Mike's Railroad Crossing Forum

*originally recorded on 7-31-21*

Signal on the left: 2 pairs of L&W 12x24 inch lights, 2 pairs of Safetran 8 inch lights, a dead Safetran mechanical bell, a Safetran gate mechanism, and RECO LED gate lights.
Signal on the right: 2 pairs of L&W 12x24 inch lights, a Safetran mechanical bell, a Safetran gate mechanism, and RECO LED gate lights.

This was the last place we caught the outbound HOG train at. After this, the people riding got to enjoy a 2 hour layover here in downtown Plains before continuing over to Archery for a shorter layover there before returning back towards the state park, meaning this was also the last time Elliot and I got to film the lead unit's fouled RS3L on this trip.

This crossing is another rather nice one, featuring more older equipment at it. It appears that originally, this crossing was an old mid-70s SCL install. However, at some point (I believe in the late-90s under the GSWR), the signals here were replaced, though the original bells, gate mechs, and side lights on the far signal were all re-used onto the current ones. Since then, thankfully no major changes have occured to this crossing.
Unfortunately though, this crossing is definitely in need of some TLC, especially the far signal. Sadly, the mechanical bell on that signal has died at some point, but hopefully the HOG chooses to fix it rather than replace it. The gate mechanism on it also needs some work, as it just about slams the gate arm into the ground, and probably would actually strike the ground with it had there not been a stabilizer attached to it.
On the other hand, getting to see more incandescent L&W 12x24s is certainly quite cool, and I'm glad they seem to still be in good shape. The Safetran mechanical bell on this side also sounds quite healthy, so hopefully it remains around for a good while longer. All in all, this is a great little crossing and I'm glad to have filmed it.
As you can see, this crossing is also at the north end of GA 45. Also, for those who aren't aware, Plains is the hometown of former US President Jimmy Carter, the country's 37th President, who still lives out here with his wife.

Now that's dangerous indeed. I could see some redneck trying to run the gate there and end up with that stabilizer piercing through the cab and nearly killing someone. (As opposed to the gate smacking and cracking a windshield.) Worth reporting this one.