We have to cross the Queensland Government rail line in 15 locations. In three of these locations we have either an underpass or overpass, but in the other 12 we actually have to cross the QR line “at grade”. There are two main ways of doing this. One is by catch-points and the other is by drawbridge.

The drawbridge works quite simply by lowering 2 foot track down onto the QR line at right angles forming a bridge for our trains to cross the QR line. The drawbridge is always in the upright position allowing passage of QR trains. As a cane train approaches the drawbridge, the driver activates the drawbridge by a remote control in the locomotive cabin. This changes the QR signals to stop and starts lowering the drawbridge. Once the drawbridge is in place, the cane train can proceed across the QR line. Once the cane train is clear of the drawbridge, the drawbridge will automatically lift and clear the QR track and return QR signals to proceed. If a QR train is on the track section approaching the drawbridge when the cane train attempts to lower the drawbridge, the drawbridge will not lower and signals for the cane train will remain at red until the QR train has cleared the crossing. If the cane train does not stop at the red signal, a “catch point” will derail the cane train to prevent it entering the crossing in the path of a QR train.

A view of the drawbridge in the upright position. The catch-points can be seen in the foreground adjacent to the stop signal.
A close up of the drawbridge in the upright position allowing for passage of QR trains.
Drawbridge in the upright position for QR passage.
Drawbridge beginning to lower after being activated by cane train crew.
Drawbridge in the lowered position awaiting cane train to cross.
Tamper Number 5 crossing the drawbridge.

Catch-points

Catch points, normally­ in the open position, are provided on each leg of the cane railway and are located at a fixed safe distance from the QR crossing to prevent QR trains and cane trains from colliding. A catch point disc, normally facing oncoming cane trains displays, a 'Stop' signal and is placed adjacent to each catch point. Electrically lit colour light signals or semaphore signals are used to display proceed or stop signals to approaching QR trains and are located on each side of the crossing on QR tracks. A Ground Frame or “Kangaroo Tail” lever is used to close and open the catch points and change all signals. Some crossings are protected by electrical track circuits on the QR line which detect the presence of QR trains. At these crossings a 'Free Light' is continuously lit to indicate that there are no QR trains approaching the crossing. If a QR train is approaching the free light goes out and will not come back on until the QR train has cleared the crossing. At crossings where there is no electrical circuits to protect the crossing, the cane train crew must visually check that no QR trains are approaching before using the crossing. The catch points must be manually reset for the safe passage of QR trains by the Driver’s Assistant every time a cane train crosses QR track.

Kangaroo tail lever: One of the means of operating the catch points Ground frame lever: This is the other means of operating catch points. The free light is in the small enclosure on the post next to the ground frame Catch point and disc: This shows the catch point in the open position and the disc displaying a stop signal to the cane train crew. When the catch points are closed the disc will display a white signal.