Railroad Signaling Explained: Crossings

[@DieselDucy]

I’m a locomotive engineer for Norfolk southern and I go by gates all the time. It is awesome seeing how these things work. I really enjoyed this video.

[@JediTev]

As a light rail operator, I wanna add, DO NOT STOP on the tracks if the lights come on as you're crossing the tracks. The gates are designed for you to clear the crossing before the train gets there. If you stop on the tracks when the lights come on, you could get trapped, or if you decide to move, you could damage the gates. If you can stop safely before the gates, then stop. If not keep going and clear the crossing safely, please. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER stop on the tracks for ANY reason!!!

[@bobr1767]

Just go through the gates!! They won't hurt your car...like the train!!

[@pineappleroad]

At least in the country where i live the lights are positioned so that you cannot see them once you are on the crossing (although it does mean that when i am walking across a crossing on foot, the only indication to the crossing activating is the alarm going off, which did take me by surprise once (i was walking a dog at the time)) A lot of crossings where i live have barriers/gates on BOTH sides of the road, however, these crossings are manually controlled (either by someone at the crossing, or remotely utilising CCTV, and in some cases, it is actually the train crew that has to activate the crossing), although some newer crossings of this sort are fitted with an obstacle detection system With these crossings (regardless of the type) the crossing is protected by signals, and in order for the signals to be cleared, the crossing must be lowered, and the crossing confirmed to be clear (no one stuck on the crossing), although i have heard that they might be considering making a type of crossing that is fully automatic, with barriers/gates on both sides, and uses obstacle detection (and some technology that is already in place on trains, which is currently used to automatically stop trains that pass a red signal) to automatically stop an approaching train if the crossing is not clear

[@RachelTS]

That’s the one thing that always gets to me, as I always see people behind me on one crossing that’s a short distance from a gate to a traffic light, they still cross over the track and stay there even when there’s a red light and no where for them to go. You can’t always help those that are too ignorant to not know any better. Sometimes they are going to have to learn the hard way, even if it’s a way that might just cost them their life or their vehicle if they’re smart enough to get out of it before collision occurs.

[@gerardsignalguy6623]

Mark; as a retired Signal Maintainer I found your videos really informative.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you. It was harder than I thought it would be to explain it all to non signal people and I'm sure you know what I mean. I appreciate the comment and thanks for checking it out!

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

Much more tech involved than I ever imagined. I had always thought when a train hit a switch at some distance it just activated a simple motor that lowered and raised the gates. But now I realize the speed of the train would make the time change. That would not work. Very cool stuff.

[@A.Martin]

this is more advanced all computer controlled, old ones were basically a switch. Detects a train then operates the gates.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Even the older "directional stick" crossings used timer relays and varying approach circuit lengths based on maximum track speeds to operate the warning systems. Smart guys have been around for a long time! Thanks for checking it out!

[@TCBubba]

Mark, I worked in IT on the Signalized Crossing project but never had the opportunity to go out to the field with anybody from Signal to actually see a crossing cabin and how it all worked. I'm retired now but KZbin posts like yours fascinate me. Thanks for doing these. Now, on to different rail types.

[@DarrenTabor]

I’ve been a signalman for almost a year now. You’re the only guy I can find that has any videos related to what we do! Thank you

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks. I've seen a few that talk about the system, but they have all been by creators who have just researched it but have no experience with it. I'm glad it has helped you out a little!

[@timdavison1404]

Hi Mark - I have found this and your other presentations very interesting - I retired from working on the railroads (railways) in the UK nearly four years ago after working for 45 years - I worked on the Signalling from a trainee right through various technical grades (working on all signalling equipment including everything from track circuits to signals to points to level crossings both mechanical and electrical - then on to electronic solid state interlockings, CCTV, train describers, Hot Axle Box detectors and eventually to Technical Support - I loved my job and the differences between the UK stuff and the US stuff is fascinating - I have visited the USA several times and seen your crossings in action and was always curious as to how they operated - thanks to your videos I now know - great work Mark!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

That is so cool! I truly appreciate the signalmen from other countries who enjoy my stuff. I have them from Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Russia and now the UK! If you ever make it out to California look me up. I'll show you the cool places! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@timdavison1404]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Hi Mark - saw in you new car video that you mentioned being on Facebook - are you still on as I would like to send you a friend request if you don't mind!

[@benmullins2443]

Great information Mark! I’m looking at becoming a signal maintainer when I get out of the military.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It's a very cool job. I hope the era of Precision Railroading has calmed down by that time. The way construction is going to funded on UP in the future will have a detrimental effect on signal jobs. Thanks for checking it out and good luck!

[@JSRFModCentral]

How did it go

[@chuckcrooks2114]

Love the nice wiring job, laced up and neatly routed.

[@WhereAreTheTrains]

Great video. I really enjoyed it! It's mind boggling the amount of money a railroad must have tied up just in crossing infrastructure. It's surprising that they can make money at all with the amount of equipment/expenses needed to keep everything running. Thanks!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Yes. The equipment is very expensive. Just the modern signal system is about $700,000 a mile to install. Crossings aren't 100% paid for by railroads. Local or state governments pay to install them and have funding to help pay for upgrades but the RR is 100% responsible for maintenance and repair.

