modern uk level crossing

can someone tell how far away a train should sound its horn in order to set off a modern uk level crossing?
thanks


Try here. http://www.tillyweb.biz/crossings/types.lwp/odyframe.htm

Level crossings are not set off by horns, but rather tredles/axle counters in the track. One for entry, one for exit (or how many are needed to operate safely. I beleve some also operate under speed, to determine the correct time the barriers need to be lowered.) They often look like this: http://wsr.org.uk/newspage/treadle.jpg

Some crossings are activated by the signal man, therefore, are controlled differently. It should be noted that level crossings, and signalling is a complicated subject to understand as there are no set limits for anything, due to the nature of some layouts of track,there are however, rules to abide by, for proper operation.
It should also be noted that Automatic Full Barriers and Automatic Half Barriers, do not require the driver to sound the horn. Pedestrian crossings are the same, as long as 'adequate' warning is provided.
 
Waiting

Yes, level crossing.... there are some near here right in the middle of Hounslow and it seems you have to wait an age after the barriers drop before the train puts in an appearance so it must be some distance away.
Like you, I like to put an autohornz a short distance from such crossings so I just guess it, run the route and see how it looks. If it needs adjustment then it is and then run again.

Personally I think we get far too complicated, this is a game after all. Some folk like to run prototypically and there's nothing wrong with that, so whatever your poison is....

Angela
 
I had to explain to a taxi driver the other week how they have the barriers down at my local crossing for such long times . (they are CCTV monitored and controlled from a signalbox 400 yards away)

Basically network Rail has to pay any train operator for any delay they may incur en route that is attributable to something network rail did . So they drop the barriers with sufficient time to give an approaching train continuous green signals through the section (so the driver doesn't start braking on seeing 2 yellows) so the train remains at line speed (unless following another train) And hopefully to time.

The road users meanwhile don't receive any compensation for being delayed so they have to sit there and wait (ha ha) :cool:
 
Like you, I like to put an autohornz a short distance from such crossings so I just guess it, run the route and see how it looks. If it needs adjustment then it is and then run again.

Angela


Why bother when at AHB and AFB crossings, horn blasts are not required and now (thanks to the brand new 140dB horns, when 75dB raspberry horn was more sutiable) discourage, except for emergency situations, due to the annoyance they give to residents? Some crossings require them, due to the inadequate warning (i.e. bend) or some other factor like crossing type.
 
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