originally recorded on 10-10-19
Signal on the left: 2 pairs of WCH 12x24 inch lights with WCH 2nd Generation LEDs, a WCH Type 4 electronic bell, a WCH gate mechanism, and RECO LED gate lights.
Signal on the right: 2 pairs of Safetran 12x24 inch lights with GE Uniform Look LEDs, a General Signals Type 2 electronic bell, a Safetran gate mechanism, and NEG gate lights.
On October 10th, I went out with FanFan61618 to chase ATN Z390 from Odenville to as far south as we felt. We arrived into Odenville without incident, but the train didn't show for a few hours after that. However, it eventually showed up, running at 10 MPH with the ex-BN SD40-2 leading the Omnitrax-painted GP40-2LW!
As you can see, there's been quite a sad upgrade to this crossing within the past few months. The ATN has chosen to replace the old SAL signal on the far side of the crossing, meaning that there are no more active US&S Teardrop bells in the state. At around the same time, the newer CSX signal was upgraded to LED.
I'm not entirely sure as to why the ATN chose to replace the signal, as the old foundation was laying nearby and looked to be in good shape, so I doubt it was struck by a car.
However, as when I was last out here with Chuttlely, the ATN had the train's conductor out flagging the crossing due to a recent signal malfunction. As such, I strongly suspect the old SAL signal had sadly just aged a bit too much, and was no longer working as reliably anymore.
Either way, for whatever the reason, it's a huge shame that the old signal is now gone, especially since it had the last working US&S Teardrop bell in the state. On the other hand, I'm glad I made two successful trips out to this crossing to record it before it was removed, though. And as they say, "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened".
Also, interestingly enough, based on just how faded the GS Type 2 here is, and the fact that it appears to have the older "GS Type 1" design, I suspect this crossing may have one of the earliest surviving examples of a GS Type 2 in service. A bit of a lame claim to fame, but still a bit of a neat thing to note, IMHO.
The bells here also now ring until the signals shut off, which is a bit of an interesting change (especially considering the fact that the old relay case is still being used). The gate mech on the right-hand signal also bumps the mast when the gate is lowered.
www.rxrsignals....
Негізгі бет Alabama Street Railroad Crossing, Odenville, AL
No video
Пікірлер: 44