[@williamflorinjr.8541]

I always Stop, Look and Listen before crossing a RR crossing. Thanks for the info on RR crossing gates.

[@NotSoCrazyNinja]

Although crossing failure is rare, it only takes one time and bad timing to get yourself killed. It takes but a few seconds more to take extra precautions. I have personally witnessed several crossing malfunctions in my area over the years. A few have been where the crossing didn't alert drivers to an approaching train. I saw the train come rolling through at maybe 45mph with no warning other than their horn. As long as you're paying attention at crossings, should be fine.

[@-watermelonking]

@@NotSoCrazyNinja ayyy mark

[@zzz-zj7xg]

I got a call once gates not going down on an adjoining territory. Xr was turned upside down maintainer forgot to go back after track work. It was a rural xing hardly any traffic. I was able to cover it up for him. Now there are rules and procedures to prevent mistakes like that. Have also found forgoten jumpers in the old days. New jumper procedures eliminate that.

[@stuarthartstein1647]

Hi there Mark! Just wanted to say THANKYOU, for the video tour and demo of the different crossing mechs. As a retired Motorman/ Train Operator from the New York subways, I have always been interested in the "inner workings" of track circuits and signals. That was a facet of my job that never really came into play from the front of a train obviously. Before the subways, I was in the Electrical Union, so that should explain my interest in the operation and field wiring? I especially wish to say thankyou to you for the safety info and advice you gave ALL viewers to be mindful of the purpose and proper use of the grade crossing equipment! It really is there to protect the public. TRAINS SHALL ALWAYS WIN, when it comes to grade crossings! Motor vehicles have the ability to stop much faster than freight or commuter trains. THAT IS WHY trains have the right of way in passage and motor vehicles MUST stop! Jpb well done there Mark! Keep up the good work and stay safe out there!!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you very much! I hope you subscribe and check out the rest of my "railroad signaling explained" series. I have quite a few videos of the railroad around here too. How cool that you worked the subways! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@stuarthartstein1647]

Hi again Mark! Sorry for the very late reply. I just subscribed for you and it is my pleasure! Great info offered by you and I certainly appreciate it! I know every job these days has its good and bad times? I realize you can relate to that as well! I'm sure the stories we can tell each other about our days on the road would curl our hair, or at least what's left of mine? Lol. keep up the good work and best regards always to you and the family! Stay safe out there!

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

Super interesting; one of those mysteries in life you NEED to know about, and as an electrical/mechanical guy, very satisfying to understand the 'mystery' boxes and buildings: thank you! Also I calculated that to get 20 seconds at 90 mph would be 1/2 a mile lead.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Glad I could answer some questions! Thanks for checking it out!

[@NiceMuslimLady]

I met a railroad cop who told me that he caught THE SAME GUY 8 different times going around the lowered gates. He finally did it one last time and got taken out by the approaching train.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Natural selection at work!

[@youraveragejoe2]

I wonder what that cop's reaction was. He was probably happy.

[@NiceMuslimLady]

@@youraveragejoe2 No. He really wished the guy would have listened to him.

[@chrishinnant3924]

The 9th time was the killer. His nine lives were up.

[@youraveragejoe2]

@@NiceMuslimLady welp that guy learned the hard way and is now taking a dirt nap.

[@b2major9th]

Really like those old shelf relays. Those things are very cool and built to last forever. Also fun to watch them operate. Thanks for sharing all the new and old technology!

[@andrewpalm2103]

Thank you so much for this video! I just discovered it and have subscribed. Very informative. I've found signalling one of the most interesting aspects of railroad operation since I was a kid in the 50's.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

When I submitted my application when I was 19, I didn't even know what a signalman was! Some would say I still didn't when I was 60! It was a fascinating career!

[@jjc4577]

As someone that used to install, test , and download cab mounted crossing cameras in locomotives, I know how really important this equipment is (and what happens when people don't heed the signals and/or run the gates when they think it's broken because they can't see the train from the road). Love the video and appreciate your work!

[@harryhall5092]

I like how the gates work, the switches on the cams look like the score motor cams on an electromechanical pinball machine. Also the brake system reminds me of how the motors on a Rock Ola jukebox work to keep the gripper motor from coasting while it lays a record on the turntable!! Neat stuff and thanks for showing, I always wondered how they worked!!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I just learned something about pinball and juke box operation!

[@jaswmclark]

I like your message about NOT driving around lowered gates. A contemporary of mine hit a fire engine that drove around lowered gates and five of the 6 firemen were killed. The only survivor was the driver who was the only one wearing a seatbelt.

[@steveshetterjr.6976]

I have had 2 interviews to go to work for NS as a signal maintainer trainee. This explains why they grilled me so hard on my electronic experience. I also watched your video on the interior of the switch houses.. Call me crazy, I see this as a challenge to\ be met and conquered.. Thank you for the videos and keep them coming sir.

