Level Crossing Failures - Railway Rules DAD RAIL HD

[@kdmq]

That is why I think "no horn zones" should not exist, so all I gotta do is roll down my windows as I approach any crossing and I will hear a horn if this type of failure occurred.

[@bartoszkrawczyk3946]

Very nice video! In Poland, on protected crossing on main lines we have a special signal that shows either "no problem, continue with full speed" or "crossing not functional, reduce speed to 20kph and keep caution of road traffic" and I think it might be better than doing a full stop, as train can be easily stopped from 15kph and even if delayed, the trains can keep going.

[@bartoszkrawczyk3946]

@@JanekWL1 tak

[@tom201090]

I volunteer on a heritage line and we have an accommodation crossing which the guard (on approaching the crossing) - the railway operates a push pull system due to not having a run round loop at one end - has to signal to the driver of a train whether or not it is clear. And, as the crossing is just after a sharp corner, there is only a few seconds between all of the crossing coming into view and the place where the driver, if he has not received a signal from the guard, has to apply the brakes. When the loco is at the front of the train however the guard doesn't do this bit.

[@PottersVideos2]

1:45 I've heard of someone who has worked on the railway for a decade and not seen this happen once!

[@daveyr5462]

I do have an irrational fear of this happening to me and being squashed by a sneaky train (that's somehow silent and invisible) *insert Jaws theme here*

[@jillwones7392]

The rail crossing with the single barriers with the little yellow box on the left at 1:18 is on shrub lane near burwash

[@DadRail]

Correct. It is Crowhurst Bridge AHB and despite its name, as you rightly say it is located on shrub lane near Burwash

[@kaylinjoy1286]

Lol

[@TheEasterling]

3:30 The train does not have to stop the signalman lowers the crossing for the train, so the train does not have to stop

[@DadRail]

Thats Correct, under normal circumstance the signal would be clear before the train arrives so as you rightly say the train wouldn't have to stop.

[@TheEasterling]

Thats because i live near a MBC too aswell One is a MBC-CCTV one is a MBC with a signal box

[@PottersVideos2]

4:45 Which aspect is the signal before the crossing going to show in this scenario?

[@colossal_biscuitz5039]

Ive been caught between the barrier and near the train 3 times at ine crossing over 2 years, apparently it was a normal thing in my old village but whats strange about the service was its a manual manned crossing, you may argue there automatic ir whatever but the mayor if the town nearby confirmed it was a manned crossing which isnt automatic but people still get caught in there as there crossing, so youve just started walking over the crossing and the red lights flash and it comes down almost immediatly but your now stuck in there, lol

[@DadRail]

Wow that sounds like it needs looking into.

[@simontay4851]

That is a good example of where an automatic crossing with half width barriers would be better.

[@dcarter3921]

Once on the Newcastle metro I witnessed a train passing, but the signals didn't indicate.

[@ZLDSmogless]

Could you make a behind the scenes for that reconstruction?

[@tvlicensingblog]

Very good Richard. Daniela looks a bit nervous.

[@DadRail]

She was a bit. I had promised here that we would re-film it, but i got carried away and ended up going with it.

[@jovetj]

Her eyes are far too distracting. All she has to do is look at or near the camera!

[@Ron_TTE]

I was on a level crossing and a signal was off so a train stopped in the middle of the crossing and it stayed there for 2 Hours and the barriers stayed closed so there was a road diversion

[@DadRail]

Sorry about the lip sync issue in the first 20 seconds :-)

[@AdamR1985]

Dad Rail not being rude but most automatic crossings will have signals

[@DadRail]

Hi Adam, not rude at all, all comments welcome :-) This can be a confusing area but I will try to explain. Firstly I am a mainline train driver so am familiar with the rules and procedures concerning level crossings. Although on the railway there are often anomalies so I could be wrong. The very nature of an automatic crossing suggests that it is not interlocked with the signalling system, there maybe signals in the area, but they will be independent from the actual crossing, meaning they can show green even when the crossing is up. It would be less confusing to say they are uncontrolled crossings rather than automatic, as many controlled crossings, especially the new MCB-OD type are fully automatic. Basically if a crossing has signals protecting the crossing, it is a controlled crossing, regardless of barrier width ect, this is because the crossing environment is controlled (trains only allowed to pass if crossing is confirmed clear) Where as an automatic, or uncontrolled crossing such as an AHB is not monitored and not interlocked with the signals, if it was interlocked with the signals then it would be a controlled crossing. but as above 10 years on the railway has taught me that there are always anomalies and variations - thats the great thing about working on the railway your always learning :-)

