Crossing Signals

There is a set with sound that MTH makes for about $70/pair MSRP (30-11014.) You'd have to come up with an actuator for them (infrared or optical to trigger them would work.)


MTH also has an older style grade crossing signal (30-11010.) This is my personal favorite as I remember seeing a lot of these when I was growing up. These are without sound and are $50 each MSRP.


In a three-rail context, all that's necessary is to connect the ground (done with an insulated rail) but using current or optical sensing and a relay, the same result can be obtained.

MTH makes a modern crossing signal/gate (30-11012) AT $70 each, plus a modern cantilever crossing signal wihout gates (30-11006) at $60 each.

From an appearance standpoint, these are very well done as they're all scale-sized. The signal with the gate could be improved a little (the gate is a bit thick looking) but they all work well.

Now if someone would only make an upper-quadrant wig-wag.

Hope this helps.

Matt who was using the upper quadrant's?...I know the SP used upper and lower and the Santa Fe used uppers...but who else? The mind is failing me now... I wonder if one could modify the lower quadrant from Z-Stuff into an upper?

Malcolm what about these???.....

http://www.z-stuff.net/dz1020.html

I "believe" DZ has both. Go with the DZ.

quote:

Originally posted by CWEX:
Matt who was using the upper quadrant's?...I know the SP used upper and lower and the Santa Fe used uppers...but who else? The mind is failing me now... I wonder if one could modify the lower quadrant from Z-Stuff into an upper?

Malcolm what about these???.....

http://www.z-stuff.net/dz1020.html

I looked at a Z-stuff wig-wag for that type of mod, but they move a bit fast for my tastes. Lionel did a scale-sized "banjo" that had about the right rate of movement, but the mechanism isn't suitable.

The Z-stuff grade crossing flashers are a bit modern and the bases are pretty thick, but the bases can be buried into the scenery.

Tomar Industries sells a very nice grade crossing signal, with or without gate. They also separately offer an actuation circuit. Note that this photo is a time exposure so it appears that both lights are on at the same time.

quote:

Originally posted by AGHRMatt:

I looked at a Z-stuff wig-wag for that type of mod, but they move a bit fast for my tastes. Lionel did a scale-sized "banjo" that had about the right rate of movement, but the mechanism isn't suitable.

The Z-stuff grade crossing flashers are a bit modern and the bases are pretty thick, but the bases can be buried into the scenery.

Good points, they do look modern.

Malcolm,

Custom Signals offers a decent grade crossing signal:

http://www.customsignals.com/oscale-cs-style.php

John

Go with Custom Signals flasher signals, and forget about the rest! Tomars are nice, but CS has the nicest for the best price. Plus it comes with all the controls except a 2 rail detector board...but that's a minor issue. Good luck!

NJ International also makes decent looking grade crossing signals.

http://www.njinternational.com/oscale1.htm

I have the version with the crossing gates. I think the flasher lenses on them look odd but than that a pretty decent looking signal. I agree with R Nelson though, the Custom Signals version is certainly the best looking.
John

I highly recommend Keil-Line for the lights

Oscaler@aol.com

and Mrmatix.com for the electronics.
jp@mrmatix.com


I have used others, and find these to fit all my needs. Check the mrmatix website, to see all the possible combinations for truly realistic operation. They are IR and tiny, easily hid with some weeds.

Ed R

quote:

Originally posted by reutling:
I highly recommend Keil-Line for the lights

Oscaler@aol.com

and Mrmatix.com for the electronics.
jp@mrmatix.com


I have used others, and find these to fit all my needs. Check the mrmatix website, to see all the possible combinations for truly realistic operation. They are IR and tiny, easily hid with some weeds.

Ed R

Great tip, Ed. Their Loop-to-Loop and wye kits are perfect for those wanting to dabble in DCS for 2-rail.