[@kc0eks]

I have been wanting to see inside these boxes for decades but never found a good video or anyone willing to show me. Thank you! I love technology and knowing how it works, appreciate you taking the time to do this.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure!

[@gwharton68]

Mark, thank you very much. Even at 80 years I can learn something new. Great video.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I'm glad you enjoyed and that you haven't stopped wanting to learn. I hope you my other "how things work" videos just as good for your brain!

[@geoffedwards2802]

Always wondered how they work. Thank you for sharing an interesting behind the scenes look.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure!

[@25vrd48]

WHEN IN DOUBT , STOP , LOOK AND LISTEN . Great video Mark .

[@paranoiddude8240]

You might appreciate this. Several years back I volunteered at a railroad museum of sorts. Some bits of the 1.5 mile ROW had signals, and a couple of controlled crossings. The entire signal system was composed of very similar (but, if memory serves, notably older looking) relays as the directional stick style crossing encased in wood cases. Both of the crossings were (of course) directional stick and the gates were absolutely nothing like the ones you showed. The entire system was designed and built by a guy (who has since passed away) to be as era appropriate (early to mid 1900s) as possible. He was unquestionably a genius and a completely eccentric individual. Quite literally until the week of his death he was maintaining the signals. He did signal work (on contract, I believe) for many railroads and it wouldn't shock me if his (figurative, or literal) fingerprints still grace some signal systems to this day. I know for a fact some of the people he had taught concepts at that museum are still working in the industry today and have jobs because of the experienced gained with him.

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

Awesome information, thanks for taking time out of your day to show us this.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure! I'm glad you enjoyed it and found it informative. I try to keep these signal pieces as simple as possible, which was harder than I envisioned it! Thanks for checking it out!

[@billmorris2613]

I’m so glad I found your channel. I’m a retired UP Engineer out of New Orleans. I have tried to explain, on several rail fan channels, why the crossing gates go up and down when they can’t always see a train. You have said the same things I have been telling them plus a lot more. I am going to post info for this video on their channels. Thanks.

[@alexanderglushko2599]

Hey Mark! You have a zero of "dislikes", my congrats! And here another "like" from Belarus;)

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Awesome! It's so cool to see people from other parts of the world checking out my channel. I'm so glad you enjoy it. Stay tuned! I have much more on the way!

[@1topfueldrag]

FINALLY I get my answer. Thank you for the explanation. I have asked numerous times on YT and people with no answer

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I'm finding out that my "how things work" stuff is pretty unique! I'm glad it's helping folks understand what it takes to keep them safe.

[@robertmcbee4671]

Hi Mark, I found your video very factual and straightforward. I worked in the Traffic Signal Industry for 27 years and there is a lot of similarity, to some degree, between the different cabinet functions. Stay safe!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I worked many times with highway traffic techs where our systems were linked for pre-emption. The operation is very similar. Thanks for checking it out!

[@strikef16falcon58]

Mark, this was my 1st Vlog of yours that I watched. I like you style of explaining, and the subject matter. You caught my interest, so I Subscribed, and now I've watched a good dozen or more of your Vlogs. I check the Thumbs-up when I've completed watching a Vlog. "Thumbs-up"

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

welcome to the channel! i appreciate the likes. it really helps the channel grow. stay tuned, much more to come!

[@danoc51]

Wow! What a great video. Every time I cross a powered signal I've wondered about its reliability and how it is triggered by the train. Having seen signals stop when a train stops close to the crossing, I knew there was a bit more than just a button by the tracks. But this is more elaborate than I'd imagined. I am one of those who still look and listen at every crossing. I just found your channel yesterday and also had to also watch the two tunnel episodes. I commend you on your appreciation of railroad history and sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. Watching your videos is going to be great fun! Thanks!!!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you very much! I hope you enjoy what I've done and stay tuned for more! Much more to come!

[@rant1200]

What a beautiful view of the mountains with snow.What a great job.

[@Shadow750Jax]

Fun and interesting information to be sure. I am a CAD operator for a signal design company in Florida. We do work mainly for CSX, CN and NS railroads. It's not often we get to see actually working circuitry in the field. Most of what we see is in our rack room for testing purposes only.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I am happy to have brought some of it to life for you! Thanks for checking it out!

[@rdaw33]

Being interested in how things work all my life, I always wondered what was in those boxes by the line, way cool!!!!.......Thanks!!!

[@DWS1435]

Very informative. Always wondered how how systems operated. I worked on elevator controls for 36 years and they work the same as your old vintage relay systems and the new microprocessor controls. They called me Dr. D. When they couldn't fix it they called me in. I became an inspector and loved training and teaching the new technician the tricks of the trade in the name of safety.

[@tomrogers9467]

I guess your job had it’s ups and downs.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@tomrogers9467 that's comedy!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I've always been fascinated by elevators. What cool career! Thanks for checking it out!

[@bommathis4742]

Mark is getting to be famous🎈keep on keeping on.feel better soon.

