I know that these HO Crossing gates are TOYS not really true model railroad items. They do not operate very realistically like prototype crossing gates. I have a set of BACHMANN HO crossing gates that I have removed from the base that looks like fake scenery. The HO LIFE-LIKE and TYCO crossing gates also come with the fake scenery base. These gates are plastic. I would like to know the most economical way is to power these HO crossing gates to make them operate more realistically. They would operate with sensors for train detection and motors to operate the gates. David Briel
Well dave I can think of several options
An actuator arm conected to a tortoise switch machine, A geared motor with a cam or an actuator linked to a rod that you push/pull
Walther’s sell several manufacturers of crossing gates, for the time and trouble check them out before you start gearing what you have.
I have several of these. My plan is to set up an optical activation system and power the gates with tortise switch machines.
James