Mike's Railroad Crossing Forum

*originally recorded on 4-12-25*

Signal on the left: 2 pairs of Safetran 12x20 inch lights, a General Signals Type 2 electronic bell, a Safetran gate mechanism, and NEG LED gate lights.
Signal on the right: 2 pairs of Safetran 12x20 inch lights, a Safetran gate mechanism, and RECO gate lights.

After catching 285 just west of Tuscumbia, we hopped back on US 72 and continued our way west, soon getting ahead of it as we passed through Cherokee. Once we got across the state line, I decided to peel off onto MS 172 (the former alignment of US 72) and try to see if we could get it at this crossing just east of Iuka. Thankfully, we were able to beat it here with plenty of time to spare, only because it soon turned-out that's because NS had a meet lined at the passing siding next to this crossing. As such, here we get to see our second train of the day: NS 16Z with a UP ET44AH leading a UP AC44CW and an NS AC44C6M for power.

This crossing is a pretty decent one, featuring an early-2000s NS install that's basically still entirely original. Admittedly, it would've been nice to have been able to get 285 here, as this angle's definitely better for westbounds than eastbounds, but I'm still glad I was able to get it. This crossing is located right at CP Gravel on the NS Memphis District West End.

http://www.rxrsignals.com/Mississippi/G-Q/Iuka/CR247/