Wigwag railroad crossings

[index]

Wigwag crossings in the US are on a slow decline. Most remaining are in  the Midwest and Pacific Coast states, primarily California. There's a website called the Wigwag Archive that tracks remaining installations on a map they update from time to time. I believe there's one or two inaccuracies. Chances are, not all wigwags in the US are mapped. I don't think you can contribute to this map either, so if you wanted to make a more accurate one, you'd need to make a new one.

The map can be found here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1mCLhscnQu9DY5HgKtwd14q1f_AM&hl=en

For some reason, you can't use street view on it.

[adventurernumber1]

Holy crap. I had no idea one of these things was in Chattanooga, Tennessee (which is in my neck of the woods). That's awesome! 

[cl94]

Sweet. Bookmarking this. I won't be near any of these for several months, but I should be able to check out the Fresno ones in August if they're still around.

[freebrickproductions]

Holy crap. I had no idea one of these things was in Chattanooga, Tennessee (which is in my neck of the woods). That's awesome! 

I've been there. The Chattanooga Choo Choo has two of them on a small trolley line that they have. Sadly, said line was taken out of service by the end of 2015, so they're pretty much just on static display now:
http://www.rxrsignals.com/Tennessee/Chattanooga/Chattanooga_Choo_Choo/

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, AL has one on display that can be run by the push of a button, but it's not on the map for some reason:
http://www.rxrsignals.com/Alabama/Calera/Heart_of_Dixie_Railroad_Museum/Crossing/

There's another on display that isn't marked on the map in Lynnville, TN, though I'm not sure if it works (there is a relay case near it, so it's possible):
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.3770339,-87.0059207,3a,15y,27.89h,90.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sGbUvuSsHBAPXQwSzbQ68fg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[adventurernumber1]

Holy crap. I had no idea one of these things was in Chattanooga, Tennessee (which is in my neck of the woods). That's awesome! 

I've been there. The Chattanooga Choo Choo has two of them on a small trolley line that they have. Sadly, said line was taken out of service by the end of 2015, so they're pretty much just on static display now:
http://www.rxrsignals.com/Tennessee/Chattanooga/Chattanooga_Choo_Choo/

Wow, that's very interesting! I am going to have to check that out sometime. Hopefully they will remain on display forever, or at least close enough to such. 

Holy crap. I had no idea one of these things was in Chattanooga, Tennessee (which is in my neck of the woods). That's awesome! 

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, AL has one on display that can be run by the push of a button, but it's not on the map for some reason:
http://www.rxrsignals.com/Alabama/Calera/Heart_of_Dixie_Railroad_Museum/Crossing/

There's another on display that isn't marked on the map in Lynnville, TN, though I'm not sure if it works (there is a relay case near it, so it's possible):
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.3770339,-87.0059207,3a,15y,27.89h,90.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sGbUvuSsHBAPXQwSzbQ68fg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Nice! I guess that map needs to be updated, then. 

[index]

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, AL has one on display that can be run by the push of a button, but it's not on the map for some reason:

I realized, it may not be on the map due to the fact it's for display. I believe this map is tracking active ones that are currently in service on the road, warning motorists of trains.

[DaBigE]

Nice find. Is there a key to the color-coding of the pins somewhere? Checking a couple of them out, it looks like blue = ones still in-place; red = removed; but what about the yellow ones? Museum pieces?

[Scott5114]

In 2009, I visited the one in Joplin, Missouri, which I believe is still there (or at least I haven't heard of its removal).

[freebrickproductions]

In 2009, I visited the one in Joplin, Missouri, which I believe is still there (or at least I haven't heard of its removal).

Want to say the latest street view shows it still there, though now with LEDs on the banner. Probably the last US&S wigwag in use on a freight line here in the US.

[index]

Nice find. Is there a key to the color-coding of the pins somewhere? Checking a couple of them out, it looks like blue = ones still in-place; red = removed; but what about the yellow ones? Museum pieces?

There is a drop down button at the top left corner, click that and it will give you this:

Blue - Active
Red - Retired
Purple - Partial Removed / Planned Removal
(with dot = Street View)

There is no code for yellow, so I am not sure what it is, although it's probably museum/decorative.

[DaBigE]

Nice find. Is there a key to the color-coding of the pins somewhere? Checking a couple of them out, it looks like blue = ones still in-place; red = removed; but what about the yellow ones? Museum pieces?

There is a drop down button at the top left corner, click that and it will give you this:

Blue - Active
Red - Retired
Purple - Partial Removed / Planned Removal
(with dot = Street View)

There is no code for yellow, so I am not sure what it is, although it's probably museum/decorative.

