Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

[TrickyMario7654]

Also, I just noticed something odd about one of the gate mechs at Poath Road. In 2009, the gate mech clearly looks to be a McK&H one.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.894 ... 312!8i6656

By 2013, it had became a WRRS one! What happened?
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.894 ... 312!8i6656

Nice find there, you don't see that very often!
It's possible that the McK&H mech was damaged and they needed to replace it in a hurry, there could have been a spare WRRS mech that was available to use as a replacement. The McK&H and the WRRS mechs seem to be almost identical and maybe they both use the same wiring and control circuit arrangements, it could have been a 'like for like' replacement without having to alter any of the existing wiring.

Another possibility is that the WRRS mechanism was refurbished as advertised by Siemens.

Thanks, I only just noticed that yesterday while goofing around in streetview.

Also, it seems that we're not the only one suffering from Metro's M-Bell massacre. I found this thread on Railpage about E-Bells and the user mentions how they shut the line for a week just to upgrade the crossing at Webb Street with E-Bells and LED lights.
https://www.railpage.com.au/f-t11371533.htm

Interestingly, this government press release mentions that a new boom barrier mechanism was to be installed at this crossing...
http://www.rich-phillips.com.au/MediaCe ... -East.aspx

...but four years later, they're still original!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.027 ... 312!8i6656

Also, they're meant to be upgrading the signalling system along the Pakenham/Cranbourne line as part of the crossing removals around the Dandenong corridor. I'm worried that they might replace the crossing signals along the sections between Dandenong & Pakenham/Cranbourne with newer ones.

[McK&H.Aust]

Interestingly, this government press release mentions that a new boom barrier mechanism was to be installed at this crossing...
http://www.rich-phillips.com.au/MediaCe ... -East.aspx

...but four years later, they're still original!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.027 ... 312!8i6656

Maybe the funds were diverted elsewhere. It's nice to see the old mechs still doing their job, obviously they weren't in desperate need of replacement.

Found this crossing undergoing an upgrade at Nana Glen, on the NSW north coast.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-30.159 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-30.159 ... 312!8i6656

[TrickyMario7654]

Interestingly, this government press release mentions that a new boom barrier mechanism was to be installed at this crossing...
http://www.rich-phillips.com.au/MediaCe ... -East.aspx

...but four years later, they're still original!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.027 ... 312!8i6656

Maybe the funds were diverted elsewhere. It's nice to see the old mechs still doing their job, obviously they weren't in desperate need of replacement.

Probably to replace mechanical bells.
Speaking of which, Hampton Street's Street view image was updated not too long ago. The crossing is now shown with E-Bells.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.938 ... 312!8i6656

Also, I found this dimwit.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.938 ... 312!8i6656

[TrickyMario7654]

There's a bunch of level crossings along the Pakenham and Gippsland line which were upgraded from Flashing Lights, to Boom Gates years ago, but keep several of the extra gateless signals on the opposite side of the road. I can tell judging by the painted signal masts and hats on top of the signal.

Here's one in Officer, notice how the signal mast has been painted?
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.065 ... 312!8i6656

I'm guessing that there used to be an extra set of lights mounted on the signal.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.065 ... 312!8i6656

Down at McGregor Road in Pakenham, there's this gateless signal which looks to have a McK&H base.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.078 ... 312!8i6656

Main Street has three of them, one of which has a tall signal hat and McK&H lights!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.080 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.080 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.079 ... 312!8i6656

There's two at this one in Tynong.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.084 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.084 ... 312!8i6656

And this one in Traralgon.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.205 ... 312!8i6656

Now for something different. A very unusual crossing located between Drouin and Warragul. One track runs under the road, the other crosses it!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664\

This crossing has both a Safetran Type 3 and a Westinghouse Hybrid!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664

This signal has lights mounted above the crossbuck!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664

I guess this sign warns that trains can come from either direction.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664

A more recent image showing the crossing upgraded with gates. One of the signals still have the lights mounted above the crossbuck!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 312!8i6656

Here's a private driveway crossing. I guess that they have gates here because trains run up to 160km/h along here.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.193 ... 312!8i6656

Looks like new signals are about to go in.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.193 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.192 ... 312!8i6656

There used to be a crossing that provided entrance to the station in Seymour. However, it was closed around early 2008. Here it is in Street View shortly after this happened.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.025 ... 328!8i1664

I also found a clear picture of this crossing on Vicsig (taken by James Hansen). Turns out it had a WRRS bell on one side! Thanks whoever closed that crossing.


