I live in a Maison de Garde Barriere, in France. These manned (but more usually 'wommaned') crossing houses were put in place at even the smallest farm crossing, let alone at a road - and in the days before cars were even invented. The keeper's salary was tiny, but with half a hect of land for fruit, veg, animals and whatever else they fancied doing, life was gentle, peaceful, and - often with only six trains a day to cope with - very sought after. Dad worked on the nearest farm, mother controlled the crossing, and all the kids dug the garden - a nice role-model for today's over-commercial living, perhaps? A bientot!
@DadRail2 жыл бұрын
That sound so idealistic. Simpler times. Sometime progress isn’t the way forward.
@chrispettman11525 жыл бұрын
You need to check the crossing at East Preston in Sussex, which is on a busy bus route as well, the barriers come down a good 5 minutes before a train arrives. One day I timed it at 7 minutes. That's the equivalent of one helluva stopping distance !!! These are only commuter trains doing at best 60 mph.
@tonys42504 жыл бұрын
I was stationed in Southern Italy in the 80's and there was a crossing close to the base. A guy lived in the house next to the crossing and would go out at a certain time and lower the gates. Then go back into his house until the train passed then go and raise the gates. Some times it might be a long time for the train to pass.
@markcarey84264 жыл бұрын
Yes, I did learn something - why crossings are closed even when a train is stopping at a station - thanks.
@DadRail4 жыл бұрын
No Problem, thanks for watching
@Edsbar3 жыл бұрын
Also, the driver may use a timetable to say if the train stops at a station, not be signaled to stop at the station and the signaling system, therefore, has no way of knowing if a particular train is going to stop at the station adjacent to a level crossing.
@bobsmodelrailways2 жыл бұрын
Great video. Well done. One thing always intrigues me is the “phone signalman before crossing” - when the phone & layby are on the opposite side of the crossing meaning you would have to cross it in order to make the phone call asking to cross!
@williamweir90884 жыл бұрын
Very interesting and informative video, thanks.
@gordontaylor34897 жыл бұрын
A very well explained and narrated video. Being a 50 plus railway 'geek, who's fascinated by level crossings, if I know that a train is coming, I'll stand, wait and watch until the train has gone past, then go across... I'd never dream of trying to dodge the barriers as they are coming down.
@michaelf62326 жыл бұрын
Better question, who's stupid enough to play chicken between a 1 ton vehicle compared to a 500ton train ??
@jovetj6 жыл бұрын
Lots and lots of people in the US are stupid enough. Railway safety isn't as emphasized here as it should be. I like to explain to people that getting your car struck by a train is the same as driving an aluminium can and getting struck by a car.
@hamishashcroft32335 жыл бұрын
Just natural selection really...
@oxolotleman72265 жыл бұрын
Just watch videos of people from Ashland Virginia, you'll find some interesting things.
@heliostransport5155 жыл бұрын
I’m to Chicken I would get a Eurostar High speed train to get the other train recked
@nekomasteryoutube32324 жыл бұрын
Lots of people, around the world....
@UKLevelCrossingsChannel8 жыл бұрын
Awesome video. Very well narrated, presented and explained. I have learned a few more things I don't already know which is cool. I also subscribed, your videos are great :)
@DadRail8 жыл бұрын
Thank you glad you enjoyed it. I have subscribed to you, your videos are also great keep up the good work
@UKLevelCrossingsChannel8 жыл бұрын
+Dad Rail Thank you very much. You to :)
@cameronbjohnston6 жыл бұрын
🚞🚦🚥🚥🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝🚝
@ciaranalder42236 жыл бұрын
Hey I subscribed to your channel
@catherinemcphillips64756 жыл бұрын
Jamie I subbed to both you and dad rail have awesome vids! I subbed to both of you! :D
@MegaSnow1213 жыл бұрын
Very interesting. I live in the US and am a retired light rail driver. Love seeing the differences between our light rail, freight trains and all kind of trams, subways, commuter trains and freight trains in other countries. Great video, loved to see the train signal aspects, somewhat similar to what I dealt with.
@daredevil37446 жыл бұрын
2:09: This type of crossing is the most dangerous.
@rebelandchief4 жыл бұрын
Agreed.
@EofETrainsandLCs3 жыл бұрын
Yup.
@tgm99913 жыл бұрын
Only because morons don't open their eyes and ears.
@bensmall65485 жыл бұрын
In America, the amount of time you have from when the lights start flashing and barrier fully descends, to when the train arrives is around 20-30 seconds.
@DowntownWithBrown7 жыл бұрын
At most crossings here in America that aren't next to stations, the wait between the signals activating and the train entering the crossing is usually between 20 to 35 seconds.
@DadRail7 жыл бұрын
it is about that here on automatic crossings, its the controlled ones that cause more of a problem.
