Description
Oct 23, 2026
Got ahead of the Corning Flyer one last time before turning back south to catch the Cortena train on there return trip back south. This crossing has gotten new LEDs since I first and last filmed it during the first batch of LED installations on this line months ago before the next batch that the Maxwell crossings received. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to film this crossing post incandescent to LED change before its bell died on the closest signal which is unfortunate and I like the bell combo here as it's an early version of the Safetran and WCH Bell combo mix. I though I would not have to keep an eye out on an update on this crossing after filming the new LED here but looks like I have to look out for a new E-Bell or mechanical bell replacement here still.
California Northern Railroad Genesee and Wyoming Shortline Corning Flyer Local freight train on the CFNR West Valley Sub passes through the County Road 68 railroad crossing (CR 68, Co Rd 68, County Rd 68) in Willows, California outside the city near the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.
CFNR 501
Before New LEDs & Before Bell Died
https://youtu.be/Tbws3CfZ58w
Crossing Info
City: Willows, California
Crossing Signal/Line Owner: California Northern Railroad
Railroad User(s): CFNR, UP (Rare)
Bell Sequence: Ring till gates start rising
Filmed Side: Eastern Side
Right Signal
Bell: Dead RACO Mechanical Bell
Lights: 2 pairs of 8x20 inch Electro-Tech LEDs/WABCO Lights
Junction Box: WABCO
Gate Lights: GS 4 inch Gate Lights with LEDs
Mechanism/Counterweight Arms: WABCO AL-70 Triangular Counter Arms
Base: WABCO
Install: SP 1970s
Left Signal
Bell: WRRS Mechanical Bell
Lights: 2 pairs of 8x20 inch Electro-Tech LEDs/RACO Lights
Junction Box: WABCO
Gate Lights: GS 4 inch Gate Lights with LEDs
Mechanism/Counterweight Arms: WABCO Modal 75
Base: WABCO
Install: SP 1970s
This crossing owned by the California Northern Railroad is an SP 1970s signal install with changes overtime to its lights, gates, gate lights, and a mechanism with its counterweight arms too. 1 bell here may or may not be a replacement.
Camera
Sony FX30 Cinema Line + Tamron 17mm - 300mm
Canon EOS R50 V + Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS