by l008com
This is a very basic question, but I'm looking for details. I'm very curious, what is the exact mechanism that makes the gates go down? Are there multiple systems used depending on the type of crossing? I, for example, know of a train station in Reading, MA where the train starts moving and the gates don't come down until the train is just a few feet away from the crossing. But the train is going extremely slow. But does this mean if the train didn't stop at the station, the gates would just start flashing as the train blasted through the station? I doubt that's how it works. How do the gets know when to go down? And they also stay down for the right amount of time (generally). I'm curious how the system works. I assume it can't work on shorting out a circuit with the trains wheels, as that's how the block signaling works, so wouldn't the two interfere with one another?
I've always wondered this, and never bothered to ask until now!
I've always wondered this, and never bothered to ask until now!
My YouTube Channel:
John's Train Videos
John's Train Videos