@simontay48516 жыл бұрын
As it should be. Theres no reason why ALL crossings can't be automatic including the 3rd type with full width barriers. The amber warning light and siren give drivers plenty of time to stop or clear the crossing before the barriers start going down.n
@simontay48516 жыл бұрын
We really shouldn't need to have manually operated crossings in 2018. I wonder how often the CCTV is actually checked and instead the button is just pressed to activate the barriers. Automatic barriers via the "treddle" device will be more reliable than a human pressing a button.
@DTD1108656 жыл бұрын
Long Island Railroad grade crossings have been automatic for as long as I can remember, and they have gates and signals at almost every single crossing, though they've claimed to have them at ALL crossings since at least the 1990's.
@hairyairey6 жыл бұрын
Yes, but the vast majority of drivers are not aware that the crossing itself is a yellow box junction (some are painted - some aren't) and that you should not enter the crossing unless you can get clear on the other side. I have seen them delay the second barrier (or even reverse it) when people haven't cleared fast enough. (I have a family member who did just that. Stopped on the crossing then tried to blame the driver in front. They didn't like it when I told them they were in the wrong)
@friendlyfire26157 жыл бұрын
1:08 MAYDAY IM GOIN DOWN!
@DanielMeakin14 жыл бұрын
Ha your right
@Apollo-yh9sy3 жыл бұрын
Hahahahahahahha
@xaiano7946 жыл бұрын
Automatic half-barrier crossings could be installed everywhere if people actually obeyed them all the time.
@DadRail6 жыл бұрын
trouble is, especially in more urban areas you could get little children who escape the grip of their parents and run under or around the barriers if there was an AHB as instead of a full barrier crossing. But I see your point generally speaking we have a culture of protecting idiots from themselves.
@xaiano7946 жыл бұрын
true for urban environments but there are plenty of full barrier crossings in rural places because of idiots.
@jovetj6 жыл бұрын
I don't believe daft tots are an issue in the U.S.
@PottersVideos26 жыл бұрын
+Dad Rail Why not just add a skirt to the barriers at an AHB
@nickforbes-warren66025 жыл бұрын
There are still loads of these in Poland as I found last week.
@ccityplanner12176 жыл бұрын
The ones near me are CCTV-controlled. It is wired so that when the train passes a signal approximately 2 minutes away, the sensor which changes the signal to red notifies a controller in an office, who waits for the crossing to be clear then pushes a button to close it.
@PottersVideos24 жыл бұрын
That wouldn't be safe, I'm sure that the crossing is actually closed before the signal changes from red to a proceed aspect e.g. a green, double yellow, or yellow aspect.
@ccityplanner12174 жыл бұрын
@@PottersVideos2 : not the signal closest to the crossing, but one about a mile away.
@tgm99913 жыл бұрын
Those are still called manual crossings, the CCTV is how they prove the crossing is clear they don't control the crossing.
@ccityplanner12173 жыл бұрын
@@tgm9991 : My Trackatlas lists them under the abbreviation "CCTV" (although that book is full of errors & can often not be trusted).
@tgm99913 жыл бұрын
@@ccityplanner1217 The full abbreviation for them is MCB-CCTV for "manually controlled barrier crossing with closed circuit television"
@outwood16 жыл бұрын
I would just to correct you on a couple of points. 1. Trains don't need 'several miles' to stop safely but they do need several hundreds of yards in order to do so. I would fully expect a train under normal rail conditions to be able to come to a stand in less than 2 miles, even from 125 miles per hour. 2. Signallers do not always lower level crossing barriers for stopping trains. If you go to Reigate level crossing in Surrey for example, the barriers are never lowered for electric trains to approach. There is a very good reason for this as the line is not electrified beyond the level crossing and therefore all electric trains must stop and terminate their journeys at the station. The protecting signal needs to be minimum of 25 yards from the edge of the level crossing to allow the signaller to do this. For signalling purposes a level crossing is not treated as an obstruction. At stations where this distance is not achieved or at stations where there is no signal between the platform at the level crossing, then of course what you say in the video is correct. One thing that I'm a little surprised that you didn't mention is the length of time that elapses at an automatic half barrier crossing from the time it takes from the amber light illuminated to the time that the barriers become fully raised after a train has passed over the level crossing could be as short as 37 seconds, and the time that it takes between the barriers fully lowering and a train arriving at a level crossing can be as short as 10 seconds. It is therefore vital that if you are driving a vehicle that breaks down on a level crossing is that all the vehicle occupants are removed as quickly as possible from the vehicle to a position well clear of the running lines, before phoning the signaller from the phone at the crossing. A drivers primary concern is to save life first. Certainly don't waste vital seconds in trying to push a vehicle clear.
