What does "Crossbuck" mean when talking about Railroad Signs?

Crossbuck signs are the x-shaped signs you see mostly around railroad crossings. They are usually white with black text, with the "RAIL_ROAD" on one segment, with the word "CROSSING" on the other segment, cutting the "RAIL_ROAD" in half.

 

What were Rail Road Crossing Signs like in the past?

Crossbuck Railroad signs used to not contain any text at all, as they were the only sign in the US that used an x-shape formation.

 

 

Crossbuck Railroad Signs around the World

Crossbuck Railroad signs have been adopted by many, MANY countries that use trains to transport goods and people. 

 

   

 

Train tracks are omni-directional

This means that trains will run in either direction. They are not set up like roads! Also, trains schedules are not set! They change daily and almost never uniform. So, if you live near train tracks, make sure to always check both ways multiple times before crossing.

 

Trains cannot stop quickly!

A train with 100 cars (pretty standard) can weigh between 12 and 20 MILLION pounds. While trains have a break mechanism attached to every wheel, it still takes about a mile for those brakes to overcome the immense momentum of the train. Train operators need to plan their breaking FAR in advance, so if they come around the bend and see something the don't expect, they won't be able to stop for it! This is why paying attention to Crossbuck Railroad signs posted at every track crossing is so important!

 

 

Trains are always closer than they appear

Trains and their tracks are sneaky, manipulative little buggers. The size of a locomotive (17ft tall by 10ft wide) mixed with the angled view at which we see trains approaching, makes the train appear to be moving much slower than it actually is! Also, the paralleled train tracks that converge at the horizon makes the train seem FURTHER away than it actually is.

 

 

Train Tracks: Private or Public?

To the dismay of hikers and motorcyclists, train tracks are actually private property, and anyone walking, riding , or damaging them is breaking the law. The tracks are owned by the company that owns the railroad.