Snow, sleet, rain, and the salt air from the Atlantic Ocean (about 4 miles to the east of this location) can wreak havoc on the railroad, especially on a line used only once a week. Grade crossing protection depends on power and continuity between the 2 rails when a train approaches. Of course, oxidation is a big problem when moisture is introduced to any electrical circuit and contraction of the steel rail in cold weather doesn’t help either. A quick look to the left in this winter scene reveals that the crossing protection is not working as intended, so the crew must obey ‘Rule 138’ which outlines procedures to take when the crossing protection has failed. This week’s train, Conrail symbol SA-31, has come to a stop at the Shrewsbury Ave. grade crossing in Shrewsbury, NJ. Exiting a warm cab to flag a crossing is not always fun, but rules are rules and the conductor steps down and launches a standard fusee to get the attention of oncoming motorists. The engineer will pause 40 feet ahead to retrieve his friend and they will continue their southbound journey to Lakewood, NJ on a chilly Thursday evening.
Image recorded February 12, 2018.
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