@GWRProductions-kg9pt5 жыл бұрын
saved me from wearing my keyboard out
@ChangesOneTim2 жыл бұрын
1. True that trains can brake from 125mph in a shorter distance - to allow safety margin signals are spaced to give around 2400yd braking distance on level track - but the crucial thing about full-barrier LCs is that unless unavoidable signallers must give all drivers green signals. That means proving all barriers fully down with enough time for drivers to see the outermost signal at green. That's where the 'several miles' comes in and Richard is spot on about that. Another thing to consider is that delaying the closure sequence actually leads to longer road closure time: Imagine 60mph or 45mph 2000+ tonne freights carrying stone. They drive to the same lineside signals as 125mph passenger trains. If the signaller 'breaks the driver's stride' with a double yellow or yellow signals rather than green, the effect of a freight braking and then re-accelerating when the driver sees a signal then clear up costs far more time than simply letting the thing run on greens. Signallers have very tough judgements to make at times, especially where two or three different types of train are approaching. 2. For a few years now, the Rail Regulator (ORR) has taken a tougher line with controls as and when LCs are renewed, and their Inspectors are looking for barriers down and platform starting signals to be cleared before stopping trains arrive. That said, maybe for terminating trains as at Reigate they aren't so fussy, but for everywhere else...things will not get better! 3. True about AHB LCs - in fact the principles allow a minimum of 27sec from amber lights first showing to the train's arrival at the LC. If it's a short train the barriers could start rising within about 5sec afterwards.
@andybusard66942 жыл бұрын
1. Depends on the train and specifically, the train load! It CAN be a mile or more for a heavy freight to stop.
@stephenrice4554 Жыл бұрын
Nicely put
@berlinmitte101175 жыл бұрын
Very interesting and informative
@DadRail5 жыл бұрын
Thank you - A little out of date now though, I need to re film this to take into account new rules
@thierrypauwels5 жыл бұрын
In Belgium I do not know of any other crossings than automatic ones. The attended ones date from maybe 40 years ago or so. And signals are placed at 1 mile intervals, and have only one signal announcing the next light is on red, except on lines where 100 miles per hour is permitted. This means that up to 90 miles per hour a train is supposed to be able stop in less than one mile.
@PottersVideos26 жыл бұрын
5:30 There is also the chance that the train might not stop at that station anyway e.g. freight or ECS trains.
@coover652 жыл бұрын
We lived in a rural part of Australia where there was only one train a day. One night we went down to the tracks near a level crossing. If you put a jumper lead joining the two rails together it would activate the boom gates and lights. Not going to admit to the mischief we got up to!
@qmsarge Жыл бұрын
You were activating the "track circuit". When a train is actually on the line, its wheels act the same way as the cable using which you "shorted" the track circuit.
@RogersRamblings4 жыл бұрын
As a former driver and signalman, that's a good guide for laymen.
@DadRail4 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@ChrisJG19884 жыл бұрын
One question I have, why do the sirens stay on all the way through when it’s a half barrier crossing but only stay on until all 4 barriers are down on the full barrier one?
@DadRail3 жыл бұрын
I don't know for sure, but I would guess its because with a half barrier, it is possible for a visual impaired person to walk onto the track, where as with a full barrier it is not?
@ChrisJG19883 жыл бұрын
@@DadRail hmm sounds like a good answer to me, just something I’ve always wondered
@jumpferjoy1st2 жыл бұрын
1:10 Cooden Beach? 3:07 Pevensey Bay? 3:15 Kent and East Sussex Railway?
@geoffreylee51993 жыл бұрын
In NA the barriers descend whenever the train is about a kilometre away. Mind you, NA train horns can wake the dead, and the bells at the crossings are loud, no silly squeeky noises.
@spiritofcantaolisboa-p88714 жыл бұрын
Very useful video. Just subscribed to your channel. Stay safe.
@DadRail4 жыл бұрын
Thank you, have you seen my Portuguese videos?
@kaylamitchell19827 жыл бұрын
Was that controlled crossing at lydney station? Lydney railway station level crossing stops traffic about ten minutes before any train arrives, which is a stupid idea, considering the fact that it is the only way to get to the station platform
@DadRail7 жыл бұрын
Ive never been to Lydney so cant comment unfortunately, sounds like they should put a footbridge in if it is the only way to cross platforms.
@heliostransport5155 жыл бұрын
These level crossings are in the South east coast near Brighton.
@GrrMeister5 жыл бұрын
Never mind that, how come Traffic Lights always change to RED when I Approach ?
@DadRail5 жыл бұрын
happens to me all the time - its great at 4AM when there are no other cars around.
@geoffreylee51992 жыл бұрын
In North America we only have automatic crossings: lights and gates, or just lights . Those third are idiotic from our point of view.
