HO Crossing signals help?

[abcraghead]

I'm planning on installing some crossing signals on my layout, but I want to seek some advice first. Who here has installed them, which brands, and what advice would you have based on experience?

I really like the very prototypical look of the Details West sets, but they don't seem to be easily made operational. (?) Some sets seem a bit too clunky. I'd love a modern boulevard style but the only manufacturer I see making them is NJ International and I don't feel their design looks right for what I see near me.

No gates. Just like the prototype, I may or may not install them separately, later.

Lastly, what are the elements to make these work? I ideally I want them to function even when the lights are off, so it seems that a light sensor is out of the question....

So in short... whaddya like, and why?

 

[IronBeltKen]

Alex,

What scale are you modeling in? For my HO layout, I use NJ International crossbucks with a Dallee Ellectronics flasher circuit to control the flash rate.

The first attached image is a view in "dormant" mode...

In the second image, it was a long exposure so it looks like boh sides were lit up, but they were in fact flashing...

 

[grande man]

The Details West crossbucks look good. They're reasonably priced too.

FWIW, I've been told that incandescent lamps produce a more realistic flashing effect than LED's.