JR Signals

[yakumo381]

Can anyone tell me the function of this signal by a rail crossing in Iida? Also a translation of the signs below the signals? Has anyone come across a signal like this being available as a model for N gauge?

[David]

It's an obstruction indicator. It's the same as the stop signal (red light) on a normal 1 to 5 light vertical signal, only it means "Stop right now!!! Something bad is on the tracks!". It's normally brighter then a regular signal, and the 5 lights are turned on and off to create the impression of a red dot moving in a counter-clockwise circle. The idea is to make it stand out even over long distances.

 

Tsugawa makes a static model, but I don't know of a working one.

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10080404

[bill937ca]

That particular signal (with revolving lights) is part of the obstruction detection system used on Japanese railways at level crossings.  Train operators usually have close to zero visibility except for straight ahead on most Japanese railway lines because of land use patterns. The signal advises that there are no vehicles in the way.  One account I've seen suggests its like New Year's eve when these alarms are activated--but this rarely happens.

 

There's more info in these translated Japanese Wikipedia articles.

 

Railway signal in Japan

 

Scroll down to "Special signal luminescence machine"

 

http://www.excite-webtl.jp/world/english/web/?wb_url=http%3A%2F%2Fja.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2F%25E6%2597%25A5%25E6%259C%25AC%25E3%2581%25AE%25E9%2589%2584%25E9%2581%2593%25E4%25BF%25A1%25E5%258F%25B7&wb_lp=JAEN&wb_dis=2

 

Railroad crossing obstacle detection device

 

http://www.excite-webtl.jp/world/english/web/?wb_url=http%3A%2F%2Fja.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2F%25E8%25B8%258F%25E5%2588%2587%25E9%259A%259C%25E5%25AE%25B3%25E7%2589%25A9%25E6%25A4%259C%25E7%259F%25A5%25E8%25A3%2585%25E7%25BD%25AE&wb_lp=JAEN&wb_dis=2

 

Level crossing alarm

 

http://www.excite-webtl.jp/world/english/web/?wb_url=http%3A%2F%2Fja.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2F%25E8%25B8%258F%25E5%2588%2587%25E8%25AD%25A6%25E5%25A0%25B1%25E6%25A9%259F&wb_lp=JAEN&wb_dis=2

 

Obstruction warning device for level crossing

 

http://www.excite-webtl.jp/world/english/web/?wb_url=http%3A%2F%2Fja.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2F%25E8%25B8%258F%25E5%2588%2587%25E6%2594%25AF%25E9%259A%259C%25E5%25A0%25B1%25E7%259F%25A5%25E8%25A3%2585%25E7%25BD%25AE&wb_lp=JAEN&wb_dis=2

[miyakoji]

I've seen that vertical bar type activated, it sure attracts attention, and the operator was on the brakes immediately.