@PottersVideos26 жыл бұрын
1:00 Did you deliberately film this with the crossing operating in the background?
@DadRail6 жыл бұрын
I did, but isn't that siren really annoying in the background.
@PottersVideos26 жыл бұрын
Yes!
@janebower97217 жыл бұрын
Btw it isn't 15-30 seconds, the law requires a MINIMUM time of 27 seconds
@DadRail7 жыл бұрын
Thank you, I didn't know that !
@jaswmclark7 жыл бұрын
Where I drive, in Canada it is 20 seconds.
@TheCentralTexasRailfan6 жыл бұрын
In The Netherlands it is five seconds.
@Zeniethia6 жыл бұрын
in the US its 10 seconds
@podr0znik16 жыл бұрын
In Poland it's very often as much as 5 minutes (and a lot of people ignoring the red lights)
@Passengervehicles7 жыл бұрын
Excellent video !
@DadRail7 жыл бұрын
Thank you - glad you enjoyed it.
@geoffreylee51997 жыл бұрын
North American level crossings are more efficient, less stopping time all the times. Still idiots get hit.
@mwilliams62427 жыл бұрын
Richard - are speaking of passenger trains or trains overall?
@randallbanks15896 жыл бұрын
Both. In Michigan, where I live, the gates come down with enough time to make sure that the crossing is clear, including slow trucks. I don't think that they're more efficient, it's just that we only have gates on one side, and given the patience of the average US driver, if it were as long as some UK gates, tons more people would chance it. I've been to the UK numerous times and know that times there are far far longer.
@juliankeen36316 жыл бұрын
That's very helpful
@hairyairey6 жыл бұрын
You should come to Peterborough and delight in Helpston Level Crossing. Possibly the world's widest level crossing (there's actually enough space to park a car between the lines in the middle and not get hit!). It covers 5 lines, 3 ECML and the 2 lines to and from Stamford. You can sit there for fifteen minutes waiting for 4 trains to pass it. Tallington (next one north) creates traffic jams between Stamford and Market Deeping. In time the road will become unusable as the traffic entering won't be able to leave in the few minutes of the hour that the barriers are up. Which is why Network Rail plan to replace both. In the case of Helpston they would have to build a road bridge further south. There's no way they are keeping the same route as there are too many houses.
@JosefKKafka6 жыл бұрын
Naturally. By definition, EVERYthing originating in US(A) is better than anything produced anywhere else. And if anything is discovered or invented other than in US(A) then you'll claim that it actually was your invention/discovery but was stolen.
@NullaNulla6 жыл бұрын
I believe ALL crossings here are user controlled or auto. Not all have arms but most on tared roads have at least lights. I don't think we have any "controlled" crossings here so was wondering what the belly aching about time was. Now I see with your signalling etc and it makes sense. We also don't have crossing obstructed guards against the trains that I'm aware of at least.
@jovetj6 жыл бұрын
You should elaborate on where "here" is.
@oxolotleman72267 жыл бұрын
i was in Ireland, holy shit, the gates go down at least 2 minutes before a train arrives, the crossing was right near a station too and when a train stopped at the station from one direction the gates would stay down when it was at the station until it left
@seraphina9856 жыл бұрын
He explained in the video why that is, they go down before the train arrives in the station in case of a platform overrun which could potentially result in the train fouling the crossing thus why both the station and the crossing will always be in the same signal block thus so long as that block is occupied the barriers stay safely closed.
@jovetj6 жыл бұрын
His point was that they kept the barriers down even after the train was safely stopped.
@stashyjon6 жыл бұрын
Didn't the inquest into the 1968 Hixon disaster (A large vehicle stuck on a level crossing getting hit by an express train with 11 killed) cause changes to the timing, rules and location of various types of crossing?
@johnkeepin75276 жыл бұрын
It did; the details can be found here: www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/docsummary.php?docID=74 It's a 159 page report that's been scanned in to pdf format, which is publicly available. Lots more bumf re. this issue can be found if you just search for 1968 Hixon level crossing (or similar).
@frixster19756 жыл бұрын
Yes. Amber lights were added and ‘another train coming’ function added after other accidents.
@rondobson97746 жыл бұрын
Hi Richard nice one on level crossing hope your still driving trains out of Hastings as you were there when I was on the ticket barriers
@louisstokes19307 жыл бұрын
good video, as a crossing keeper alot of what of what youve said is pretty much right
@robindowse44732 жыл бұрын
Barriers coming down early isn’t really an issue for me but I get a bit peaved when they take an additional 3-5 minutes to go back up after the train has passed. Many times I have thought “Oh must be another one coming only for the barriers to go up a minute or so afterwards with no other activity on the line.