[@AdamR1985]

Dad Rail AOCL types of crossings have a white light to show that the crossing lights are flashing and a few that I've seen AHB have a signal showing that the crossing is in operation like a red and a yellow signal

[@DadRail]

AOCL are slightly different to AHB they are the same in operation as ABCL crossings, these are locally monitored crossings, yes you are correct they have the flashing lights telling train drivers that it is ok to pass over the crossing. They are worked by treadle the same as an AHB that starts the sequence. Also the speed limit over these types of crossings tends to be very low around 20MPH The lights at the crossing however are crossing indicator lights rather than signals. When the lights are not flashing, there is often a manual control plunger at the crossing that the driver can push to start the sequence. However the lights purely tell the driver that the crossing is working, they don't give an indication that the crossings is actually clear of any obstructions. If the white lights are out then drivers are allowed to proceed over the crossing at there discretion, and report it to the signaller. not sure about the signals on an AHB this could be a new thing? can you remember what crossings this was at as I would love to look into it a bit further, like i say the railway is full of anomalies, and every day is a learning day.

[@kaylinjoy1286]

It’s ok

[@fluffyshabba6423]

Subtitles say "Hello and welcome to death row"

[@LevelCrossingFan92]

Lol

[@Ron_TTE]

RIP OCELOTS CANT BE TAMED

[@TDMRSH]

my dads a train driver! this is why I like Train Dad!

[@lolzlolz69]

Nice video. Couple of points...if very pedantic. A train can only be authorised to pass over a level crossing with barriers in the air if the road lights are working. If the lights are not working AND barriers stuck in the air then all rail movements over the crossing are suspended until either something is fixed or the crossing is taken on local control. Signals are found on approach to automatic half barrier crossings, they are just not interlocked with the crossing so will display a proceed aspect even if the crossing is open to road traffic. However they are generally fitted with an emergency replacement function that can put the signal back to danger if needs be. Though if a train is already approaching at line speed it probably still wont stop depending on where the signal is in relation to the crossing and how fast the train is going.

[@DadRail]

Thank Daniel, not pedantic at all. There use to be an AHB at Battle Road on the Hastings line, Its now a CCTV. there was a signal just before the crossing, that use to protect the next level crossing (river hall cctv) and also mountfield sidings. Although the crossing was an AHB it was interlocked with the signal, many times i stopped on the signal, and the crossing barriers were open, they use to go down just before the signal changed to green.

[@WatermelonCatLeo]

WHY do UK level crossings not have a white light to indicate the crossing is working properly similar to the footpath level crossings and other countries

[@dave8484able]

How did you re construct that? bare in mind that that scenario seeing a train cross a level crossing with the barriers raised and road lights off is one that frightens me and I have nightmares about. There is only one Level crossing I cross on a fairly regular basis and it's a full barrier signaler operated one on the Coventry to Nuneaton line. Although no longer from a box Adjacent (Coundon Road, Coventry) it is now I believe operated from the main box at New Street in Birmingham I understand. As a habit especially at night i always give a glance out of the corner when I cross. By this the only way that can possibly happen there is if a driver passes a red signal at Danger? Did you have to get Network Rail to put that crossing into manual local crontroll for that re construction? Was that an actual live passenger train?

