I remember the last gates had red kero lamps hanging from the ends at night. Not during the day, or when the crossing was unmanned. Those lamps would disappear quick otherwise. The "ungated" crossings also had red kero lamps the watchman would carry as he walked out into the street with his stop sign and reflective vest. Julius Prati (LaReine / 7th Ave crossing in Neptune / Bradley Beach) would blow his whistle like a marching band leader and wave the lamp when the lights started flashing. At the time, any bells were manually rung. The flashing lights just started up when the train hit the trip , and the watchman had to be paying attention.
Steem, I remember single red lights at some of those crossings.
BE THE ONE to help prevent veteran suicides. Need to talk to someone? Call 9-8-8 all day, every day, 24/7. BeTheOne.org