@nikitavas65216 жыл бұрын
Wow a great video you've got really good even in East Sussex which has a lot of level crossings I've seen a video which is my favourite you tuber is Nathan RA F he done my favourite level crossings are Enfield lock and Brimsdown And he did East Sussex as well Good Video DAD RAIL even the level crossings
@DadRail6 жыл бұрын
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it
@MrBnsftrain8 жыл бұрын
1:45 that train is a 377! 1:58 that's a 375 (377s are usually green or blue!) 3:05 that's a 172! 3:49 that car almost sounds like a passing train! 3:57 that's a 377 with a 375! 4:50 another 172! 5:30 that's a 375, the next shot has a 171! Nice video! I like British trains a lot, even though I'm an American! I've wondered about the time between barriers closed, and train actually approaching, for what I've seen in other videos! Thank you for answering that question in a nice video!
@DadRail8 жыл бұрын
Thank you or your comment, Although similar the train is actually a 171, not a 172. as far as I'm aware 171 are operated exclusively by southern railways, although I'm not sure why they were allocated a different class as they are basically a 170. 3:57 - Its 2x class 375. Southeastern Railways started to change the livery to this new 2 tone blue colour some time last year, so what we see here is a new colour unit with an old colour unit. Still well done, i don't think i could name any american trains or locos, maybe amtrak but that would be about it ! Don't forget to leave a sub if you have not already :-)
@lyndakevinwatton48957 жыл бұрын
hi Richard and Daniella we where coming home Belfast on coleraine one Christmas on a snowy day coleraine level crossing broke train 4 barrier's went down and one stayed up train went through it what would u do it happened again place thank u
@friendlyfire26157 жыл бұрын
1:45 that train is a British train! 1:58 that's a British train! 3:05 that's another British train! 3:57 that's a British train again! 4:50 another British train! 5:30 that's a British train, the next shot has another British train! I don't understand Britain! Seriously whats the point of naming the trains if most of them look the same. I mean I can pick out the Baltic trains but anything else looks the same as all the other trains. Just rounded rectangles with wheels on them. I can name american trains like gp40's or sd70ace and the new NS go-pro unit or whatever.
@friendlyfire26157 жыл бұрын
Or that shwartzzeplin or whatever it was called. That propeller train that looks like a bullet train!
@JamesA19847 жыл бұрын
MrBnsftrain the mixed-unit trains are the new 375 livery (dark blue) along with the old livery (white/yellow)
@raph_13695 жыл бұрын
We don’t have this problem in France, the barriers go down about 20 seconds before the train comes
@fnafthoeryistsfnaffans29218 жыл бұрын
1:20 HAIR LOL
@DadRail8 жыл бұрын
Lol yeah that was a dead cat issue :-)
@fnafthoeryistsfnaffans29218 жыл бұрын
+Dad Rail lol
@horizelux22124 жыл бұрын
@@DadRail 😂
@barnbersonol4 жыл бұрын
If you like playing pretendpoliceman and telling people off at crossings you MUST go to the level crossing in the holiday resort of Salou. It's a pedestrian-only crossing and EVERYONE defies the barrier. You'd have a FIELD DAY. Nice to see you doing your bit and passing on your anorak hobby to the next generation.
@rebeccamccoy73552 жыл бұрын
The car that comes at 1:17 look at the front... there is a person starring at the camera creepily...
@trevcam68922 жыл бұрын
Years ago when I had an old minibus the spare wheel was carried under the vehicle in a carrier. It fell off going over a level crossing because the whole thing was rusty. I didn't stop until I was clear of the line but I was able to retrieve it before a train came. Some level crossings are far from "level".
@DadRail2 жыл бұрын
Wow that could have ended differently! I agree some crossings are bumpy to say the least
@robtyman42813 жыл бұрын
Why? .. because we make sure accidents between trains and cars/lorries are kept to a minimum here.....unlike in America, where level crossing gates close far too late (with not alot of warning). But many Americans have little 'rail awareness' anyway. They don't respect the railways, or have it drummed into them from an early age that railways can be dangerous and therefore a degree of caution must be exercised when crossing them.
@theDancingDragonfly4 жыл бұрын
Stop 5 metres before the barrier to allow a safety buffer in case a car behind you doesn't stop in time
@DadRail4 жыл бұрын
Thats Good Advice
@denelson834 жыл бұрын
I think of the double yellow as meaning "slow to 2/3 of maximum line speed" and the single yellow as "slow to 1/3 of maximum line speed, and expect the next signal to be red".
@DadRail4 жыл бұрын
In an ideal world yes. Unfortunately signal distance is not uniform so its impossible to mandate what speed you should be doing past a particular signal. Also trains have different breaking capabilities. Its down to the drivers judgement and knowledge to drive to the route and conditions. That said there are safety systems (TPWS) that will activate if you approach a red to fast.