Thanks...I clicked seemingly everything but that 

[hockeyjohn]

There were numerous "veteran" wig wags in Neenah, Wis. during the late 60's and early 70's when we lived there.   On a trip back in 2003 it was great to see that these two were still in place along Forest Ave. east of Commercial St. (STH-114) on Doty Island.   They were replaced several years after these photos, though.

[index]

There were numerous "veteran" wig wags in Neenah, Wis. during the late 60's and early 70's when we lived there.   On a trip back in 2003 it was great to see that these two were still in place along Forest Ave. east of Commercial St. (STH-114) on Doty Island.   They were replaced several years after these photos, though.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/140645209@N04/26499516277/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140645209@N04/40476026085/in/dateposted-public/

I'm pretty sure, outside of the Pacific Coast states, Wisconsin had the most wigwags, although they went on a sharp decline after one of the railroads with "Wisconsin" in its name (Central? Southern?) removed a lot of them en masse, unfortunately.

I believe the one in Avoca is still there. One thing I find funny is that a lot of entities claim Wigwags to be unsafe, then replace them with plain old crossbucks. ??????

[cjk374]

There were numerous "veteran" wig wags in Neenah, Wis. during the late 60's and early 70's when we lived there.   On a trip back in 2003 it was great to see that these two were still in place along Forest Ave. east of Commercial St. (STH-114) on Doty Island.   They were replaced several years after these photos, though.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/140645209@N04/26499516277/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140645209@N04/40476026085/in/dateposted-public/

I'm pretty sure, outside of the Pacific Coast states, Wisconsin had the most wigwags, although they went on a sharp decline after one of the railroads with "Wisconsin" in its name (Central? Southern?) removed a lot of them en masse, unfortunately.

Wisconsin Central was bought out by Canadian National. Wisconsin Southern was bought out by Watco. Either one could have been trying to upgrade their new properties.

I believe the one in Avoca is still there. One thing I find funny is that a lot of entities claim Wigwags to be unsafe, then replace them with plain old crossbucks. ??????

Downgrading an active signaled crossing to a passive signal (crossbucks) does not make a crossing safer. Believe me... I run trains over crossings....I wish my crossings all had wigwags instead of crossbucks. But neither setup will keep dumb asses from running in front of oncoming trains. But that is another rant for another place.

[freebrickproductions]

There were numerous "veteran" wig wags in Neenah, Wis. during the late 60's and early 70's when we lived there.   On a trip back in 2003 it was great to see that these two were still in place along Forest Ave. east of Commercial St. (STH-114) on Doty Island.   They were replaced several years after these photos, though.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/140645209@N04/26499516277/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140645209@N04/40476026085/in/dateposted-public/

I'm pretty sure, outside of the Pacific Coast states, Wisconsin had the most wigwags, although they went on a sharp decline after one of the railroads with "Wisconsin" in its name (Central? Southern?) removed a lot of them en masse, unfortunately.

Wisconsin Central was bought out by Canadian National. Wisconsin Southern was bought out by Watco. Either one could have been trying to upgrade their new properties.

The Wisconsin Southern had a ton of old WRRS and Griswold equipment along it around 10 years ago, prior to the purchase by Watco. Once Watco took over, the older equipment (especially the Griswold EM signals and wigwags) disappeared rapidly.

[index]

There were numerous "veteran" wig wags in Neenah, Wis. during the late 60's and early 70's when we lived there.   On a trip back in 2003 it was great to see that these two were still in place along Forest Ave. east of Commercial St. (STH-114) on Doty Island.   They were replaced several years after these photos, though.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/140645209@N04/26499516277/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140645209@N04/40476026085/in/dateposted-public/

I'm pretty sure, outside of the Pacific Coast states, Wisconsin had the most wigwags, although they went on a sharp decline after one of the railroads with "Wisconsin" in its name (Central? Southern?) removed a lot of them en masse, unfortunately.

Wisconsin Central was bought out by Canadian National. Wisconsin Southern was bought out by Watco. Either one could have been trying to upgrade their new properties.

The Wisconsin Southern had a ton of old WRRS and Griswold equipment along it around 10 years ago, prior to the purchase by Watco. Once Watco took over, the older equipment (especially the Griswold EM signals and wigwags) disappeared rapidly.

I believe Grisworld stop sign RXR signals are actually rarer than wigwags at this point, correct me if I'm wrong. I can remember the locations of several wigwags off the top of my head, but I don't know where any other Grisworlds are.



I know of a few combination wigwags that combine standard crossing equipment (horizontal flashing lights) with wigwags. One is in Marion, IL, and another is a private crossing in California. I think that one has gates. I can't remember the specific location of it, but I know I found it on GSV before.