[@leahsmith4404]

I was hit(my person) by a crossing arm a little over a year ago while trying to cross to the other side of the street to get to the overpass bridge. I guess I took a little bit of an accidental step to the left while crossing and ended up getting hit in the face by the thing I was avoiding. Since then I have had periods of fascination with the mechanisms of the arms. Thank you for helping me to understand and feed this interest!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

That is a heck of a way to become interested in something, but thanks for checking it out!

[@Julian.Heinrich]

Very interesting and informative; thank you for sharing!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure!

[@countycoroner5784]

Thank You Mark for a very informative video. Also, thank you for saying what needed to be said at the end in relation to going around downed gates and trains parked on tracks at grade crossings. I cannot count the number of fatality crashes I have worked in my career where someone went around the gates or entered a grade crossing where a train was parked and another train came through and hit them, killing everyone in the vehicle. Again, Thank you.

[@mattc.310]

Very cool. Good advice at the end. "stop, look, live"

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Always preach public safety!

[@jman1948]

Hey Mark, I work in the highway industry where we have similar computers on the side of the road to control automatic messaging signs, cameras, sensor, etc... I never knew how complex the systems controlling crossing gates were. Much more complex than the systems we use to control highway traffic!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I have a couple of videos about how the signal system works too. The differences are pretty big!

[@brucecalow4783]

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge in this very informative and well presented video. You have answered every question I ever had, and more. I especially appreciate your heartfelt safety message. Regards, etc, from Australia.

[@johnslanicky]

Thanks Mark. Very informative!! Living near a crossing this helped answer questions I’ve wondered about. Looking forward to your other videos. Thanks!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure. I hope you find the time to check out more of my "how things work" videos. Thanks for checking it out!

[@robertbullcarmichael9856]

Look, Listen and Live! Four very important words when at a crossing. Keep up the good work!

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Always great videos that you put out, We have to get caught up on them since our schedule has been very hectic lately, We are so glad that you had a good recovery through them very hard times earlier this year.

[@kens.3729]

Hello Mark! You have a really interesting channel. Really Enjoying learning more. How is Main 1, Main 2, Main 3, determined ? Thanks! 👍

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Hi! It actually depends on where you are. It can be one way on one sub and reversed on the next. SP didn't do that. Westbound tracks were always #1, eastbound #2. On triple track they were numbered right to left or were designated by name. UP hated SP so much they turned most places around. I thought it was unsafe but they did not care what I thought!

[@cnosprandt5155]

Nicely done Mark! I never knew there was this much tech behind operating the gates..

[@gth042]

Thank you for the tour. You've saved me from getting into a lot of trouble!

[@thomaskirby6706]

That was really informative, and I look forward to more. Well done!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I have a series on how things work. Check out my playlists!

[@timholmes8505]

Great video! I always wondered how crossings work. Great information on how they do. Thank you for what you do! Stay safe!

[@evwonder1889]

I’ve been a train nut my whole life. I’ve always been curious how crossing signals and gates worked. Fascinating and much more involved than I ever imagined.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you! I'm just glad it made sense! Thanks for checking it out!

[@texasrailfanproductions8572]

Great video I have always wondered how railroad crossings work you explained very well

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you!

[@josephshulman7387]

Outstanding video thanks those flat cars make the coolest noise as they go by !!!

[@kendrickblevins8859]

Great video. 30 years Signal Testman Norfolk Southern Railway.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you! Always good to hear from a fellow signal guy!

[@bryttafitzgibbons6901]

I have always wondered how this works.

[@stevencooper2464]

Simple rule of thumb: "The train ALWAYS wins!"

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

Another rule of thumb: "see tracks, think train".

[@keithv708]

Yes

[@riverradioclub8478]

The Right of Weight - Big One Goes First

[@billmorris2613]

Not always. Sometimes both the train / train crew and the vehicle / drivers are losers. .

[@youraveragejoe2]

Not against another train or a tornado.

[@nickastridandtoothlessthen5494]

Hey, Mark, how are you doing today? I love this video. I have always loved railroads since I was a kid. Recently, I was walking and I saw some old gates just sitting there behind the fence. Sometime after, I saw some railroad maintenance people and I talked to them about it and was thinking about collecting them. They said that when I was ready, I could collect them. They were taking out of service and replaced with new ones in like 2017-ish. I doubt they will work now but I think they are a great vintage piece of history. I don't remember when those old gates were installed

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

As long as they're not rusted out, you can probably get them to work again. I hope you are able to at least salvage them.

[@josefstalin9068]

Fun fact, many crossings in the UK are still triggered by the signaller activating them manually by remote. This is usually due to the higher speeds they may be passed at by trains from what i can tell. That, or complicated junctions in the area, such as the crossing just outside Exeter St. Davids station.

[@eladionunez2032]

Mark great video you made here. I wouldn't mind having you as my adjoining maintainer seem like a great guy to work with. I'm a signal maintainer for UPRR aswell got 56 xings in my territory.I saw a MP300 on one of you're cases I'm about 400 miles East of you on the Calexico sub. Have a safe day brother.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks! I appreciate the compliments, and I would have been a great adjoining and a great Mntce. Foreman. I retired in Sept. 2019, shortly after I made this video, which I didn't publish until after I retired.

[@eladionunez2032]

@@MarkClayMcGowan that's great. I got 17 years left to retire.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Hang in there! The pension is worth it!

[@MrKeuan]

Great video!! I work for amtrak I'm a signal maintainer...I'm just starting out I've been a maintainer for about a year...is there any advice you can give me to be better at my job?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Take advantage of all the training you are offered and do what you can to apply it asap. Never be afraid to say you don't know something, remember that the only stupid question is the one you don't ask. Always start troubleshooting with the simple things. Problems are rarely complicated until you make them that way! When working with the FRA, never offer any information they don't ask for and don't start a test until they request it. Never be intimidated by them. You're usually a better signalman than they are. If you're doing your job you have no reason to worry about them. Never be afraid to call for help. Find out who your best guys are and who the vendor gurus are and have their numbers. Pick their brains. Most love sharing their knowledge. I hope that helps! Thanks for the compliment and for checking out my channel!

[@MrKeuan]

@@MarkClayMcGowan thank you sir!

[@tomrogers9467]

Thank goodness there are still some people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty to keep the country running.

[@bobr1767]

Thank you Mark. I've been a Signal Engineer for over 30 years and your explanation is on point. In fact, I'm going to bookmark this video so I can reference it to various agencies who sponsor the installation of GCWD and know nothing about the system. One question for you, not sure what railroad you're on but, I noticed you had E-logic in the same bungalow as the crossing equipment. Is this a normal practice for that railroad? Nothing like the older analog equipment. I miss the PMD-2/3 era so much! Very good video!

[@choochooleo]

Thanks so much for giving us an idea of how the signals work. I am a big model railroading fan who actually has a prototype crossing signal that I purchased and put together over the years. I would like to add a gate with the motor to my display to finish it but have not gotten around to looking for one preferably used and at a reasonable price not to mention a location close enough to home to go and get it. I live in Kerrville, TX so San Antonio is where the closest tracks are located. I would love to see Big Boy come down and visit us because I missed it when it was here recently. If you know of a good place to look for the parts I need I would be grateful.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It will be hard to find them now because most of that stuff just went to scrappers. If there is a short line in your area you might ask them. You can get some on ebay and the like but I hear people are asking exorbitant prices for it.

[@SETX_Sirens_and_Rail_02]

I see quite a few passive ones around my area. Mostly see them on little county roads and private crossings. All of the well traveled roads and plant crossings are gated

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Most of our passive type are also on farm roads and the like as well.

[@SETX_Sirens_and_Rail_02]

I have videos on my channel showing some gated crossings here. They are all on the tracks paralleling US-90

[@heatherrussell8255]

I love those old type crossings with the old style crossbucks.

[@luv2fly452]

MCM, great video! I've been rail fanning for years. I learned a lot watching this video. Well put together and very informative. i hope you're feeling better. luv2fly.

[@bradsyoutube]

Really good explanation, thanks!

[@BarredCoast0]

The old signage back when I was a kid always said "Stop, Look and Listen". Best advice ever! 🚂🚃🚃🚃

[@Drennan1]

I find this oddly fascinating and informative. Appreciate

[@andrebenson74]

I learned alot from your video. But i would like to know how some railroad crossings that are near traffic lights control them?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I can't believe I didn't go over that! I think I'll do a video on it. We have Traffic Control Circuits in our cabins tied to the municipality's lights. When the crossing is activated it activates the TCR and sets the traffic lights to either flashing red or, in some cases, red into the train and green parallel to it. Thanks for the question, the idea and for checking it out!

[@PaulFisher]

This was really interesting! I lived near a fairly busy line growing up and never knew how the signals work. I assumed it was something like continuity between the two rails but knew it couldn’t be exactly that because it would not work with continuous welded rail. If only you had gone into a little more detail on the operations of the extremely complex warning system you demonstrate at 23:20!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I didn't want to give away any industry secrets! Thanks for checking it out!

[@Gator_Bait_Motorsports]

Interesting, thanks for the tour :-) Now I know something new!

[@metalbill]

I work on traffic signals here in Las Vegas. Definitely easy to understand for me. I remember as kids, we would drop a metal bar across the tracks and set off the signals.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

And the metal bar also causes signals to go to red! We used to grease the rails around Tehachapi! Kids!

[@AndreMartens-lq8vu]

We bought some property in the driveway that goes to. It crosses a Union Pacific and it has just those cross bucks, but it actually has stop signs on it.

