Gates across lines

[Dave Cooper]

Not really sure if this is under the correct heading but, here goes :-

An attractive feature seen on some NG lines is a single 5-bar gate across the entrance /exit of a siding. This is usually modelled in the 'closed' position. I'm just wondering what the purpose of this is on the prototype ? Eg denoting private land, to keep livestock out, to make the crew stop and check something etc.

In the operational model scenario, would one need a redundant, 'dummy' siding or, open the gate (in some way) to let trains through ?

Thanks for any info' /experience of this,
Dave 

[Hobby]

Most common reason is that it's a private siding, you see them in towns and cities as well. The gate marks the boundary between company land and railway land.

[B.Meldon]

As mentioned above gates were often used for private sidings etc.
In model form it is not that hard to make the gates open and close.
Here is a link to one method:
https://www.heathcote-electronics.co.uk/level-crossing-gates.html

[Hobby]

The difficulty with gates like these is that they were always opened by a person, either train crew or staff from the company that owned the siding. Unlike many level crossing gates which were opened remotely by a signalman in a signal box. So it looks weird when the gate suddenly swings open or closed all on its own! Other than having it permanently open or closed it's difficult to say what to do if you want it to look realistic, I suppose you could stick a figure to it but that isn't ideal because it would have to be either stationary or walking which would only work if the gate was always in motion or always closed!

[Graeme Dunbar]

I'd put it down to suspension of disbelief in a model world where pretty much everything is frozen apart from the trains, point blades and maybe signals. There is always the Hand of God to move the gates if motorizing is not on the cards.  ;D

[MickT]

It's just another small compromise really. After all, we have passenger coaches on "holiday specials" which have no passengers in them and at the other end of the spectrum we have packed passenger coaches dumped in coach sidings for months at a time! And on the same subject, how do the passengers get into or out of the coaches if the doors are either permanently shut or in some cases permanently open?.................

A good example of the private line gate that I can think of is Ted Polet's branch junction at Rae Bridge. The gates can be opened or closed by "hand of God" but it doesn't deflect from the charm of the whole scene.

Don't worry about it is the appropriate mantra I think!

Mick

[Graeme Dunbar]

As a fan of Inglenook Sidings layouts, I have wondered if having a gate to private sidings on a layout would be a way marking the limits of shunting in a pretty obvious way - not that I'd expect shunting to go quite so close to a gate in reality.

[Dave Cooper]

Thanks for the suggestions /information everyone.

At the moment, I'm leaning toward a very simplistic approach (depending on setting) :

1. 'Quiet' private siding with gate normally closed. Gate opened by hand whenever there's a movement.

2.  Lineside hut /bothy by the gate which is normally open. (Gives the impression that it is manned during periods of busy traffic ?).

Dave 

[clayliner]

Here is another example, on the B&W:




The gate protects the branch to the landing stage on the coast which also crosses the standard gauge branch (in the foreground) to the transfer shed - I've never yet seen it open (but then neither the landing stage nor the branch to it
have yet been built...)

David.

[paul ludlow]

Both gates to the private industry on my layout have extended gate posts that go down through the base board (through a length of brass tube) with half a wine bottle cork stuck on the end, firstly so i don't catch my hand on them & also to act as a knob to grip so I can open the gates nice & slowly. (Was also a good excuse to drink two bottles of wine!) Being under the base board my gates are not operated by the hand of God, possibly by someone more sinister!?!👹😁

[Graeme Dunbar]

Being under the base board my gates are not operated by the hand of God, possibly by someone more sinister!?!👹😁

I'd watch your hand on those corks. The gates might be guarded by a three-headed dog.  :)

[Hobby]

He's ok as long as he made an offering of the wine! ;)