Also found this one of the Mundy Street crossing in Bendigo (again, all credit should go to James Hansen). In April 2007, it had TWO Teardrop bells and the original gate mechs!


By December, V/line trashed the crossing.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.761 ... 328!8i1664

This crossing in Traralgon also had two Teardrop bells in 2006 (once again, all credit should go to James Hansen). I'm guessing they were reused from another crossing as this install looks to be from the late 80's or early 90's.


V/Trash also did it's trademark butchering on this crossing by early 2008.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.195 ... 328!8i1664

Found another crossing in Wodonga with a Safetran Bell.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.114 ... 312!8i6656

Staying in Wodonga, here's a crossing with Harmon Gate Mechs.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.120 ... 312!8i6656

More Harmon Gate Mechs!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.118 ... 312!8i6656

Sadly, the opening of the Rail Bypass spelt the end for most of the crossings in the area.

However, this crossing still has track in the road! (Sadly, without the crossing signals.)
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.136 ... 312!8i6656

A case of the old and the new. This out of service crossing in Lara has a newer 'Crossing Ahead' warning sign and an upside down hazard triangle!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.045 ... 312!8i6656

The actual crossing.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.048 ... 312!8i6656

[McK&H.Aust]

Now for something different. A very unusual crossing located between Drouin and Warragul. One track runs under the road, the other crosses it!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664\

This crossing has both a Safetran Type 3 and a Westinghouse Hybrid!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664

This signal has lights mounted above the crossbuck!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664

I guess this sign warns that trains can come from either direction.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 328!8i1664

A more recent image showing the crossing upgraded with gates. One of the signals still have the lights mounted above the crossbuck!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.144 ... 312!8i6656

Cool crossing, it's a shame they replaced the old setup with gates. Never seen a Westinghouse hybrid and Safetran type 3 together before. I noticed the new gated signals have GS e-bells on them, it's a wonder they didn't re-use the Safetran type 3 (seems like a waste).

This crossing at Wingham was one of the first in NSW to have gates. It was installed in 1958 and the original WRRS/GRS type B gate mechs have been replaced by WCH in recent years. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656

The crossing has a very faded '1 Track" sign, these are quite rare. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656 https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656

Most gated crossings have a bell on either side, but this crossing has only one bell. Can't quite tell what kind it is, either WCH or WRRS. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656

Not sure if the masts are still original, but you can see that this one has been moved to a newer foundation further from the road. The original foundation is also visible. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656

I believe that these McK&H lights are original, they are a very rare design where the cover is secured via a bolt which goes through the back of the housing. The newer McK&H lights had the bolt beside the housing and a hole through the backgrounds to access it. You can spot the older lights by looking for a hole in the back of the housing at the right. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656 https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656

Another interesting thing is the relay bungalow. This type was made from pre-cast concrete sections and were mostly used around Sydney, it is now rare to find one in the bush like this. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656

At nearby Taree is probably the last Safetran m-bell in NSW and the crossing also has Harmon gate mechs. It was still there in 2015 so hopefully it's still there now. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.907 ... 312!8i6656

[TrickyMario7654]

Cool crossing, it's a shame they replaced the old setup with gates. Never seen a Westinghouse hybrid and Safetran type 3 together before. I noticed the new gated signals have GS e-bells on them, it's a wonder they didn't re-use the Safetran type 3 (seems like a waste).

This crossing at Wingham was one of the first in NSW to have gates. It was installed in 1958 and the original WRRS/GRS type B gate mechs have been replaced by WCH in recent years. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656

The crossing has a very faded '1 Track" sign, these are quite rare. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656 https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656

Most gated crossings have a bell on either side, but this crossing has only one bell. Can't quite tell what kind it is, either WCH or WRRS. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656

Not sure if the masts are still original, but you can see that this one has been moved to a newer foundation further from the road. The original foundation is also visible. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656

I believe that these McK&H lights are original, they are a very rare design where the cover is secured via a bolt which goes through the back of the housing. The newer McK&H lights had the bolt beside the housing and a hole through the backgrounds to access it. You can spot the older lights by looking for a hole in the back of the housing at the right. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656 https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656

Another interesting thing is the relay bungalow. This type was made from pre-cast concrete sections and were mostly used around Sydney, it is now rare to find one in the bush like this. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.864 ... 312!8i6656

At nearby Taree is probably the last Safetran m-bell in NSW and the crossing also has Harmon gate mechs. It was still there in 2015 so hopefully it's still there now. https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-31.907 ... 312!8i6656

I believe the first crossing in Melbourne to have gates was Springvale Road in Nunawading (receiving them in 1956).



