Grain Level Crossing, Kent

Date filmed: 12/06/2022
Video filmed at 14:09

Route: Grain Branch Line (Hundred of Hoo Railway)
Closest timing point: Grain (Old Station) (On Realtime Trains)

Crossing type: Manually-controlled Gates (MG)

Location: A228 / B2001 Grain Road, Isle of Grain
Trains featured:
2 Class 66s (GBRF) (Top & Tail) - 2:13
Tonbridge West Yard (GBRf) ➡ Grain Oil Terminal (GBRf)

A fairly unique level crossing on the single-track freight-only branch line connecting Hoo Junction with the Thamesport at Isle of Grain, on the Hoo Peninsula of north Kent. This level crossing, which sees at most only a handful of trains per day, is found on a double road bend and has two manually-operated gates, as well as four LED wigwags / road traffic lights. There is also an audible alarm which sounds pretty much throughout the activation sequence, and this is located on an electrical cabinet next to the small signal box. However, it oddly doesn't start sounding until the red lights start flashing, and it starts with a stutter.

Trains typically stop on the level crossing at least once whilst passing here. The main stop is in order to hand over a token which ensures that only one train can be on the single-track line at a time, and any other stops are to do with activities within the port's boundaries. The trains stop short of the level crossing until a small crew turn up specifically to activate the level crossing and collect the token (this is the only time the level crossing is manned as the line is lesser-used). When it's clear to proceed, the train is signalled through by upper-quadrant semaphore signals (keep an eye out for one of the signals reverting to 'danger' at 5:44).

This video features a somewhat interesting movement, in the form of an oil train hauled both top and tail by two GBRf Class 66s (66 706 and 66 799 respectively), providing an unusual Sunday train into the port. It's uncommon the line gets used on a Sunday.

Thanks for watching!