I searched for this, and I couldn't find the information on it. So.... I want an automatic crossing gate. But I dont want it to be one of those molded plastic things from lifelike. LOL I have a pretty strict list of things I want: 1: Automatic operation in presence of a train. 2: Realistic appearance. 3: It must have crossing barriers. 4: Alternating flashing lights/LEDs (preferable, not necessary) Thanks!
John, I can't think of any manufacturer, at this instant, that offers a premade or kit set of operating crossing gates, that meets your criteria. Now, I have seen a number of articles in Model Railroader on how to build your own. I remember at least one that uses a Circuitron Tortoise switch machine to power the gates. Check out the index at trains.com to find the right article. Pat
I think (Think being the operative word here) that NJ International makes one that meets your needs. They're not cheap ($45 each if I recall correctly), but you can probably find them on the Walthers website .
John, First of all welcome to trainboard CThippo is correct, NJ international does make movable crossing gates. They are not 'toy like'. The ones I have are the modern type, I will have to modify them to look like the 1930's style. Circuitron, among others make 'operators' for these crossing gates. I have 2 sets, not yet installed on my layout yet. I am still struggleing with the linkage to connect 2 gates to one operator. Good Hunting
This company here: http://www.freenet.edmonton.ab.ca/signalog/index.html Does custom installations including whatever combination of gates, lights and gantries you fancy. It looks pretty good (I have not used them personally) but they are certainly not cheap. Note that their site is in Canadian dollars not US dollars...
I looked at the crossing gates offered Signalog and they do look good. But, I found them pretty expensive. I ended up buying the Tomar crossing gates and the RR-CirKits crossing gate controller board and here is why: 1. The Tomar gates http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/81-863 look very good and operate very nicely. They come complete with everything except for a controller. This includes the Tortoise turnout motor and the Circuitron control hardware. 2. The list price is $150 for the pair but you can get them from dealers such as Flying Scotsman http://www.fshobby.com for $105. 3. The RR CirKits http://www.rr-cirkits.com control board works and sounds great with lots of options for the sound and light flashing. I have mine set up to be operated by RR & Co software so that I can use my same detection logic as I do for track signals. When the train approaches the gates, the lights start flashing alternately and the bell starts ringing, then a few seconds later the gates start to come down, and finally when the gate is all the way down the bell cuts out. The lights continue flashing until the train has cleared crossing and the gate has gone up. However, as I said, there are lots of options with the lights and bell. I also have my lights fade in and out instead of bright flashes. David [ 02. May 2003, 19:26: Message edited by: ncng ]
Thank you very much for your information, I will be sure to look at everything here. [ 03. May 2003, 20:31: Message edited by: SF-3 ]
