G Scale Garden Railroad Crossing Gates

February 3, 2009

Gerri would like to hear from anyone who knows about G Scale Garden Railroad Crossing Gates:

“Right now we’re buried under about 2 ‘ of snow, so during the winter time I move indoors and work on structures, etc. I am a complete novice at this train stuff, and am finding it very interesting starting to learn about circuit boards, sensors, etc.

As of next spring I will have just a starter train set and about 300 ft. of track laid. Eventually I would like to move towards DCC and computer control.

I built a fish pond and with the dirt removed from it and I made a berm for the water fall. While I was building it I installed two 12″ PVC pipes that will serve as tunnels for the train.

The track will stretch across the back of the yard, around a pine tree and back again, then going through the tunnel, around the pond where it circles through a folded dog bone area with a 30 degree crossing. (this area will then be a townscape and this is where I need the crossing gates) on around the pond and through the remaining tunnel.

I run a G Scale garden railroad out back and I am wanting to put in a crossing gates/signal with bell sounds. I ran into Pro logic sensor system, that sounds really interesting in providing me with what I want, but in conversations with them, the sensors may not work great with ambient daylight interference. I also have seen where they are using a tortoise slow motor mounted under the bench work to raise the arms of the crossing gates. That doesn’t work out doors. So I am totally baffled and at a loss.

Can anyone who knows something about G Scale Garden Railroads recommend a source to purchase the crossing gates/signals and what circuitry I need to make them function automatically from sensors tripped by the approaching train?”

To give Gerri some suggestions click on the green comments link below this posting.