Crossing Signals

[frog]

I would like to get a set of flashing crossing signals (HO) for my layout. The type they had in the '6o's. I don't want the type with the gates. I would be happy to have some without the track sensors, not sure how those hook up anyway, just a set where I could turn them on with a toggle switch.

Any good place to get them? No hobby shops around here so I would have to order them.

BTW, just how do the sensors work, and how do you install them? I have never seen any in person other than real ones.

 

[Roy Buchanan]

Signals

A friend just purchased these ones from Berkshire Junction and likes them very much.

http://www.berkshirejunction.com/

Roy

 

[frog]

Thank you, that looks like what I am looking for. I noticed one type had a infra red sensor, is this good? If it is not too complex I would like to have some sort of detection circuit, I think some are photo cells mounted between the rails, other require cutting a gap to achieve the required results. The latter might be a problem as it would require a gap on a sharp curve which would possibly cause a derailing issue unless I use a plastic joiner which I have some left over from years back.

I always liked the blinking crossing lights, as a kid we used to try jumping up and down on the rails to try to trigger them. Of course it never worked.

 

[fast_ian]

Thank you, that looks like what I am looking for. I noticed one type had a infra red sensor, is this good? If it is not too complex I would like to have some sort of detection circuit, I think some are photo cells mounted between the rails, other require cutting a gap to achieve the required results.

IR is pretty good, phototransistors also work well depending on how you light/vary the lighting on the layout.

A really helpful resource (lots of comparisons between different solutions etc) is the Circuitron catalog - It's a PDF, so best to just download the whole thing (60 odd pages); http://circuitron.com/

No affiliation btw, just a satisfied user.

Cheers,
Ian

 

[trailrider]

Thank you, that looks like what I am looking for. I noticed one type had a infra red sensor, is this good? If it is not too complex I would like to have some sort of detection circuit, I think some are photo cells mounted between the rails, other require cutting a gap to achieve the required results. The latter might be a problem as it would require a gap on a sharp curve which would possibly cause a derailing issue unless I use a plastic joiner which I have some left over from years back.

I always liked the blinking crossing lights, as a kid we used to try jumping up and down on the rails to try to trigger them. Of course it never worked.

There is an outfit called AZA, in Colorado, which markets infrared (IR) detectors and electronic modules that can detect the presence of a train on one or multiple parallel tracks. The IR source and detector are LED's which can either be mounted between the rails by drilling a 1/8-inch hole for each pair. The IR source LED and the detector are set about one tie-width apart so the holes don't destroy the ties. (They might take a few thousandths from the side of the middle of the ties, but not enough to affect the strength of the tie. Alternatively, the LED's can be mounted above and to the sides of the track so a train breaks the IR emission as it passes by. The modules that control the flashers are fairly small, and can be set up separately from the power packs by means of a small transformer that plugs directly into a 110 v wall outlet. (I wire an on-off switch on the 12 volt side, so I can shut the circuit off if desired separately from the main power packs. These IR detector/modules can also be set up to detect the presence of a train, either just to show track occupancy, or to control block signals and track power. They are a real help if you have hidden track inside a tunnel, overpass, etc.