Though the original signals were probably replaced in the 70's.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.820 ... 328!8i1664

The crossing was grade separated between 2009-2010.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.820 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.820 ... 312!8i6656

Middleborough Road got them in 1958 (though the cantilevers were added later on). This image was taken by Chris Gordon of Vicsig.


However, this crossing was grade separated between 2006-2007. Here's another picture by Chris Gordon showing a truck taking the old rail away.


The finished bridge in late 2007.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.821 ... 328!8i1664

A video showing the crossing in action.


Heatherdale Road received signals in 1959.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.818 ... 312!8i6656

An earlier image showing the original gate mechs. (This crossing has had E-Bells for quite a while now.)
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.818 ... 312!8i6656

Sadly, this crossing was recently removed as part of our State Government's 'Level Crossing Removal Program'.

The station buildings at Heatherdale were just under 10 years old, and they were demolished as part of this project. That's $37 Million down the toilet.


Some John Brumby propaganda.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.818 ... 312!8i6656

The Mundy Street signals were installed in 1959. As I mentioned before, the Ivanhoe crossing was installed in 1960. Yet most of the equipment is still original!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.768 ... 312!8i6656

Also, are these McK&H lights in Pakenham the earlier design you mentioned?
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.080 ... 312!8i6656

[McK&H.Aust]

Also, are these McK&H lights in Pakenham the earlier design you mentioned?
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.080 ... 312!8i6656

I'm not sure, can't get in close enough to tell.

There is a pair of them on the crossing at Bethungra, if you skip to 2:20 you can see the back of the lights and the hole in the housing on the right hand side.

[TrickyMario7654]

Also, are these McK&H lights in Pakenham the earlier design you mentioned?
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.080 ... 312!8i6656

I'm not sure, can't get in close enough to tell.

There is a pair of them on the crossing at Bethungra, if you skip to 2:20 you can see the back of the lights and the hole in the housing on the right hand side.

That's too bad... I guess I'll have to revisit this crossing one day.

Also, I just noticed something odd about one of the counterweight arms on the Westinghouse Gate Mechs at Murrumbeena. If you look carefully (it can be hard to see), it has WRRS casted onto it.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8Y7t ... k1NDNpcGNB

Here's another McK&H gate mech in Surrey Hills. I believe the counterweight arm has the same casting as the ones at Murrumbeena.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.824 ... 312!8i6656

This crossing also had a Teardrop bell in 2009.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.824 ... 312!8i6656

Sadly, this crossing was the site of this unfortunate accident...


Getting back to the topic, I found this old picture from 1967 showing the inside workings of a McK&H gate mech at Murray Road in Preston.


They're still there today!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.737 ... 312!8i6656

[McK&H.Aust]

Also, I just noticed something odd about one of the counterweight arms on the Westinghouse Gate Mechs at Murrumbeena. If you look carefully (it can be hard to see), it has WRRS casted onto it.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8Y7t ... k1NDNpcGNB

Here's another McK&H gate mech in Surrey Hills. I believe the counterweight arm has the same casting as the ones at Murrumbeena.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.824 ... 312!8i6656


Getting back to the topic, I found this old picture from 1967 showing the inside workings of a McK&H gate mech at Murray Road in Preston.


They're still there today!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.737 ... 312!8i6656

Nice find with the picture of the McK&H gate mech. The insides look the same as the WRRS ones, so they most likely are the same but with different branding. That would explain the mixture of counterweights. I have also seen a Harmon gate mech with WRRS counterweights, I guess that as long as it will bolt on, they can use it!

[TrickyMario7654]

Nice find with the picture of the McK&H gate mech. The insides look the same as the WRRS ones, so they most likely are the same but with different branding. That would explain the mixture of counterweights. I have also seen a Harmon gate mech with WRRS counterweights, I guess that as long as it will bolt on, they can use it!

I've seen WCH gate mechs with WRRS counterweights.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.766 ... 312!8i6656
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.766 ... 312!8i6656