On a prototype railroad, how many crossing signs (whether they're just crossbucks or crossbucks with flashing signals) would there likely be for a single road that crosses three successive sets of tracks? One on approach to the inner track plus one on approach to the outer track (for a total of two), a pair for each set of tracks (total of six, which sounds like overkill) or some other combination? On my small (7' x 5') HO layout, one road crosses three tracks. The two inner tracks lead to a freight depot, and the outer is the mainline track. With such close proximity to each other (8" from the innermost rail to the outermost rail), I'm thinking that one crossbuck for the inner tracks and one for the outer tracks on opposing sides will suffice without cluttering up the area. And for such a setup (with relatively light automobile traffic going to and from the depot and a nearby grain mill and farmhouse), would simple crossbucks or crossbucks with flashing signals be more realistic? Thanks for your input!
I'm not sure either, but as long as there is no room for a road parallel to the tracks between any of those 3 tracks, one set on the outsides seems safest. You wouldn't want anyone to stop behind someone who stopped betweent tracks, cause another train might come down the other track.
Era? In the other thread, you were talking about the mixed power era, so why don't I run with that and see what happens... Two or more tracks pretty much guarantees cross bucks on both sides, usually with this below: 2 TRACKS Whether or not there are lights depends more on how busy the street is than how busy the tracks are. It was certainly possible to have two crossbucks but only one signal, especially if it's an old wig wag and single track. The mainline diverging slightly from a double siding is tricky. If a tractor-trailer can't fit its length between crossings, it'll be signed and signalled like one crossing with... 3 TRACKS
Good point. A stopped vehicle at the middle tracks could create a real mess! However, if signal lights were used, all would be simultaneously flashing like mad once activated. Without signal lights, all drivers proceed at their peril. And you're right - there is no room for a parallel road anywhere.
Signals between tracks are unlikely unless... I could see crossbucks placed (like stop signs) on the driver's right just before the first track. And I could see one wig wag signal right in the middle of the street in the wider gap between the main line and the middle track. And I think it would look neat. But only wig wags were really narrow enough to go in the middle of the street, and they're expensive and hard to make work right.
You're correct. My layout is c. 1947-1955. I had the same thoughts about how busy or not that road may be. Given the small rural setting then, I described it as "relatively light." On my layout, the two sets of tracks leading to the depot diverge from one loop of a double reverse loop. The mainline track goes around the outside of the entire layout as well as leads into one of those loops. If I had the means to send along a photo or schematic I would. Alas. I'm leaning toward a pair of crossbucks only - with the "3 track" notice as above - though am still interested in what others think.
If I use a flsshing signal, it'll be like the one in this link: https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?media/new-crossing-signals.123324/full&d=1436201455
I have seen 3-4 tracks in close proximity in Provo and Denver that have flashing crossbuck warning signals at grade, on either side, nothing in between. I am sure there is a regulation as to how far apart the tracks must be to have signals in between, but I dont know it. I am also fairly certain there are exceptions, where there are warning devises in between multiple track crossings at grade. In your application I think warning devises on either side along with a sign clearly showing the number of tracks would be fine.