@tgm99913 жыл бұрын
In the UK at least they don't mean to slow to a certain speed however much of the world do have what's known as "speed based signalling" where a yellow signals does indicate to the driver that they need to slow to a certain speed.
@hairyairey6 жыл бұрын
This my friends is a fine example how you do not lead a cycle event over a level crossing - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2OxppqundKce6c - although a peleton is just like a very long vehicle and you can't easily it stop it fast (not without scraping off flesh and bone on the road).
@josbertlonnee6 жыл бұрын
Here in the Netherlands the times are shorter. Where trains drive higher speeds all the time, it often crosses the crossing just 7 seconds after the barriers are down! Also the barriers are not lowered when the crossing is after red signal just for safety. Exceptions are made when there are leaves on the rails.
@PottersVideos26 жыл бұрын
Funnily enough in the UK barriers aren't lowered where the crossing is after a red signal but at a station they are because there is no need for a red signal. This would just cause unneccessary delays as a train might not stop there anyway e.g. freight trains, ECS trains and driver error
@andrewhayley70304 жыл бұрын
Obligatory comment to please the KZbin algorithm gods.
@GDGRailway477123 жыл бұрын
That Xantia shouldn't be being driven like that. That's the brake pads so worn that the rivets on the backplate are running the disc.
@rebeccamouse9294 Жыл бұрын
We live in a rural area in the US. Last night my husband drove around the barriers as they were going down. I think his thinking was that our car is new and well maintained, the crossing is new and smooth, therefore the odds are that we would not have stalled on the tracks. He says we are guaranteed 20 t0 30 seconds to get around the gates if we drive around them before they are full down, and if there is not a lot of traffic, there is very little risk. That crossing is in a rural area, it was extremely dark there, there are buildings and brush that obscures view of the tracks in each direction, and even if he will not admit it, he has age related hearing loss. I think it is too risky. I would NEVER drive around barriers as they are going down. What would you say?
@cjmillsnun Жыл бұрын
I'm sorry but your husband is being an idiot. What he did is extremely dangerous.
@rebeccamouse9294 Жыл бұрын
@@cjmillsnun Thank you for your support. I love him very much, but I told him that I am driving from now on. I am done being a passenger after that.
@DadRail8 жыл бұрын
Southern trainspotting, all correct except for battle road. The crossing is at battle but it is not battle road, any guesses on the user worked foot crossing ?
@jovetj6 жыл бұрын
Wasn't climbing over the gate there trespassing? ;)
@lauramolony6 жыл бұрын
Level crossing barriers go down so soon because trains weigh several hundred tonnes and it takes several minutes for them to stop safely, especially if the train driver has to brake suddenly.
@srextras93198 жыл бұрын
Hi there if you can please make a video on how tic tac crossings work, keep up the great videos.
@DadRail8 жыл бұрын
Hi, Im not to clued up on exactly how they work and cant seem to find much info about them but i have asked few people who work in signalling so hopefully if i get the info i should be able to do that, if you've got any other suggestions for future videos then I'm happy to take them on board :-) Also I have subbed to your channel
@TheTransportExplorer8 жыл бұрын
the 1st auto one looks like cooden crossing in bexhill
@GallopCrush7 жыл бұрын
Honeywell’s Vehicle Detector is a radar based sensor that uses Doppler and FMCW mode simultaneously for detection of vehicles, e.g. trains, trucks, cars, moving or stationary. Speed and distance are measured simultaneously, providing high accuracy while being maintenance free. The vehicle detector is used in rough environments, e.g. railway tunnels to determine the presence and speed of a train. A sensor assembly along the track supports a system software to decide if the train is moving or has stopped, to determine it’s speed and direction and detect if a train has separated. The sensor is operating at 24 GHz and is therefore not disturbed by moisture, dust or smog. The sensor is maintenance free and does not require scheduled cleaning. cip.honeywell.com/sol/Pages/RailTrack.aspx
@DadRail7 жыл бұрын
top man :-)
@crazyt14836 жыл бұрын
At my local crossing the control room is used more for its toilet than for the crossing.
@hjp1hjp225 жыл бұрын
It all depends if the line is quiet or busy. For example the East Coast main line from London King's Cross has many level crossings with big fast Virgin electric expresses going at up .to 130mph will mean that the barriers have to be lowered a few miles before the train comes.
@DadRail5 жыл бұрын
Correct. At higher speeds the signals are further apart to allow longer breaking distances. So to allow the train to run on green signals the barriers are lowered in enough time that the train does not encounter any cautionary "yellow signals" and therefore does not have to slow down.
