I’m back into the hobby after many years and I have rebuilt a 4x12 layout for Christmas. I now use MTH RealTrax. How can I get Lionel operating gates and an automatic gateman (I have these from the 50s when I was a kid) to operate? Lionel track “ties” fit into the track connector but RealTrax has the roadbed. Will any type of MTH activiation device work?
You can get the IR detector/trigger for RealTrax, or get a couple of sections of O adapter track and stick in a section of standard O Gauge track where you want to use the classic accessory.
Not too long ago, I saw a article on making these accessories work by cutting the outside rail on a section of track with a dremel tool. Cut a small section within the track to make it isolated. then solder the activation lead to the section. I am not sure if this was in CTT, OGR or where, but it was fairly simple.
Good Luck and it is great to have the kids interest as well.