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The oldest grade crossing?
Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 11:31 pm
by Erik-Gorb-Hamilton
This thought has come to my mind quite often. What is the oldest grade crossing in service in the US? I know some Wig Wags are old but what about flashing lights and gates?
Re: The oldest grade crossing?
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 1:31 am
by ToledoRailfan
Its really hard to say nowadays. I'd say that this crossing in Blissfield, Michigan was before it was upgraded might be a contender. And by oldest, I mean the signals not the crossing itself.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8328101 ... 1664?hl=en
http://www.rxrsignals.com/Michigan/Blissfield/Lane/
Re: The oldest grade crossing?
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 1:43 am
by ToledoRailfan
These signals in Antwerp, Ohio on the infamous Maumee & Western Railroad (now named the Napoleon, Defiance & Western Railroad) before they were removed could also be a contender. From what I've heard, these signals hadn't worked for many years before they removed, the crossing was flagged.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1808535 ... 1664?hl=en
Speaking of the Maumee & Western Railroad/Napoleon, Defiance & Western Railroad, this signal that use to be in Napoleon, Ohio might've also been a contender.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.3936162 ... 1664?hl=en
Not sure if that one worked, it was a sad day when we found out that they were removed. Four years ago (members of the forum back then might remember this), I followed the line (on Google Maps/Streetview) down to Defiance and I came across that signal along with the other signal from the same crossing. Who knows what the fate of these M&W signals is...
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.2848244 ... 6656?hl=en
Re: The oldest grade crossing?
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 2:46 am
by Erik-Gorb-Hamilton
ToledoRailfan wrote:These signals in Antwerp, Ohio on the infamous Maumee & Western Railroad (now named the Napoleon, Defiance & Western Railroad) before they were removed could also be a contender. From what I've heard, these signals hadn't worked for many years before they removed, the crossing was flagged.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.1808535 ... 1664?hl=en
Speaking of the Maumee & Western Railroad/Napoleon, Defiance & Western Railroad, this signal that use to be in Napoleon, Ohio might've also been a contender.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.3936162 ... 1664?hl=en
Not sure if that one worked, it was a sad day when we found out that they were removed. Four years ago (members of the forum back then might remember this), I followed the line (on Google Maps/Streetview) down to Defiance and I came across that signal along with the other signal from the same crossing. Who knows what the fate of these M&W signals is...
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.2848244 ... 6656?hl=en
Wow! All those crossings are really old! Upon looking these over it seems like one of those appear to be an Late 30's early 40's install. Neato!
Alas, however I am talking about ones that still work and still see service. Should've made that clear in the OP
Re: The oldest grade crossing?
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 3:02 am
by ToledoRailfan
Erik-Gorb-Hamilton wrote:
Alas, however I am talking about ones that still work and still see service. Should've made that clear in the OP
I know, I just thought they'd be worth posting here as they were in service quite recently. And plus I really like sharing these crossings as I don't think they are as well known as they should be.
Re: The oldest grade crossing?
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 10:50 am
by NathanFromEngland
These wigwags in Port Richmond, CA could be contenders.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@37.92496 ... 312!8i6656
Sadly, these wigwags no longer operate since being replaced by gated signals around 10 years ago, these are still on display though.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@37.92496 ... 312!8i6656
Re: The oldest grade crossing?
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 12:54 pm
by freebrickproductions
Again, it has to be
in service, and those wigwags are out of service.
Also, do signals where only the old mast is the old thing left in service count? If not, how much stuff can have been replaced on a signal before it's no longer "old"?
And also, the northeast has a bunch of old GRS Type B gated signals still in use, several still with WRRS mini-bells and even the original 8 inch lights and GRS Type B gate mechs.
Re: The oldest grade crossing?
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 1:44 pm
by ToledoRailfan
Re: The oldest grade crossing?
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 1:47 pm
by cabman701
freebrickproductions wrote:
Again, it has to be
in service, and those wigwags are out of service.
Also, do signals where only the old mast is the old thing left in service count? If not, how much stuff can have been replaced on a signal before it's no longer "old"?
And also, the northeast has a bunch of old GRS Type B gated signals still in use, several still with WRRS mini-bells and even the original 8 inch lights and GRS Type B gate mechs.
I thought I read (or saw somewhere) that the Port Richmond wigwags still operated for a train? They just aren't considered "in service" crossing equipment anymore since the standard gates where installed. Not 100% sure on that though.
Re: The oldest grade crossing?
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 1:49 pm
by ToledoRailfan
cabman701 wrote:freebrickproductions wrote:
Again, it has to be
in service, and those wigwags are out of service.
Also, do signals where only the old mast is the old thing left in service count? If not, how much stuff can have been replaced on a signal before it's no longer "old"?
And also, the northeast has a bunch of old GRS Type B gated signals still in use, several still with WRRS mini-bells and even the original 8 inch lights and GRS Type B gate mechs.
I thought I read (or saw somewhere) that the Port Richmond wigwags still operated for a train? They just aren't considered "in service" crossing equipment anymore since the standard gates where installed. Not 100% sure on that though.
From what I've heard they only operate on "special occasions".