[@DadRail]

Hiya Dave thanks for your comment. I wouldn't worry too much, I have worked on the Railway for 10 years and have only heard of this happening once. As you rightly say a full barrier crossing will be protected by signals, and yes whilst it is possible that a train can run past a red light, it is uncommon and there are systems in place to stop the train (TPWS) should the train pass a red signal. Also in most cases, if the signal is located close to the level crossing there will be an instruction in the signal box that a train can not approach the signal, even if it is at red until the crossing has been closed. With regards to the reconstruction, it was noting more than camera trickery. We set a camera up on a tripod next to the crossing and then filmed the car going across with the barriers open. With the camera in the same position we then filmed the train going past. The crossing was operating normally with the barriers down and the train was in passenger service. I then used a pice of software called adobe aftereffects to combine the footage of the open crossing and the car, with the footage of the closed crossing and the train. As you will notice the crossing is a half barrier, so i replaced the barrier that was down with footage from the side of the road that did not have a barrier. where the full train was visible. By getting the timings right and applying a few other tricks, i think we got quite a convincing shot.

[@PanzerFalcon2232]

How they filmed it was most likely, filmed the car crossing safely, then filmed a train going over and edited it

[@straightpipediesel]

This is why in the US and Canada, high risk vehicles like buses and those carrying hazardous materials, are required to come to a complete stop, roll down the windows or open the door, listen and look prior to any grade (level) crossing, regardless of whether it has automatic gates or not. This is combined with the horn that trains are required to sound in advance to guard against malfunctioning crossing gates. School buses even have a special switch that stops all noise generating items, such as two-way radios and ventilation fans.

[@ABCXYZ-vm5rv]

A level crossing on the East Coast mainline from Kings Cross for example would be more dangerous than other routes with frequent trains going up to 125mph.

[@greatbritainlevelcrossings8149]

This happened at east stoke once since the barrier blooped up

[@roadsignaluk4592]

bruh the train lights are reflecting on the train and the signal shows red and the reflection is green? 5:52

[@thomasm1964]

Presumably all comms between drivers and signallers are via in-cab radio these days? If not, how are the communications done?

[@DadRail]

That’s correct we have a radio system called GSM-R it’s effectively a closed mobile phone network.

[@thomasm1964]

@@DadRail Cheers!

[@danwoodhouse9290]

3:30 - have I missed something or is there only barriers on 1 side of the road in that diagram?

[@jumpfok]

See the text on the diagram: barriers not shown on opposite side of road

[@anindrapratama]

In Indonesia all Level crossings here are manually manned and controlled and people are unsurprisingly ignorant when the barriers close

[@roadsignaluk4592]

what is wrong with the lights? why are they overlaying the van 4:13

[@DadRail]

Don’t think I’m going to be winning any awards for my editing with that one!

[@phillipsiviter2024]

Hello KZbin just introduced me to your channel. This is interesting as way back in 2002 as a taxi driver I experienced a full barrier failure on a goods service spur on the B4059 just outside Bristol. There were a few cars in front of me but nobody had the idea to use the crossing telephone to find out why the crossing was down. That job duly fell to me as someone with a - albeit a hackney one - badge. Short conversation with I’m assuming the control room in Bristol, with the gentleman saying that his board showing that the barriers being open to traffic and no train due. I confirmed with him that the barriers were down but no lights or siren sounding. At this point we both agreed that an engineer was needed at the crossing as something had gone wrong. My final job was to inform everyone waiting that the barrier had failed and either they could either wait for it to be repaired or make a diversion - fun times.

[@ChilternRailPhotography]

Why was the train not the left then the right?

[@don1estelle]

Rule book link doesn't work

[@ulysees08]

Well done Rich👍

[@rondobson5470]

Nice one made Richard how's things going. ex southeastern barrier ron in Hastings

[@AmtrakProductions]

I would like to see the list of the safest crossings in the world

[@jovetj]

The safest crossings are grade separated.

[@frixster1975]

Some good info, but trains are NOT allowed to pass over any failed crossing whether the barriers are up or down unless the red road lights are flashing on both sides. This is the minimum requirement.

[@DadRail]

I wasn't aware of that thank you. Do you know if this is a new requirement?

[@chloeupton2828]

Where do you live across this file

[@nathan_devv]

Well done for getting 285 subs

[@PinspotMedia]

Great dramatic editing 😂

[@lukesjunction2508]

How you do recreation

[@sabirolp5780]

Are the german and french RailroadCrossing not safe?😱

[@DadRail]

Safe just not as safe. www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2010/mar/10/level-cross-accident-statistics

[@levelcrossingspotter-lcsra3368]

@@DadRail you haven't seen dutch railroad crossings yet!

