trailrider
Well-Known Member
I have been having frustrations with installing working crossing gates on my HO layout. I first installed some older Model Power gates, actuated by Tortise stall motors under the layout. These were actuated by Azatrax electronics, including infrared cross-track sensors. Worked fine until the gates started to fall apart! Finally pulled them out and kept just the flashing light crossbucks. Should have left well enough alone, I guess, but saw an ad for zstuff HO gates which use NJI gates and mechanisms. The mechanisms stick down from the gate assembly about 1-1/2 inches, and require an oval slot be cut in the layout subroadbed. The slot is 1/2" wide and about 1-1/4" long. The signals are supposed to be actuated by reflection of the sender off a passing engine or car going back to the adjacent receiver. Unfortunately, the two gates I received have a problem and the infrared isn't working unless I block both emitter and receiver with my finger or thumb! I contacted the manufacturer who told me they have been having problems with some of the modules and I can send them back for repair/replacement. There are remote sensing units available for $38 each, which can be located up the track (where the train is coming from, and these will actuate the gates...or so I'm told. When I ordered the two gates, I wasn't aware of needing the remote sensors...there is nothing in the original description to indicate the necessity thereof. Because of the shape of the layout, I am going to need four of the sensors, and ordered them today, along with a grade crossing bell module. Total cost of these items is $196.05 including shipping. It took almost a month from the time I ordered the gates and two of them cost about $166.67! Hopefully, it won't take as long to get the sensors. If connecting the sensors doesn't solve the problem with the gate modules, I'll have to send them back.
It is difficult for me to get to the post office right now, so I'll gamble that I can get the system to work. The gates themselves are raised and lowered by a open-frame motor and worm gear. They work nice...when I can get them to sense the trains. If not, I will go back to the Azatrax flashing crossbucks only.
It is difficult for me to get to the post office right now, so I'll gamble that I can get the system to work. The gates themselves are raised and lowered by a open-frame motor and worm gear. They work nice...when I can get them to sense the trains. If not, I will go back to the Azatrax flashing crossbucks only.