond the crossing) is occasionally still used to house freight wagons, hence why the track and crossing equipment appear to be in much better condition. The cross bucks have also been updated too. This setup features McK&H lights (upgraded with LEDs), a WCH M-Bell and unmarked bases :
IMG_4901 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4900 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4899 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4898 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4897 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4896 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Finally, to finish things off I drove to Fairy Hill to visit the Fairy Hill Station Rd crossing. Unfortunately, the WCH M-Bell this crossing previously had has been replaced with a Safetran Type 3. Everything else remains untouched though:
IMG_4895 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4894 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4893 (1) by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

I was also hoping to document some crossings on the Brisbane network while I was there, but unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions (it poured rain for most of the time I was there) and limited time available, I wasn't able to on this occasion. Hopefully I'll have more luck in January (I also hope to visit the remaining crossings I missed on the Casino - Murwillumbah line too).

One final piece of news from my trip is that unfortunately, the Dreamworld express train (along with the final Teardrop Bell in Queensland) is once again out of service due to the tracks being ripped up to allow for the construction of the new "Steel Taipan" roller-coaster. Here's what the railway looks like now (images from PARKZ.COM.AU):

However, the good news is that the train has been confirmed to make a comeback once the construction is complete. The railway tracks will be re-routed to accommodate the new coaster.

Sorry for this very long and image heavy post, but I hope you enjoyed this little update!

Great pictures! Interesting setups and disused crossings here. It seems that the Johnston St crossing in Eltham has a cast iron teardrop bell, however that could be disputed. A significant giveaway is the brackets around "AUST" on the door. Every single cast iron teardrop I've seen has brackets around AUST, in fact, just about every cast iron McK&H object has brackets around AUST. This includes marked lights, crossarms, signal bases, staff machines etc...

Posted: **Wed Dec 23, 2020 4:39 am**

Great pictures, Chris! Good to see all of that equipment still hold on despite being disused. If those crossings were in Victoria, all of the signals would have been ripped out many years ago by VicRoads because of "safety concerns".

On a sad note, the Cardinia Road level crossing was removed earlier this month and the new road bridge has been opened.

https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media ... f-schedule

Again, I traveled over this crossing daily on the way to school and I can't recall any sort of serious traffic hold ups occurring when the level crossing was active. In fact, we were rarely even stopped there despite crossing twice almost every weekday. Now Daniel Andrews want to build a skyrail to remove the remaining level crossings in Pakenham!

Posted: **Wed Dec 23, 2020 5:12 pm**

Also, not sure if this has been mentioned before, but someone on the discord server found this crossing in WA that features a re-used Safetran mechanical bell which replaced a WCH m-bell:
https://www.google.com/maps/@-28.818113 ... 312!8i6656

Posted: **Wed Dec 23, 2020 10:06 pm**

freebrickproductions wrote: Wed Dec 23, 2020 5:12 pm Also, not sure if this has been mentioned before, but someone on the discord server found this crossing in WA that features a re-used Safetran mechanical bell which replaced a WCH m-bell:
https://www.google.com/maps/@-28.818113 ... 312!8i6656

Great find there! I had no idea about that, thanks for sharing!

Posted: **Thu Dec 24, 2020 12:53 am**

chris96 wrote: Wed Dec 23, 2020 10:06 pm
freebrickproductions wrote: Wed Dec 23, 2020 5:12 pm Also, not sure if this has been mentioned before, but someone on the discord server found this crossing in WA that features a re-used Safetran mechanical bell which replaced a WCH m-bell:
https://www.google.com/maps/@-28.818113 ... 312!8i6656
Great find there! I had no idea about that, thanks for sharing!

2nd Gen too, which I don't believe Australia has/had many of?
https://www.google.com/maps/@-28.818182 ... 312!8i6656

Posted: **Thu Dec 24, 2020 10:28 am**

Very nice pictures and finds everyone.
I haven’t posted here in a while, so I thought I’d report on some crossing “wins” in South Australia this year.
Earlier this year, I found the very much pleasant occurrence that the WCH 2nd Generation M bell on the southern side of the Marion Road, Plympton crossing is working again! I wonder if it was a wiring issue or whether some servicing was carried out on the bell.
Another event which is probably a bit less known is that one of the Lex-C lights on the south eastern gateless signal on the Angas Road crossing had died.
However, coming home from a Christmas Eve dinner, I found that this light is now working again! Keep it up Adelaide Metro!

Posted: **Fri Dec 25, 2020 4:24 am**

freebrickproductions wrote: Thu Dec 24, 2020 12:53 am 2nd Gen too, which I don't believe Australia has/had many of?
https://www.google.com/maps/@-28.818182 ... 312!8i6656

I'm not sure how many were used in this country previously, but it does seem like the First Gen version was far more common here. Seeing as though there are currently only 5 known Safetran M-Bells still in active service in Australia (including this one), I think it's pretty safe to say that this is the last 2nd Gen.

RedhenRailcarSAR wrote: Thu Dec 24, 2020 10:28 am Very nice pictures and finds everyone.
I haven’t posted here in a while, so I thought I’d report on some crossing “wins” in South Australia this year.
Earlier this year, I found the very much pleasant occurrence that the WCH 2nd Generation M bell on the southern side of the Marion Road, Plympton crossing is working again! I wonder if it was a wiring issue or whether some servicing was carried out on the bell.
Another event which is probably a bit less known is that one of the Lex-C lights on the south eastern gateless signal on the Angas Road crossing had died.
However, coming home from a Christmas Eve dinner, I found that this light is now working again! Keep it up Adelaide Metro!

Thanks for the updates RedhenRailCarSAR! That's great news about the bells and lights being repaired! Fantastic that Adelaide Metro are taking care of their equipment and not just replacing everything.

Mike's Railroad Crossing Forum

Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

Re: Australian Railroad Crossing Signals