Tortise Swich Machine reversing circuit?

Hi Guys,

I use Tortise machines to raise and lower my crossing gates. Can anyone point me towards a circuit schematic which will automatically reverse the motor polarity and raise the gate once the train passing the grade crossing? I am hoping for something simple built around a 555 or 556 IC or a relay. Thanks.

I use a DALLEE train detection circuit within a block. (It will work for both DC and DCC.) They are about $35.00. You will need to make a block by insulating a section of track before and after the crossing gate. Then one leg of the track wire that feeds from the power source goes to the TDC voltage detector and then to the track. Once the train enters the block the TDC senses the power consumption of the locomotive which will throw the relay built into the TDC in which the tortoise is wired to and will make the tortoise change direction. you’ll have to wire the reversing power of the tortoise to the other relay on the TDC so that when the power is not detected the tortise will go the opposite direction to open the gates. DALLEE has complete wiring diagrams to show how to wire the TDC.

www.dallee.com chuck