So tell me about crossing signal evolution.?

Question

I see some older crossings that just have the sign with the two lights. There even used to be one here that had just the signs with a bell in a steel box. I am guessing that people were so stubborn that they finally had to put the arms to keep them out of the crossing?

Answer 1

Well, yes, as ground traffic increased, the technology to keep horses, buggies, automobiles, and pedestrians off the tracks kept developing. It took electrical technology to make many unattended crossings safe. Many early crossings had a train employee there, in a box, to work the arms to keep people away from the tracks when a train was due or was heard approaching. Automation has helped alot with making grade crossings safe. Everything from crude physical flags to waving lanterns were employed at the crossings, and have evolved into the flashing lights and bells we have now. Take some pictures of those old crossing signals, they are probably very old.

Answer 2

The amount of apparatus at a crossing is dependent on its traffic density, which accounts for both train and automotive traffic. It has less to do with technological evolution than you think, as crossing arms and cantilevers go way back.

Anyway, the wig-wag is a good example of early crossing equipment. The idea was to have an "automatic flagman," and the swinging sphere was meant to imitate a lantern. They're still out there, but rarer than hens' teeth.

Answer 3

Well, crossings are typically protected depending on the amount of vehicular traffic using the highway.  For lightly traveled roads this usually consists of nothing more than a crossbuck or crossbuck with flashers.  For more heavily traveled highways crossing almost always, at least, receive the crossbuck with flashers, ranging from freestanding to those you see mounted on overhead cantilevers.  The arms also are used for heavy traffic and today they are employing four arms protecting the entire crossing.

Answer 4

Interesting question, I can't answer but I will be looking at the responses. Funny though, no matter how advanced the crossing protection is, people still find a way to drive in front of a train and get killed. Nothing short of a moat and drawbridge is going to be foolproof.