Crossing Flasher/Gate for ho layout - which to get?

[adamsdp]

I would like to put a crossing flasher and perhaps one with a gate on an ho layout I am building. I would like one that looks realistic and would prefer one that is automated to turn on/off with the train movements. I don't have a lot of spare time for a DIY project so off the shelf components that I can integrate or a complete kit would be good. If anyone has recommendations, please let me know. Thank you.

 

[RhB Michael]

There is a great, ready to install all inclusive kit, but unfortunately it is for a German grade crossing. About €135,00

 

[Michael B]

I could make you a set...right here.

I normally do N scale, but it will scale up.

Pair of crossbucks, flasher, and occ detector. No gate.
~$65

Requires regulated 6-7VDC.

Detector is diode based, so you cannot use it with other
diode based detectors sniffing the same block. You can
combine it with transformer based detectors.

If your interested...

 

[Marlin39]

I have the Dwarvin HO unit with crossing bell. The first DFL unit didn't work and it was replaced. It works great. Trainz.com owns Dwarvin now.

Model Train Stuff | Model Trains, HO Scale, N Scale & Accessories

Discover model trains, locomotives, and track from top brands at Model Train Stuff. Shop HO, N, and O scale trains, scenery, and accessories. Trusted by hobbyists since 1913 for great service, fast shipping, and a huge selection of model railroading supplies.

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[trailrider]

Azatrax has a great infrared system for detection, plus a whole bunch of crossing signals and gates (most of which are OEM items). My problem with putting working gates on my layout is that I very cleverly put my grade crossings right smack over the framing members before deciding I needed "protection" for the vehicles approaching the tracks! As most gates I have seen require some clear space under the layout for the actuation system, this doesn't quite work for my layout. Motorists will just have to "watch out for the cars", the flashing lights and bells. This doesn't matter too much, as my roads end at the edge of the layout or at a wall!

The main advantage of IR is that it is independent of track power. The detectors can be either buried in the center of the roadbed, so they depend on reflection off the underside of the rolling stock, or placing them above the track so the rolling stock breaks the beam. The detector and the emitter are located in two poles which can be painted to look like some sort of utility feature, or hidden in a trackside building. Oriented the right way, you can cover more than a single track, say a main line and passing track, or some other arrangement. Azatrax's system can also be used for block detection. I haven't talked to John in several years, but he was always very helpful when I first got started!

 

[adamsdp]

Thank you for offering and what type of crossbucks do you use?

I could make you a set...right here.

I normally do N scale, but it will scale up.

Pair of crossbucks, flasher, and occ detector. No gate.
~$65

Requires regulated 6-7VDC.

Detector is diode based, so you cannot use it with other
diode based detectors sniffing the same block. You can
combine it with transformer based detectors.

If your interested

 

[adamsdp]

I have the Dwarvin HO unit with crossing bell. The first DFL unit didn't work and it was replaced. It works great. Trainz.com owns Dwarvin now.

Model Train Stuff | Model Trains, HO Scale, N Scale & Accessories

Discover model trains, locomotives, and track from top brands at Model Train Stuff. Shop HO, N, and O scale trains, scenery, and accessories. Trusted by hobbyists since 1913 for great service, fast shipping, and a huge selection of model railroading supplies.

modeltrainstuff.com

Glad to hear you like the Dwarvin kit. Do you know if I can switch out to a gated crossing signal at a later date such as the Tomar unit?

 

[adamsdp]

Azatrax has a great infrared system for detection, plus a whole bunch of crossing signals and gates (most of which are OEM items). My problem with putting working gates on my layout is that I very cleverly put my grade crossings right smack over the framing members before deciding I needed "protection" for the vehicles approaching the tracks! As most gates I have seen require some clear space under the layout for the actuation system, this doesn't quite work for my layout. Motorists will just have to "watch out for the cars", the flashing lights and bells. This doesn't matter too much, as my roads end at the edge of the layout or at a wall!

The main advantage of IR is that it is independent of track power. The detectors can be either buried in the center of the roadbed, so they depend on reflection off the underside of the rolling stock, or placing them above the track so the rolling stock breaks the beam. The detector and the emitter are located in two poles which can be painted to look like some sort of utility feature, or hidden in a trackside building. Oriented the right way, you can cover more than a single track, say a main line and passing track, or some other arrangement. Azatrax's system can also be used for block detection. I haven't talked to John in several years, but he was always very helpful when I first got started!

Thank you for the helpful information. I looked up the Azatrax system and asked ChatGPT to compare it to the Dwarvin and sounds like the Dwarvin would be a simpler setup but not as easily compatible with items such as a gated crossing signal. How hard was it and how much time was the setup with the Axatrax system?

 

[Marlin39]

Glad to hear you like the Dwarvin kit. Do you know if I can switch out to a gated crossing signal at a later date such as the Tomar unit?

no idea if you are able to.

 

[Michael B]

Thank you for offering and what type of crossbucks do you use?

I make them.
Here is an N scale set.
They are slightly oversized for N.

The targets will be the same size on the
HO version, which shoud be just right.
For instance, the light's lens would be 1.8mm in diameter.

No plastic is used.

Masts are copper wire - if you bend it, you
can simply bend it right back. You cannot do
that with a tube.

 

[trailrider]

Thank you for the helpful information. I looked up the Azatrax system and asked ChatGPT to compare it to the Dwarvin and sounds like the Dwarvin would be a simpler setup but not as easily compatible with items such as a gated crossing signal. How hard was it and how much time was the setup with the Axatrax system?

Doesn't take long once you decide where to place the sensors and where to mount the electronic board. Gated crossing with signals might take a bit longer depending on how agile you are to mount the actuator mechanisms for the gates under the layout.

 

[adamsdp]

I could make you a set...right here.

I normally do N scale, but it will scale up.

Pair of crossbucks, flasher, and occ detector. No gate.
~$65

Requires regulated 6-7VDC.

Detector is diode based, so you cannot use it with other
diode based detectors sniffing the same block. You can
combine it with transformer based detectors.

If your interested...

Thanks for posting the pictures. They look very nice. I am trying to decide if whether to go with a gate or not. I appreciate your offer and will be in contact if I want to proceed.