[@stephenwilliamson4556]

Very interesting video, I’m an apprentice signal technician in Perth, Western Australia, and we have a combination of the safe train 4000’s and the traditional “directional stick” circuits to control the crossings in my area. I’m personally not a huge fan of the safe train 4000’s as we have a couple in service that are constant “problem children”. They also tend to take their sweet time to decide that “yes the crossing is clear” after the passage of a train. Directional stick circuits tend to be a bit more resilient, and, as soon as a train comes off the island track, the crossing clears. Unless you get a relay contact that goes high resistance, a track bond breaks, or someone puts a coin on the track, the stick circuit doesn’t tend to give me much grief. Stick circuits themselves are very clever, and I tip my hat to whoever designed them, as it took me quite a bit of study to completely understand how they work. Combine that with double tracks as well as reverse direction sticks, outer approach circuits, and masking circuits, and they get pretty intense pretty quick!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

We've been using the 4000s for about 15 years now. They can be temperamental at times but are generally reliable and can be a great help in troubleshooting both crossing and signal problems if the problem is in either approach. In America, stick circuits (we call them "traps") are illegal on mainline crossings. They are pretty reliable but prone to problems in wet weather and are sketchy on high speed track. When I went to the class on crossings in the early 80s stick circuits were what we learned even though we were using GCP 300s (those were beasts!) at most mainline crossings. Thanks for the comments and for checking it out!

[@stephenwilliamson4556]

I know this stuff can be sensitive information, but is there any chance you can email me a copy of the crossing stick circuit diagram? I’m curious as to how just a stand alone crossing circuit looks. If you can’t that’s all good. I’m also curious as to how you draw your circuit diagrams. Our railway circuits and the Australian standards for electrical drawings have absolutely nothing in common, so, during my apprenticeship I’ve had to learn electrical drawings twice!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@stephenwilliamson4556 shoot your email to "[e-mail]". I can draw a simple stick. Our prints are done by a contractor both original and update changes unless they are simple then they're done by our signal design folks.

[@boxofsakura5833]

Hello fellow apprentice! I am a few states over in Victoria!

[@Canuck1000]

Very informative video. Thank you!

[@petermiller7410]

super informative video on crossings thanks

[@bfurailroad1104]

Saw a lot of written reminders here n there but you forgot one very important tip...Restore Power! lol Stop, Look, turn off the radio & Listen. That's what I'm thinking, not for safety but coz I wanna see a train go by. Very cool how you explain & demonstrate the inner workings of the GCP's. The way I understood it is the arms are motor driven only for the 1st 5 degrees, then freefall so to speak the rest of the way down? Larry

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Actually, I wrote "restore power" on the inside of every case I worked in over the last 10 years or so because I was famous for leaving it off as a maintenance foreman doing inspections. The maintainers appreciated the OT, the bosses did not! The gates are driven down as you say but do not free fall. Another contact closes at 5 deg reversing the polarity and creating a dynamic brake. Thanks for the comments, questions and for checking it out!

[@bfurailroad1104]

@@MarkClayMcGowan I spied a signal today on a double track at a crossover, two heads, the top was yellow not flashing, the bottom was red also not flashing.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@bfurailroad1104 lined straight down the main where the next mainline signal would be red. The bottom head would only be another color if the crossover were lined for the other track. Have you watched my videos on what signals mean?

[@bfurailroad1104]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Yeah, I watched 'em but guess I'm gonna hafta look at 'em again. I'm gonna email you a picture soon and see if you can help me with a question.

[@heatherrussell8255]

Very informative. Some parts were, for me, a bit technical, but loved it!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks. I tried to keep it simple but with some stuff it's hard to do. Thanks for checking it out!

[@ColesChampion]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing this, very important.

[@Chris-xk3bp]

Great Video! Here in Australia, our crossings are pretty much identical to those in the U.S (most even use American parts from companies such as Safetran, WCH, General Signals etc.). While the majority of crossings in this country have used predictors and motion sensors for quite a long time, recently (within the last couple of years), many railway groups have begun implementing new axle counter technology for train detection. As the name suggests, this system uses sensors in the rails to count the number of axles that pass over it. The number of detected axles are then logged and "counted off" by a second sensor in the island circuit. Apparently, this system is more reliable than traditional track circuit based detection. However, I was wondering if this technology has been implemented in the U.S yet and if so, does it really provide any significant benefits over other forms of train detection? On a different note, I've also noticed that in Australia and North America, traditional mechanical bells are slowly being fazed out in favor of new solid state electronic bells that consist of a speaker and a circuit board playing back a pre-recorded tone. I'm curious to know when these bells started becoming popular with rail operators and do you think there are many advantages in using them over older mechanical models? Thanks again for the fantastic video and for giving us such an incredible in depth look at how these systems operate!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks for the comments and information. I haven't heard of the axle count technology on the UP but it does sound cool. The only problem I would foresee is transducers going bad and miscounting axles. I'm sure there's a failsafe for that and transducers are generally reliable. We started using electronic gongs in the early 1990s. I love them. They don't rust or need to be adjusted, mice can't build nests in them and they are just as loud. Also, the circuit board can be replaced if it goes bad rather than having to install a new unit. Thanks for checking out my channel. I love seeing people from around the world checking it out!

