originally recorded on 8-1-21
Signal on the left: 2 pairs of WCH 12x24 inch lights with WCH 2nd Generation LEDs and an NEG electronic bell.
Signal on the right: 2 pairs of WCH 12x24 inch lights and a WCH mechanical bell.
After catching CSX Q649, I went and got some lunch at a nearby restaurant before heading back out to continue documenting crossings on the CSX AWP Sub. However, as I heard over the scanner that Q220 was finally getting close, I decided to set-up at the first signalized crossing I came to, which was this one. Here we see Q220 flying through with a YN3 ES40DC leading a YN2 AC44CW. Didn't see anymore trains after this, so I just booked a hotel room in Montgomery for the night, and went back out here the next day...
This crossing is a rather nice one, featuring what appears to have originally been a WCH SBD install that more than likely replaced an older AWP install back in the 1980s. Seems like this crossing was unchanged until the 2000s, when the bell on the far signal was replaced with a General Signals one. Then, sometime in the early 2010s (most likely between 2012 and 2014), the signal on the far side was replaced entirely with the current one. Since then, nothing has changed at this crossing, thankfully.
Amazingly enough, the closer signal has managed to remain pretty much entirely original since it was installed. Sadly, the bell is starting to sound a bit rough and uneven, but that could be due to the signal it's on leaning a bit. In fact, overall, I'd say the bell still sounds quite loud and healthy, so hopefully it (and the signal it's on) remain around for a good while longer. All in all, I'm glad to have been able to finish off the day with this crossing.