Every crossing Oliver inspects gets a score out of 35. It's not random — there's a system, and it's been refined over hundreds of inspections. Here's how it works.
The Three Categories
Alarm (out of 10)
The crossing's warning sounds are the first thing you notice, and they matter. Oliver scores the alarm on:
- Volume — Can you hear it clearly from a distance? A crossing alarm should command attention.
- Tone quality — The classic AHB yodel is the baseline. Electronic tones, bell-style alarms, and unusual sounds all get judged on how interesting and effective they are.
- Duration — Does the alarm run for a satisfying amount of time before the train arrives?
- Condition — A crisp, clear alarm beats a muffled or intermittent one.
Action (out of 10)
This is about the physical performance of the crossing:
- Barrier type — Full barriers score higher than half barriers. Lifting barriers, gates, and unusual mechanisms get extra consideration.
- Speed — How quickly do the barriers descend? Dramatic, swift movement earns points.
- Lights — Flashing reds, amber sequences, road traffic signals — the more visual activity, the better.
- Mechanism condition — Well-maintained barriers that move smoothly beat rusty, juddering ones.
Train (out of 10)
You can't have a great crossing visit without good trains:
- Speed — Express trains blasting through at 100mph are more exciting than a stopping service crawling past.
- Variety — Multiple different types during one visit? That's a high-scoring day.
- Frequency — The more trains you see, the more you can assess the crossing in action.
- Special appearances — Freight trains, heritage stock, or unusual rolling stock all boost the score.
Bonus Points (up to 5)
The bonus category rewards crossings that have something genuinely special:
- Historic significance — Listed structures, heritage mechanisms, or a notable railway history.
- Unusual type — Swing bridges, lifting barriers, manually operated gates — anything rare.
- Scenic location — A crossing with a beautiful setting adds to the experience.
- Rare features — Unusual alarm tones, unique barrier mechanisms, or anything you won't find at most crossings.
Score Ranges
| Score | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 30-35 | Outstanding — a must-visit crossing |
| 25-29 | Excellent — well worth the trip |
| 20-24 | Good — a solid crossing with character |
| 15-19 | Average — does the job but nothing special |
| 10-14 | Below average — lacking in one or more areas |
| 0-9 | Poor — the Inspector was not impressed |