[@l3p3]

@@MarkClayMcGowan it surprises me that you like them. I hate them a bit but only for nostalgic reasons. :-)

[@randallparr680]

About 30 years ago, a signal technician showed me his setup at a crossing on the (then) Soo Line in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. What I never expected to see were relays sealed in glass containers that looked like squat and oversized vacuum tubes. They were round and maybe 9W X 5H. The technician said that system dated from the forties and was still operating as advertised. Remembering that, I did not expect to see such modern controllers. Because I am into ham radio, that 4000 unit looked to be more akin to a rack-mounted late model Motorola radio repeater. Between the complicated controllers, the cabinets sheltering the electronics and mechanicals and the buried cabling and rail connections, there is so much to know.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

The controllers probably have a lot in common with radio equipment. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@tomallen6073]

Worked on automatic gates for decades, interesting to see the controls and what we call “operators” work on your equipment. Actually very different than what we use. I guess yours have to be designed for absolute reliability. We use a lot of inductive loops (metal detectors) to sense vehicles on the roadway, basically identical to the sensors at traffic lights. Loops are those black lines in the asphalt at traffic signals.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks for the info. We use loops for certain applications on wayside equipment yard switches but at mainline crossings we have to use the predictors. Thanks for checking it out!

[@markhayes6407]

In depth video. Always learn something in your videos. Thanks

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks! I appreciate the compliment!

[@charlie_nolan]

I found an old crossing controller sitting by my local crossing! It’s all rusty and full of leaves, but it’s definitely a large circuit board with card slots and some cards in it. The cards were full of a bunch of mid to late 80s microcontrollers and relays. There were also the old lights and poles as well as railroad signs sitting on the ground, I took a railroad crossing sign and mounted it in my garage. Very cool! Oh next to that was also a similar looking battery but it was transparent

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

If the box was green or blue it was probably a GCP300. the generation before the 3000. If the batteries were clear glass they were Exides. If they were translucent green or white, probably Edison EDs. It's always cool to find old stuff. Glad you got a sign out of it!

[@charlie_nolan]

@@MarkClayMcGowan The box was so covered in rust I couldn’t tell, I think it was on the ground for at least 5 years.

[@DavidR-ub2dp]

Mark i always had a strong fascination with the rail system and the signals and the huge diesel locomotives I have a vast collection of bachman and tyco and vintage lionel trains its awesome to see the real ones its interesting to see how the crossing signals work i really enjoyed your video 👌💥💥

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you!

[@OliverHarrington]

Hello. I was near a railroad one day and I was walking across a passive crossing (only crossbucks and a stop sign). I saw that just to the east of the edge of the crossing were what appeared to be bare, exposed metal wires that were about 1cm in diameter and were bolted to the rails. There was one wire bolted to each rail, and they seemed to run underground and pop out of the ballast right where they were bolted to the rails. I was wondering if this was a predictor or some sort of approach for a crossing about a half a mile down the tracks that has a full set of active warning devices (lights, gates, and bells). The part of the rails where the wires were bolted was painted green, and I wasn't sure what this meant. There were no wayside signals around, so I assume the wires aren't related to any sort of signals, so I thought they might be an approach for the active crossing further down the tracks. Any idea as to what these wires are for?

[@ArtStoneUS]

For block signals to work, there must be a continuous electrical circuit from end to end. If that continuity is lost, the block signals turn red until someone investigates. For example, if flooding washes out the tracks and breaks the circuit, the block signals go red on both ends to prevent the train from derailing

[@OliverHarrington]

@@ArtStoneUS that might be it, but this crossing was on an unsignalled short line, so I don’t think it would be related to the signals.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Crossing approaches, whether or not in signaled territory must be continuous circuits. If there are rail joints they must have railhead bonds connecting the rails. Wires close to crossings going into the ground are track wires that connect the rail to the control cabin.

[@fightington]

The man know his stuff and good fella 👍

[@horroreader410]

Awesome video! I'm a signal maintainer on a shoreline in NE Ohio and our crossings don't have any predictors since we only see 3 trains a week and the top Mainline speed allowed is 15mph. 3 of our crossings are just lights (Old RSI LED's that are starting to fail. GEMS here we come haha) and one of the crossings doesn't even have approach blocks anymore. It's on the back end of the line and only sees 2 trains a month, if that, so our supervisor had us just install a key switch to cut the island out to activate it. Same for the other crossing in the yard since we keep strings of cars parked on both approaches. Im curious about pedestrian gates and their mechs. Especially the ones with the ped gate on the main gate mech. Any knowledge of them?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

We have a few crossings with ped gates. They're a pain. The homeless and vandals seem to enjoy them though! Thanks for checking it out!

[@Bassotronics]

As long as the system does not run on a Windows OS, it should be fine.

[@lorenzojmartinez]

Oh but it does

[@IanR1205]

So we meet again! I will never get used to seeing you on train videos, haha. Bass music and trains is an odd pairing of interests indeed. Makes me wonder if you've ever created a railroad inspired bass song before?

[@Bassotronics]

@ *Ian Rozzano* Lol. Never made a Bass track related to trains but I do own a G-Scale model train rail business.