@aeronautic23742 жыл бұрын
It took me a good few seconds at 5:00 to realise what signal overplaps were. Then I realised
@applepro10895 жыл бұрын
You should try the USA railroad crossings
@GWRProductions-kg9pt5 жыл бұрын
yours are no better
@PottersVideos25 жыл бұрын
4:40 Funnily enough some train drivers in the past, especially in dense traffic areas, got into the habit of chasing aspects. They often got involved in SPADs (Signals Passed At Danger) and changed their ways as a result!
@DadRail5 жыл бұрын
This is very true, don't chase the signals
@paulwhitear49833 жыл бұрын
I used to work in a paper mill in Snodland. There was a level crossing next to mll entrance. If it went down when a shift change was due. It made workers late.
@andrewmarch78912 жыл бұрын
Thank you very useful info. I must admit I wouldn't want to be hit by a train travelling at 70+mph as some trains cross in this part of N. Wales.
@DadRail2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Andrew, an old video now but hopefully still relevant.
@applepro10895 жыл бұрын
In USA the railroad crossings don’t have yellow lights to warn drivers that train is coming
@trainsofbritain39545 жыл бұрын
First one looked like etchingham level crossing.
@DadRail5 жыл бұрын
correct!
@mobiusklein91406 жыл бұрын
It's called a 'Factor of Safety'. they go down early 'just to be sure'.
@genedameier87465 жыл бұрын
Greetings from Illinois, USA. I know where all of those crossings are. They're all in the UK. (HA HA) But seriously, the double crossing gates are a lot safer then the ones we have here. No one can go around. As for the people who die at crossings trying to beat the train, (Translation; This means to cross before the train comes) it's natures way of getting rid of the stupid people. I like watching the "cab view" on your Railroad Videos. You have a beautiful country.
@joefothergill63036 жыл бұрын
1:45 is Sluice Lane crossing in East Sussex I believe
@kimpittman20945 жыл бұрын
Yes I thought it was on the approach towards Cooden Beach
@cmartin_ok5 жыл бұрын
From looking at this, my local town centre has a Controlled Level Crossing, but the barriers come down a full 3 to 4 minutes before the train passes through, at walking speed as the station is immediately next to the barriers. It causes endless frustration and jams every time a train is due (half-hourly service at best). The delay is way too long but fortunately most people don't try to jump the barriers coming down.
@Sorarse4 жыл бұрын
Whilst the train is booked to stop at the station, the crossing barriers will be lowered as a safety precaution in case the train fails to stop (faulty brakes, leaves on the line, driver not paying attention etc.) In that case, the barriers may well be down for 3-4 minutes before the train arrives, especially if the train has longer than normal time in the station (difficulty getting a wheelchair bound passenger on/off the train for example.)
@LookingForLocos Жыл бұрын
0:50 Did You Expect The Crossing To Activate? 🤣🤣
@milepost26.696 жыл бұрын
our crossings go quickly but we have stupid people that drive round them and get hit I live in America
@MaxsTrainspotting4 жыл бұрын
All of them are in Kent and are all by southeastern /southern
@TheThecyclist6 жыл бұрын
between the noise of the level crossing alarms traffic and that ruddy background music there are several points in the film where your narration is overtaken by the level of the background music may i suggest you remove this annoying music so we can actually hear what you are saying
@DadRail6 жыл бұрын
I complete agree with you. unfortunately i can just go in and remove the music. This was one of the first videos I made on youtube, and since have upgraded my microphone setup as well as improved my editing skills ect. I might have to redo and update this video in the near future.
@sggd132 Жыл бұрын
Where I found this channel!
@johncas17 жыл бұрын
because some trains move faster than others a train going 100mph will get to the crossing quicker than one going 50mph so sometimes you wait longer and they activate when train passes a sensor on track or a certain location
@ianmurray2505 жыл бұрын
Correct, so the sensors are positioned further away on lines where the line speed is higher. The other side of this is when a crossing is not lowered and clear of road traffic in time, the first protecting signal for the train could be yellow vice green so that train slows down so that it can stop meaning that it takes longer and is going more slowly when car drivers see it going over the crossing. Car drivers who jump the lights end up delaying the other car drivers and the train passengers with their behaviour.
@charlotteconway10216 жыл бұрын
Don’t risk it when the lights start up wait patiently unless you are somewhere with a bridge to get across or you will get police and cameras catching you 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚔🚔🚔
@colossal_biscuitz50397 жыл бұрын
First question is why did dad rail want to be called this in the first place >_
@DadRail7 жыл бұрын
Thats a long story, Im going to cover it in a future blog, but to put simply it started as a project with me and my three sons.
@roadrunner78675 жыл бұрын
UK level crossings seem to be a lot more safe than the USA level crossings - so why doesn't the USA use the safer method?
