I need help. I want to add crossbucks to the grade crossings in the photo below, but how do you add them to this arrangement. For the tracks in the foreground where there is only one automobile space between the tracks do I have one set of crossbucks that say "2 tracks". Then for the back ground track do I have another set of crossbucks. Or do I have one set for all three tracks that says "3 tracks"
I was wondering the same myself, as I have a similar arrangement on my new layout. Hopefully someone knows the answers
I remember noticing a couple of instances from when I was in the US, at Mansfield OH, there was a situation with two main lines and a shortline together, and all three had their own systems (the shortline was just a crossbuck) Near Erie PA, where NS and CSX run parrallel, the two lines had separate-but-linked systems, when a train arrived on either route the outer gates would go down, then the inner gate that protected the crossing with the approaching train, this prevents folk queing across the other line and getting trapped should a second train appear (these are both pretty busy routes)
The bottom two tracks are close enought where you could get away with a sign saying "2 Tracks", while the track at the top of the pic can be guarded by just one. My nickels' worth (inflation, y'know )
Hey Coaltrain, I'll have to agree with Frisco Bob. I have the same set up on my older layout. The two close tracks share a set of crossbucks that say 2 tracks and the other one is separate.
Thanks, that's kind of the way I was thinking about going, two track sign in the front and a single crossbuck in the back.
Now I can see the image... I agree with Bob and Andy's thoughts. The rearmost track leads into a siding and, depending on your era, would be probably protected by the brakeman/conductor/dogsbody. The front two would be covered under the same protection, maybe with flashing lights?
Just to throw a little logic into the question, and come up with the same answer, I would look at it as 'if an 18 wheeler fits between the tracks, with clearance, each track deserves its won signage'. The smaller gap would be marginal, so should be a 2 track crossbar, and the other track should be independant. That has no basis in reality, but just thinking about what you see and how you would think when driving across those tracks makes it the way to go IMHO.
