Modern Roadway Grade Crossing in HO Scale

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello All,

I would like to model a modern double track mainline roadway grade crossing in HO scale complete with signals and crossing gates. I was wondering if anyone has any pictures to show what it looks like and what equipment and methods were used to contruct it. Any help would be appreciated. Just need something so I can visualize something for myself.

Thanks,

Nad

2

I did a search in “images” for “railroad crossing”, and they just kept coming.

As far as the “rules” for setting up crossings, there should be something turning up if you do a more “governmental” search.

Ed

3

MTH has an “all in one” solution for crossing gates. I wanted something that is easy to install and looks good. So I will be getting this kit here.

You can just use sheet cork for the roads, and use Bosch Asphalt roads.

4

There still isnt a modern crossing signal out there that features the gate as a seperate part. If you look at most busy crossings, often times, the gate is a seperate component and not attached to the signal itself. That pneumatic gate that Walthers sells is not correct for modern crossings.

5

Tomar’s crossing gates are nice, but expensive.

Tomar Crossing Gate

Plus you’ll need some form of detection system for them to automatically operate and something that flashes the lights and makes sound.

We have a set of the Tomar gates, but set it up so they turn on with a simple toggle switch. I used a sound system/flasher (crossing gate bell and light flashing unit) that I also used for our O scale layout. I believe it was offered by Ross Custom Switches. But I’m not sure if they offer it any more.

6

You can combine the Tomar gates with the Walther’s grade crossing signal: http://www.structuresandtrainsbyfred.com/p-693-ho-scale-working-grade-crossing-signal.aspx

7

Wow. Those Tomar gates have nearly doubled in price since the last time I priced them. Insane. Logic rail technologies also sells a nice detection kit.

Years ago there was a company in Canada that was making by far the nicest set of crossing gates you could ever find. Each was hand built. Last I seen on thier website, they quit making the signals but still sold the dection units. I believe they are called Signallogic systems. Some very nice youtube videos on those kits.