@GWRProductions-kg9pt5 жыл бұрын
some have inverted ramps fitted
@bazcuda2 жыл бұрын
Great explanation, especially the graphics explaining the various signals and the animation showing them in operation. I now fully understand. Thanks!
@DadRail2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, an old video now but still relevant :-)
@Ed.E7 жыл бұрын
Glad to see I'm not the only one with this interest, awesome video!
@jaredmattmurie2 жыл бұрын
9-12 seconds deal with it.
@highwindsclarke26853 жыл бұрын
This is a really good video.
@DadRail3 жыл бұрын
Thank you
@m.h80216 жыл бұрын
Same thing here in America still?
@lukentrainsbuses7777 жыл бұрын
Hi why do some barriers for the level crossing have what people would call the skirt also what purpose does it have?
@DadRail7 жыл бұрын
Hi Luke, The skirts are normally found on barriers near stations and other areas where there are likely to be pedestrians around, i.e. towns and villages. There purpose is to stop animals such as dogs and people, particularly small children from running under the barrier. They are mainly found on full width crossings, and not on half barriers, as half barriers tend to be used in more rural locations and away from highly pedestrianised areas.
@lukentrainsbuses7777 жыл бұрын
Thanks for telling me why as I've always wondered what they were there for and I found a few barriers have a weakened skirt :)
@donberg016 жыл бұрын
I did not here a warning tone or bell when the gates were lowered, in the States a bell/electronic tone sounds, is this standard practice in the UK?
@DadRail5 жыл бұрын
There is a warning alarm sounded whilst they are closing, but is stops when the gates are fully down on most crossings
@spanglish046 жыл бұрын
In the US it's really short, about 20-25 seconds usually.
@cedriclynch4 жыл бұрын
The automatic half-barrier crossings were introduced in the UK in the 1960s and initially they closed across the road just 20 or 30 seconds before the train passed. The Highway Code for road users warned people that they must not zigzag around the barriers, saying explicitly that "the train cannot stop". Then there was a bad crash when a low-loader truck carrying a transformer weighing tens of tons got stuck on one of the crossings and seconds later was hit by a passenger train going at high speed. After this, the gates were closed across the road much earlier. Also telephones connected to the signal box were installed either side of the crossing, on which anyone wishing to cross with a very slow or oversize vehicle or with a herd of animals must phone the signal box to get permission to cross and again after crossing.
@linkscarlet90946 жыл бұрын
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is where they are XD
@scs77985 жыл бұрын
1:02 something comes into site behind the far train light thingy
@kittyhawk97074 жыл бұрын
tis a kite / sail for a land cart type thing ( like a land yacht ..but smaller)
@axelfox22353 жыл бұрын
It's a kite
@vibezwithando10414 жыл бұрын
Great video! I did lean things I didn’t know before! I also subscribed to you!
@joshuahalla.k.a.controlla63335 жыл бұрын
Great video.☺️
@Modelrailwayman-kt9zz8 жыл бұрын
Well done very informative video top work
@DadRail8 жыл бұрын
Thank you glad you liked it :-)
@Flipdrivel6 жыл бұрын
Good explanation, but did we have to have the awful background music? It's pointless and annoying. Maybe even upload a music-free version of each video? Well done though.
@daveyr54622 жыл бұрын
I have an irrational fear that somehow a train will sneak up on me unannounced like Jaws and ensquish me and turn me into pate even though this has probably never happened.
@PhilSmith714 жыл бұрын
At line speed, the timing for the fastest train to travel from the treadle to the AHB crossing is 37 seconds. This was changed from the original 24 seconds following the Hixon level crossing disaster on the 6th January 1968 when a 100mph Manchester to Euston express hit a grounded low-loader with a 120 ton transformer on board.
@DadRail3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info, I think it is 27 seconds though?
@ChangesOneTim2 жыл бұрын
@@DadRail Correct - 27sec has been the minimum at AHB LCs for some 30yr now. But where there are certain features, eg the crossing is skewed, it is a bit longer.
@michaeltb13583 жыл бұрын
In the 1960s times were much shorter. The times were only extended after several accidents.
@scottlewisparsons95513 жыл бұрын
Thank you for another great video. I learned a lot. However, when I was a little boy in New Zealand we had two crossings on the way to our beach house. My father always made a point of slowing down to almost a stop and checking that both ways were clear. Visibility was bad at these crossings and most people did the same. They were on the main road and are now crossed by bridges. I learned from my dad and have never had a problem.
@barnbersonol4 жыл бұрын
If you like playing pretendpoliceman and telling people off at crossings you MUST go to the level crossing in the holiday resort of Salou. It's a pedestrian-only crossing and EVERYONE defies the barrier. You'd have a FIELD DAY. Nice to see you doing your bit and passing on your anorak hobby to the next generation.