[@TheEasterling]

3:07 There is a white flashing light to tell train drivers if it is clear

[@DadRail]

Not on an AHB crossing there is not, but you would have one on an AOCL or ABCL Crossing

[@TheEasterling]

I swear there is on AHB There always is???? if you look to your left theres a pole with a red and white flashing light (Signal) there always on a AHB look at beccles bypass on google and your see one >:)

[@DadRail]

Guarantee there is not an an AHB. Beccles Bypass, is an ABCL crossing, that is Automatic Barrier Crossing Locally Monitored. They look the same as AHB crossings, but as you rightly say there is a flashing white light to indicate to the driver that the crossing is cleared. AKA the crossing operation is monitored locally by the train driver. Also ABCL crossings have severely restricted line speed, i think the max is 25 MPH. there is a good forum post about it here if you want to read more. www.sabre-roads.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=37136

[@TheEasterling]

I get ya now

[@modelsteamers671]

The white light doesn't tell the driver the crossing is clear, it tells him the electrical circuitry operating the road signals has operated, it is upto the train driver to establish the crossing is clear before proceeding over it. Hence the term locally monitored.

[@jonathananderson2816]

Very Good. The Level Crossings at Worstead and Westerfield are both AHB crossungs, but are Signalled from Trowse and Colchester Signal Boxes.

[@bjkemp4295]

I live in a village cut off from the world by a crossing. Under no circumstances whatsoever could it remotely be described as LEVEL

[@timdaugherty5921]

Rail dad why dont trains sound the horns at UK crossings?

[@Ed.E]

Awesome video.

[@GraingerElectrical]

Wonder how long it takes to train to become a train driver?

[@AriBenDavid]

Here in New Jersey, I talked to a train driver. He had been a truck driver and tired of the hours and hassle. He was hired on by NJ Transit and underwent 9 months of training [not to make a pun.]

[@timdaugherty5921]

8000? Thats not much compared to the nearly 250,000 plus in the USA

[@nathan_devv]

Yay u got another subscriber now u have 282

[@tobeytransport2802]

I pass that level crossing on the cover every single day in the car!

[@ScottMStolz]

Interesting seeing a different approach to crossings that are not working. In the U.S., the signals are designed so that a train engineer can see if the signal is activated or not. If the signal is not activated, the train must slow down and treat it as an uncontrolled crossing. In addition to blowing the horn, the train itself must ring a bell to replace any bell sound a crossing gate may make, and usually, a flagman must get out of the train and stop traffic before the train may proceed.

[@simontay4851]

That's a much simpler, and common sense way than the UK. And I bet all of your crossings are fully automatic too - activated by track sensors. Train activates sensor, bell rings and barriers go down, cars stop, train passes ( while sounding horn as well), job done. None this over complicated controlled crossing nonsense.

[@squidgrill]

Simon Tay Yep, pretty much, bells, lights, and barriers activate, train goes past while constantly using its horn, the barrier opens and everyone proceeds.

[@jovetj]

Some corrections: Level crossings in the U.S. would be of the "Automatic" type in the UK. The signals are activated through the track circuits in the same way that the wayside train signals are activated-treadles are not used in mainstream US railroading. Most level crossing circuits use an AC frequency (over the DC track circuit) and employ specialized equipment called a _predictor._ The predictor can "hear" how the AC frequency is being shorted out by the train's axles, and can tell exactly how far away the train is, which direction it's moving, and how fast. This allows each level crossing to have a constant warning time of 20-30 seconds no matter how fast any given train is approaching. It will even turn off the signals if the train stops before getting to the crossing. When a signalized level crossing is seen or known to be malfunctioning, the standard procedure is for the crossing to be _flagged._ This means the approaching train must come to a stop before the level crossing, and a member of the crew who isn't the driver (usually it's the conductor) must get off the train and stand in the roadway and wave vehicle traffic to a stop. The train then proceeds slowly, blocks the road way, and then stops to let the crewman back on. Then the train proceeds normally. All trains must perform this action at the level crossing until it's repaired, or unless other employees or officials are already on site (such as a police officer or signal maintainer) who can stop traffic instead. All moving trains in the U.S. are required to ring the bell when approaching a level crossing, passenger station, etc. It has absolutely nothing to do with whether a level crossing bell is functioning. By default, all trains are also required to sound the horn/whistle when approaching a level crossing or passenger station. The whistle signal is formalized as two long blasts, a short, and another long. The signal must be sounded until the train has blocked the roadway, and repeated if necessary. A train going 60 MPH will start this signal approximately ¼ mile (400m) from the crossing; closer if the train is going slower. Some areas have setup "Quiet Zones" which forbid the use of train whistles except in the case of emergency. Trains in these zones only ring the bell. Last but not least, all trains approaching level crossings/passenger stations must have their full headlights on.