[@IanR1205]

@@Bassotronics Yeah you told me about the G scale switch making you do. I’m a BNSF engineer in California, a railfan, and a basshead too!

[@Bassotronics]

@ *Ian Rozzano* Oh yea, now I remember. My bad, I have a one track mind. BNSF hardly ever passes here but when it does, I try to take a vid although trains are unpredictable so, one can be passing right now and I have no idea.

[@avt389410]

Realy very interesting! Thank you!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

My pleasure! Thanks for checking it out!

[@uniteddrones7626]

What kind of power is on the rails we talking about just completing a signal digital circuit with no voltage or very very low or do you guys send 12,24,36,64120 volts in these Lines and complete the connection between train axles. And what happens if someone drops a giant wrench between the rails. Would the tracks activate. My town crossing activated all day long literally all day but no train

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Track circuit voltage is generally 1-2 volts DC and around 1 amp for microprocessor equipment and .75 to 2 volts DC with .5 or so amps for standard circuits. Yes. If you put something conductive across the rails it will put signals to stop and activate crossings. Train axles are conductive and generally have .06 ohm resistance and that is why we use .06 ohm shunt cords to test with.

[@uniteddrones7626]

Mark Clay McGowan ahh that makes sense, if the circuit is so simple how do you stop random people activating these signals which probably happened here

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@uniteddrones7626 we don't! We find wires, shopping carts and all sorts of junk they throw on there causing problems. Thanks for checking it out!

[@railspike7057]

Our problem was road salt and water at crossings. Occasionally this would give a false occupancy indication and the protection would be activated

[@tomrogers9467]

Now I’m going to be giving a nod ‘n wink to those silver boxes every time I cross a set of tracks! A lot more complex than I (never, actually) thought they would be!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

It's so hard to try and tell someone so I figured a video would be a good way to make it easier! Looks like I was right!

[@sumieyleesa]

I just wonder, is the train allow to accelerate their speed? Then what will happened to the prediction? Does it affect the prediction on the system?

[@doreenlloyd4885]

Ditto

[@ArtStoneUS]

I am glad you asked that because the answer is the engineer and conductor have to know not to increase their speed significantly while in the approach circuit. Doing so could get the reaction time below 20 seconds. Block circuits also can be fooled by that issue when there is a timer involved.

[@christophersmith1448]

Hi Mark! What about bell only crossings? I've seen some videos on KZbin that is a bell only with cross bucks. Have you came across any of those? And why would they only install a bell only crossings?

[@tomrogers9467]

For the blind drivers.

[@-watermelonking]

@@tomrogers9467 Why would a blind person be driving a vehicle

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Bells are to alert pedestrians to the approach of a train, not vehicles!

[@TerryRossi]

Very informative - thank you!

[@stephenswift5531]

i've seen some of those around here but alls i would like to know what triggers it to do that

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

As the video shows, it depends on the type of crossing and where it is but most are started by the control unit in the cabin.

[@epacm50]

BNSF has a uniformed method of circuitry on their grade crossing controller systems. They must used at least 30 seconds warning time before a train reaches the island(road). GCP 3000's are still work horses in our railroad. We mainly use Harmon HXP 3's. Our railroad uses the modern Safetran gate mechanisms. We did use the Alasaldo mechanisms. However, they failed prematurely.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you for the info. I did work for SJVRR on Santa Fe branches when those were sold. It was different but I picked up on it easily. Thanks for checking it out!

[@mdavid1955]

As an electronics tech (and train buff) I find all this fascinating! On the modern electronic predictor type signal controllers that have a shunt with an AC signal.....you are describing a tuned circuit ??

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Yes. We sometimes use tunable shunts for specific applications. Thanks for checking it out!

[@3sierra15]

Subscribed! Had my attention the whole way through. I understand locomotives, but signaling systems were a mystery until now. BTW, does your territory go all the way from Earlimart to Lone Pine? Wow!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I'm actually retired now. When I was the Maintenance Foreman my territory kept shifting. I was always headquartered in Bakersfield but at first I went from Bakersfield to Cajon Pass (near Adelanto) and from Daggett to Vegas. Then they gave the Vegas stretch to a new position. Later I went from Palmdale to Delano, then Bakersfield to Madera and finally Bakersfield to Turlock. When they cut my job in Feb. 2019, rather than bump a remaining Foreman job with 500 miles of territory, I bumped the Tehachapi Maintainer and that district went from Tehachapi to just outside Mojave and included the Lone Pine and Oak Creek Branches.

[@3sierra15]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Thanks. I appreciate the time you must put into replying. For my part, I hope your following stays manageable so you can keep the personal touch.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@3sierra15 i will certainly keep the connection to the audience. It's one of the best parts of doing this!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@3sierra15 i will certainly keep the connection to the audience. It's one of the best parts of doing this!

[@colinsmith4453]

Hi Mark can you some day show which l.e.d. crossing light is the best along with l.e.d. block signals .thanx I love all your videos,

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I can try but being retired I don't have much access to the equipment anymore.