[freebrickproductions]

There were numerous "veteran" wig wags in Neenah, Wis. during the late 60's and early 70's when we lived there.   On a trip back in 2003 it was great to see that these two were still in place along Forest Ave. east of Commercial St. (STH-114) on Doty Island.   They were replaced several years after these photos, though.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/140645209@N04/26499516277/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140645209@N04/40476026085/in/dateposted-public/

I'm pretty sure, outside of the Pacific Coast states, Wisconsin had the most wigwags, although they went on a sharp decline after one of the railroads with "Wisconsin" in its name (Central? Southern?) removed a lot of them en masse, unfortunately.

Wisconsin Central was bought out by Canadian National. Wisconsin Southern was bought out by Watco. Either one could have been trying to upgrade their new properties.

The Wisconsin Southern had a ton of old WRRS and Griswold equipment along it around 10 years ago, prior to the purchase by Watco. Once Watco took over, the older equipment (especially the Griswold EM signals and wigwags) disappeared rapidly.

I believe Grisworld stop sign RXR signals are actually rarer than wigwags at this point, correct me if I'm wrong. I can remember the locations of several wigwags off the top of my head, but I don't know where any other Grisworlds are.



I know of a few combination wigwags that combine standard crossing equipment (horizontal flashing lights) with wigwags. One is in Marion, IL, and another is a private crossing in California. I think that one has gates. I can't remember the specific location of it, but I know I found it on GSV before.

Fortunately, I had just posted about those (with links to them on GSV) recently on another forum I help run, so here's the one in CA that you were talking about:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.5979467,-121.921048,3a,30.4y,57.3h,92.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scT-HnhjRhIZ6n3VKr1G-kA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

Right next to it features a more "standard" wigwag with an 8 inch signal across from it:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.5984774,-121.922094,3a,28.8y,26.01h,95.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stJHDMWB9znUbl-vggzWM9g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

Here's the one in Marion, IL:
http://www.rxrsignals.com/Illinois/L-Q/Marion/Fourth/

In terms of Griswold (and RACO) Rotating Stop Signs, other than probably a pair hanging on in Minneapolis, MN, and a pair in Canada near the Canada/US border, I think the only ones left in service at this point are ones left on abandoned lines...

[index]

There were numerous "veteran" wig wags in Neenah, Wis. during the late 60's and early 70's when we lived there.   On a trip back in 2003 it was great to see that these two were still in place along Forest Ave. east of Commercial St. (STH-114) on Doty Island.   They were replaced several years after these photos, though.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/140645209@N04/26499516277/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140645209@N04/40476026085/in/dateposted-public/

I'm pretty sure, outside of the Pacific Coast states, Wisconsin had the most wigwags, although they went on a sharp decline after one of the railroads with "Wisconsin" in its name (Central? Southern?) removed a lot of them en masse, unfortunately.

Wisconsin Central was bought out by Canadian National. Wisconsin Southern was bought out by Watco. Either one could have been trying to upgrade their new properties.

The Wisconsin Southern had a ton of old WRRS and Griswold equipment along it around 10 years ago, prior to the purchase by Watco. Once Watco took over, the older equipment (especially the Griswold EM signals and wigwags) disappeared rapidly.

I believe Grisworld stop sign RXR signals are actually rarer than wigwags at this point, correct me if I'm wrong. I can remember the locations of several wigwags off the top of my head, but I don't know where any other Grisworlds are.



I know of a few combination wigwags that combine standard crossing equipment (horizontal flashing lights) with wigwags. One is in Marion, IL, and another is a private crossing in California. I think that one has gates. I can't remember the specific location of it, but I know I found it on GSV before.

Fortunately, I had just posted about those (with links to them on GSV) recently on another forum I help run, so here's the one in CA that you were talking about:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.5979467,-121.921048,3a,30.4y,57.3h,92.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scT-HnhjRhIZ6n3VKr1G-kA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

Right next to it features a more "standard" wigwag with an 8 inch signal across from it:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.5984774,-121.922094,3a,28.8y,26.01h,95.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stJHDMWB9znUbl-vggzWM9g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

Here's the one in Marion, IL:
http://www.rxrsignals.com/Illinois/L-Q/Marion/Fourth/

In terms of Griswold (and RACO) Rotating Stop Signs, other than probably a pair hanging on in Minneapolis, MN, and a pair in Canada near the Canada/US border, I think the only ones left in service at this point are ones left on abandoned lines...

Thank you for that one in California, I had been trying to find that one for a bit the other day. I'm saving that one to my saved locations on maps.