Powering Inexpensive HO Crossing Signals to Operate Realistically

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I would like to know how to power inexpensive crossing signals such as Bachmann HO Crossing Gates and Model Power HO Crossing Signals to operate realistically. I have the two mentioned crossing signals, but are not currently wired to the layout. I would like to power the crossing signals with optical sensors, a tortoise actuator, RR crossing flashers, and the Atlas snap relay and/or connector.

2

The book realistic animation for your railroad has a complete article on doing just this. I think that is the right title(mine is in storage) It also has many other simple animation projects that may be of intrest. the book I am thinking of is published by Kamblach and should still be in print.

3

if you think of the title please let us know so i can find it at a library or a book store

4

David,
It would appear that you have two choices -

Build a slow motion crossing gate drive Realistic Animation, Lighting & Sound, page 20 Article also published in Model Railroader, February 1995, page 84 ( ANIMATION, CROSSING, GATE, GRADE, “SMITH, BRAD” )

It’s all a question of how much animation you plan to do versus your budget. Either buy the softbound Kalmbach Book 12199, or request a photocopy of the original article from Customer Service or from the NMRA’s Kalmbach Memorial Library. You don’t have to be an NMRA member to request a photocopy.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

5

Here is how I did it David;
I cut out the crossing from my layout so I could work on it on the bench about 6 inches square.
I used two NJI crosing gates with lights.
Mounted a tortoise SW machine under them with a 3 inch spring wire connected it to two wires going up to the gates.
I used a Circitron DT-2 Logic grade Crossing Detector but had to add a relay from Radio Shack because the DT-2 couldn’t handle the load of the bell crossing , the sw machine and the lights at the same time. I had a small shack , less the window glass
to cover the bell control placed next to the crossing. It all works great ,
Have had it on the layout for a few years now and it works great all of the time.
Only trouble I’ve have is, I have two track main and this only works on one of them.
but I working on this problum.
If you want more info on this E-Mail me?
Mike

6

Hey David one more thing;
I don’t believe you will need the snap relay there is no way to control it to return. You’ll have to use an electric relay that will return to the off position to let the gates turn off, also I installed street lights over the opt sensors for night running, Because when the sun goes down it activates the crossing.
Mike

7

Hi David,

I have a similar problem. I would like to have a circuit design to start and stop blinking lights at road crossings. However, I would like to purchase the actual electronics from an outfit like Digi-Key etc. because purchasing them from hobby suppliers is TOO expensive if one has many crossings. I have purchased photocells from Radio Shack. As light is on or off to the cells the resistance changes, I believe. One would have to design a circuit to turn on the blinking lights then control the blinking - maybe adjust the speed of the blinks.

If you find a solution to your question, please e-mail me, OK??

Regards,

Frank Eder

8

You can find all the circuit diagrams you need for this at

www.mrollins.com
www.awrr.com
home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CircuitIndex.html

  • all excellent resources.