Thanks for sharing that one, zug. Perhaps surprisingly for as old as it is (almost certainly dates back to Reading Railroad days), it's pretty much still in accordance with the 2007 FHWA Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Handbook - Fig. 28 - Use of Multiple Flashing Light Signals for Adequate Visibility Horizontal Curve to the Right in subsection 3. - Supplemental Flashing Light Signals, as linked by Euclid above (though the Figure apparently dates back to 1986): http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/xings/com_roaduser/07010/sec04b.htm So the original designers and builders correctly anticipated the modern trend !
From knowing the location and the FRA Grade Crossing Database for it - U.S. DOT ID No. 592-169 H - this signal protects a crossing of the fairly busy and fast (37 freight trains a day plus 7 switching moves, at up to 50 MPH) NS Harrisburg Line (to Reading) 2-track main line at Hummelstown (MP 103.09, N 40.2669750, W 76.7124220), plus a 3rd siding track which is or leads to a connection with the shortline and tourist railroad Middletown & Hummelstown. This auxiliary flasher does appear to be included in the count of the number of Flashing Light ("FL") sets (though I'm not sure about the math or just how they arrived at their figures: 3 Mast-Mounted FL, 2 Other FL, 6 Total Number FL Pairs ?).
The old rails used as a barrier is common enough, too - the practical, thrifty ways of both railroads and the local "Pennsylvania Dutch" - use what you have, make it do, use it up, wear it out. Again, probably just as effective as modern highway guardrails ("guiderails" in PennDOT parlance), at a fraction of the cost.
- Paul North.
zugmann I always thought that this was neat when I first saw it many years ago as a kid. The set of flashers with no sign around the bend. Simple, but seemed effective, I guess. Have to love the protective barriers created out of old rails. http://goo.gl/maps/TXNzJ
I always thought that this was neat when I first saw it many years ago as a kid. The set of flashers with no sign around the bend. Simple, but seemed effective, I guess. Have to love the protective barriers created out of old rails.
http://goo.gl/maps/TXNzJ
Telephone pole does a nice job of obscuring the right hand signal as it moves across your field of vision while moving.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
There are several crossings on the MA&N line we use that have "extra" flashers due to visibility issues and/or road configurations near the crossings.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
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