This is the Princes Hwy level crossing at Loftus, located in southern Sydney. The crossing is situated on the 2km long branch line from Loftus to the Royal National Park. The line was used to operate passenger trains to the national park until 1991 when the track was closed due to the poor condition of signalling equipment and low passenger numbers. In 1993 the line was handed over to the nearby Sydney Tramway Museum, the track was disconnected from the main line and slewed to connect to their existing tram network. Tram shuttles are currently operated into the national park on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Much of the equipment at this level crossing is still original and was installed by the NSW Railways. It probably dates back to the 1950's/60's, with a few modifications for the trams. The relay bungalow still has it's original railway identification number of NP 16.64, the NP stands for National Park Line and 16.64 is the distance in miles from Sydney. A more recent addition to the relay bungalow is a wayside horn which sounds for several seconds once the crossing has activated.
All four signals at the crossing have unmarked bases. Both median signals have incandescent McKenzie & Holland lights, while the signal on the northern side of the crossing has incandescent Westinghouse lights and a McKenzie & Holland teardrop bell. The southern signal also has a McK&H teardrop bell and a pair of McK&H lights which have been converted from incandescent to LED in the past couple of years. Both teardrop bells are older cast iron models.
Tram signals have been provided on either side of the crossing which normally display a horizontal bar. Once the crossing has activated, the indication changes to two "T" symbols which allow the tram to proceed over the crossing. For road users there are advance warning signals which are activated by the crossing, they consist of flashing yellow LED lights and were made by Aldridge Traffic Systems.
Filmed on August 23, 2017.
18 сен 2024
