Hi all, while reading my newest book aquisition "Mixed train daily" by L. Beebe I found this pic of crossover gate. I wonder how this would be to operate. What are the indications the train crew has to notice? What kind of paint wore the signal plates? Does anyone know other versions in other regions? Thanks for any information, Steffen
Great picture! These are also known as "smashboards" and modern versions with a simple manually-operated swinging gate arm can still be found in the U.S.. The gates are usually locked in a position that respects the busier line and restored to the same position after each use. A call is made to the Dispatcher prior to use to assure another train is not approaching. If a block signal system is present, the gates are interlocked so that signal aspects change as the gate is swung. In this era, I think I recall red boards, lights and I may have seen highway stop signs bolted to the arms in some locations. This modeler has done some nice scratchbuilding work here: http://ssandifer.com/Lay/Howard/Const/Gate/Index.htm
Hi Hardcoaler, thank you very much for your informations. I have never seen such signal on US-Railroads before, but UK-lines only. With your input I think I will add this special item at crossings on my Z-scale "Newcomer-Layout" (http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/newcomer-layout.89953/page-3) Steffen