New Ultra-Thin LED Railroad Crossing Signal Lights in Estonia

[Brian556]

These are so thin that they look like signs from the rear.

https://maps.google.com/?ll=59.373794,27.760402&spn=0.000022,0.025063&t=m&layer=c&cbll=59.373794,27.760402&panoid=Tht-ofaLiz3cB7L4APX4UA&cbp=12,115.74,,0,0&z=16

https://maps.google.com/?ll=59.373791,27.760413&spn=0.000022,0.025063&t=m&layer=c&cbll=59.373699,27.760417&panoid=zG7Z1hvk4uONiZ1Ko0470g&cbp=12,39.95,,0,0&z=16

Three-Light Version:
https://maps.google.com/?ll=59.360442,27.462146&spn=0.000044,0.050125&t=m&layer=c&cbll=59.360442,27.462146&panoid=E8F5LbIW9uWwf81VlvKIJg&cbp=12,315,,0,0&z=15

Now i'm wondering if there are any traffic signals like this, ant whether we will see lights this thin in the US anytime soon.
https://maps.google.com/?ll=59.360452,27.46213&spn=0.000044,0.050125&t=m&layer=c&cbll=59.360636,27.462024&panoid=o0r3SnxqNBNFa9W8mjGSsw&cbp=12,154.37,,0,0&z=15

[M3019C LPS20]

Now i'm wondering if there are any traffic signals like this, ant whether we will see lights this thin in the US anytime soon.
https://maps.google.com/?ll=59.360452,27.46213&spn=0.000044,0.050125&t=m&layer=c&cbll=59.360636,27.462024&panoid=o0r3SnxqNBNFa9W8mjGSsw&cbp=12,154.37,,0,0&z=15

Here's something very similar that is apparently in use in Japan.

The only noticeable difference between both is that the Japanese traffic signal lacks actual visors. Interesting design, though.

[cpzilliacus]

These are so thin that they look like signs from the rear.

https://maps.google.com/?ll=59.373794,27.760402&spn=0.000022,0.025063&t=m&layer=c&cbll=59.373794,27.760402&panoid=Tht-ofaLiz3cB7L4APX4UA&cbp=12,115.74,,0,0&z=16

https://maps.google.com/?ll=59.373791,27.760413&spn=0.000022,0.025063&t=m&layer=c&cbll=59.373699,27.760417&panoid=zG7Z1hvk4uONiZ1Ko0470g&cbp=12,39.95,,0,0&z=16

Three-Light Version:
https://maps.google.com/?ll=59.360442,27.462146&spn=0.000044,0.050125&t=m&layer=c&cbll=59.360442,27.462146&panoid=E8F5LbIW9uWwf81VlvKIJg&cbp=12,315,,0,0&z=15

Now i'm wondering if there are any traffic signals like this, ant whether we will see lights this thin in the US anytime soon.
https://maps.google.com/?ll=59.360452,27.46213&spn=0.000044,0.050125&t=m&layer=c&cbll=59.360636,27.462024&panoid=o0r3SnxqNBNFa9W8mjGSsw&cbp=12,154.37,,0,0&z=15

Wonder if they have plans to replace the bridge nearby and then eliminate the grade crossing entirely?

This looks like Soviet-era highway infrastructure "maintenance."

And speaking of the Soviet Union, Estonia's railroad network, like some other EU nations, uses Russian imperial gauge, 1,520 mm (4 ft 11 5⁄6 in).

[cpzilliacus]

Three-Light Version:
https://maps.google.com/?ll=59.360442,27.462146&spn=0.000044,0.050125&t=m&layer=c&cbll=59.360442,27.462146&panoid=E8F5LbIW9uWwf81VlvKIJg&cbp=12,315,,0,0&z=15

I have seen those in Finland, and at least one or two other EU nations.

The third light blinks white to inform motorists that a train is not coming.

[Alps]

See, current signal housings here are still built with incandescent bulbs in mind. I have to think within 10 years we'll start seeing the ultra-thin variety, just like with LCD and LED monitors/TVs.

[mgk920]

How strong are they against vandals?  Railroad companies design *everything* that is attached to the ground with that in mind.

Mike

[pctech]

Neat stuff. If they are more economical/reliable than the current models they will win out eventually.

Mark

[Brian556]

See, current signal housings here are still built with incandescent bulbs in mind. I have to think within 10 years we'll start seeing the ultra-thin variety, just like with LCD and LED monitors/TVs.

Good point, Steve. interesting that they are still designed based on a need that no longer exists, while other items have been redesigned for the new technology that they employ.
I guess our railroad /traffic lights are the same concept as an MP3 player in an old cassette walkman housing.

[KEK Inc.]

We have these in the states.

http://goo.gl/maps/EtP6a

Saw this while biking downtown the other day.

[kphoger]

I'm also noticing ultra-thin stoplights in the Ukraine.
Examples here and here.

[txstateends]

I'm also noticing ultra-thin stoplights in the Ukraine.
Examples [...] and here.

Wow, not only is the signal assembly thin, but the mast arm is *so thin* you can barely see it.  A mast arm like that wouldn't last very long in Amarillo, as windy as it is there.