Techniques to avoid getting stuck at high-angle railroad crossing?

plyonsMC9 · September 09, 2011, 10:11:58 PM

Hi folks,

The property we are moving into has a high-angle railroad crossing. At least, it looks like a high angle to me. We have a 40' MC9.

Any techniques or thoughts on how to approach this? I was planning to have a spotter, and stop if it looked like I was going to touch bottom. The tracks are lightly travelled and I have the schedule. Also, I was "thinking" that if I approach at somewhat of an angle that may help. But I'm not really sure. Thus my questions. And I do realize that at some point, no "technique" will help.

Thanks all!

Phil

busguy01 · September 10, 2011, 04:16:28 AM

the more the angle the better - that is as near 180 degrees as you can - not 90

robertglines1 · September 10, 2011, 04:46:34 AM

Might be to early: try first! would be a good time to install air bag level system. Easy to lift coach 5 inches with it. Simple mech system would do for this case. Fill you in when we see you at Choo-Choo. Bob

Hi yo silver · September 10, 2011, 06:15:35 AM

Absent a leveling system, which I wish I had,too, I would suggest you have the train dispatcher's verified phone number handy in case of an emergency. No law says an unscheduled train, work train, inspection or test equipment can't come along that track at ANY time. No room for complacency here. I guess leveling boards might work in a pinch, too. But most importantly, don't loligag around those tracks without being in touch with the dispatcher. Also, I'm told,in "automatic block" territory, it is possible to simulate a rail car on the track, fooling the electronic system into posting a stop signal for rail traffic, by short-circuiting the two rails together with jumper cables. I hope never to see that information verified. Take that "I'm told" part for what it's worth. Safer method; call the dispatcher. Well...unless you want an articulated bus.
Dennis

plyonsMC9 · September 10, 2011, 06:32:39 AM

Ha! No Dennis, I DON'T want an articulated bus.

Will find out dispatcher # just in case. Trains don't run on the weekends, but I would feel much better having that dispatcher number just in case.

I can get a little angle on the crossing, but it is a single-lane deal with not a huge amount of area to play with. Air leveling system sounds tremendous. However, $ and timing are tight as we have to be at that location before October 1st and also before Choo Choo bus rally! I do have a couple-three weeks to play with in the interim and will be studying the situation with lots of caution 4 sure. Don't want to be on the 6 o'clock news for the 'bonehead of the week award'.

Kind Regards, Phil

kevink1955 · September 10, 2011, 06:43:54 AM

Sounds like you are not going to be at the crossing till october but if you get there without the bus you can do some quick tests with 2 people some string and 2 rulers.

Lin · September 10, 2011, 08:08:29 AM

Robert once mentioned his simple leveling system that just involve some cables to the leveling valves. Perhaps you'd have time for something like that.

Jeremy · September 10, 2011, 08:12:46 AM

Just for interest - when trains crossings here are on minor roads in rural areas and don't have automatic barriers, a 'phone is provided beside the crossing to warn the signalman (despatcher) in case you are likely to be slow across the tracks

Jeremy

luvrbus · September 10, 2011, 08:14:56 AM

?

plyonsMC9 · September 10, 2011, 11:47:30 AM

Lin! I would be interested in learning more about that system. Is it easy to construct? I do have a mechanic friend & maybe we could do?

And - I do have some string measured for our wheelbase, grabbing the tape measures.

Kind Regards, Phil

Len Silva · September 10, 2011, 12:23:49 PM

If it's steep enough that you are concerned about high centering, then you also need to be concerned about approach and departure angles, especially at the rear.

So, here is a little sketch to illustrate what I am thinking. The red line represents a string that you and a helper could walk the path with. Hang some weights from the verticals and keep them on the ground as you walk.

Lin · September 10, 2011, 02:05:08 PM

Phil, email or PM Robert Giles. I would like to see a picture of what he did if you get one.

Hobie · September 10, 2011, 07:45:15 PM

Is the crossing on your property ? ( with an easement ) If so, can you fill in the slope to make is a lower angle? Just a thought.

Len Silva · September 11, 2011, 08:04:10 AM

Another option would be to hit it at about eighty miles per hour. It should clear just fine then.

Brassman · September 11, 2011, 08:37:20 AM

I did that at 3am in a VW vanagon once. Just don't freak out and apply the brakes while in the air, like I did.