[@PottersVideos2]

4:45 I notice the use of old footage. lol

[@DadRail]

you caught me :-)

[@john1703]

A red signal on the railway does not prevent a train from passing, except on the Underground. It simply instructs the driver to stop. SPADs would be impossible, if only!

[@tgm9991]

Have you never heard of TPWS?

[@PottersVideos2]

3:30 Not an accurate reconstruction.

[@DadRail]

barriers on over side of road not shown :-)

[@PottersVideos2]

I'm aware but 1) Trains never reverse. If they SPAD correct procedure is to notify the signaller and await further instructions. 2) Trains don't stop at level crossings unless there is a fault with the crossing and/or protecting signal or other emergency at the crossing. They usually carry on straight through it as the crossing is closed in advance.

[@spacefallsFH]

​Don't think the reversing was intentional, just editing needing more work

[@Ed.E]

How did you make the reconstruction?!

[@DadRail]

Its purely camera trickery, and some time consuming editing in adobe after effects. The crossing itself was working normally, i just combine several clips of video together.

[@JPLCUK]

Thay have AFBCLs now lol

[@clintstrutt1544]

good info dude .)

[@Enphyte]

14001th srsly?

[@highwindsclarke2685]

What does In Situ mean?

[@theaylesburycyclist8756]

What's with that woman at the start of the video? "We made a video explaining why Barry is going down on me".....? 🤭

[@Icedgroovesdj]

your the best #

[@geoffreylee5199]

UK trains need real horns like the North American trains. When sounded, it is easy to hear.

[@rockystrains8891]

Geoffrey Lee Nah, noise compaints will go up. Our horns are loud enough

[@paulbb27]

They had to make the horns quieter when these trains were 1st introduced because they were too noisy apparently! and they scrapped the rule of blowing the horn going in tunnels

[@ScottMStolz]

They are starting to add "no train horn" crossings to the U.S. in densely populated areas. They usually upgrade the crossing so that it is hard to bypass the gates (usually by adding or extending the center median), and these crossings usually only have lights, gate, and a bell, but no train horn.

[@jovetj]

"Quiet Zone" crossings often do have what's called a _wayside horn_ which sounds when trains approach. The horns are aimed down the roadway and keep the noise pollution to a minimum.

[@theodorelast5299]

Hi

[@DadRail]

Hello :-)

[@theodorelast5299]

@@DadRail hello thank you for replying I'm like you in ways as I'm in school and intend to become a train driver so could you tell me any qualifications I will need to become a train driver

[@robertdaigle4841]

gl with all you two

[@stephand4017]

Probably, the reason why level crossings fail is because they are switched off or not working.

[@servertoaster]

Mum rail.

[@Smurch1970]

C

[@trainmadgeorge2333]

Wow mg omg :D

[@nicolek4076]

Daniela, pick a spot on the camera, not exactly straight into the lens, and fix your eyes on that. In this video your eyes were swivelling all over the place and made you look shifty - a bit like a UKIP voter.

[@DadRail]

:-) - She was very nervous. Defiantly not a UKIP voter she is Portuguese. and she suffers from nystagmus so here eyes are always moving from side to side as she cant keep them still. I don't think she enjoyed being in front of the camera.

[@gavinvaughan2796]

He was well fit the guy talking

[@chloeupton2828]

If you’re going to your mum christening