I have been looking into adding crossing signals to my layout. I would like flashers without gates. It seems that the ones from Tomar and NJ International are very scarce. My local train store said they don’t know if they are getting any in. The Logic Rail sensors are scarce too. Does any one know if this is a supply problem that may be resolved in the near future?
I gave up on NJI about ten years ago but Tomar has always been OK, Logic Rail has always been quick as a bunny.
I waited almost a year for NJI HO signal heads and finally ended up making them myself.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
Mel,
You might want to give Berkshire Junction a try. I have had some of there signals on the layout for years without trouble. I chose the infra-red option for detection, but they have other choices.
This is what I received from them:
The system requires a 12v DC power supply. I used an old Bachmann power supply and adjusted the (throttle) output just enough to operate the system.
Here is a link: http://www.berkshirejunction.com/
Hope this helps.
Allan
Duane and Marie, the owners of Tomar Industries sold their signaling business to a guy in Washington state who owns a retail hobby shop. He has already expressed difficulty in keeping up with demand, so the future for Tomar signals may be bleak.
It would be shame to lose Tomar which has produced realistic, quality signals for some years now. I have their searchlight signals and dwarfs all over my layout, and I use their crossbuck signals on all of my grade level crossings. I rely on Circuitron electronics for occupancy (optical) detection and alternating flashers.
Someone mentioned Berkshire Junction, but a check of their website indicates a pending retirement and closure of the electronics side of the business.
Rich
Allan
I went with Arduino IR modules and a MEGA controls 16 signals with room to spare.
I’m still in the process of installing the modules, cold weather and my Arthritis don’t get along very good.
Once an IR detector is in place and tweaked they’re good to go for many years.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California</
I have crossbucks with LED flashers from Oregon Rail Supply. They provide a low-cost, easy to assemble kit.
I get my detection electronics (optical photodetection) from Rob Paisley.
Rob’s circuits can be purchased as either a bag of parts or built up and tested. I found this combination to be the most cost-effective way to do this.
I also have a set of flashers and gates from NJI. The work fine now, after some modifications. They required a driver like a Tortoise for the gates.
All of these run on 12 volts DC.
Atlas continues on with the BLM stuff. Don’t know if they have crossing signals, or not.
Mike.
Walthers makes crossbucks as well. I use them and they’re okay. Busch makes a US version crossbucks as well.
Neal
There is a problen with your link, my friend. http://www.circuitous.ca/CircuitIndex.html
Yet, if I type in that URL, it works fine.