Trains.com

MTH ITAD Signal Box

2731 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: So California
  • 9 posts
MTH ITAD Signal Box
Posted by chorst01 on Saturday, March 27, 2004 10:39 PM
MTH offers a scale Infrared Track Activation Device (ITAD) Signal Box, No. 45-1028. It seems it might be easier to use rather than pulling up track in order to add an insulated track section.

Has anybody had any experience using it as the T.A.D. for various accessories, i.e., crossing signal, crossing gate, signal bridge, etc?

--chh
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: The ROMAN Empire State
  • 2,047 posts
Posted by brianel027 on Saturday, March 27, 2004 10:50 PM
Yes I have one and like it. I operate a pair of crossing gates and signal bridge off it. I like the smaller size of the MTH ITAD over the Lionel version.

The only drawback is that they are sensitive to excessively bright room lighting, so you need to have bright lights aimed away from it - which was pretty easy for me since my lights have adjustable domes.

Of course, nothing is totally perfect. Insulated rails rely on having very clean track and wheels. Contractors rely on precision adjustments for car weight. The ITAD's are also sensitive to the color of train cars, and I find black colored cars don't operate it as well. The problem is easily solved by mixing dark colored cars in between lighter colored cars. I had a problem with one of my Norfolk Southern engines, but I added a reflective white stripe along the sheet metal frame and now it operates the ITAD just fine.

brianel, Agent 027

"Praise the Lord. I may not have everything I desire, but the Lord has come through for what I need."

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Willoughby, Ohio
  • 5,231 posts
Posted by spankybird on Sunday, March 28, 2004 12:51 PM
Hi all,

I have the railking ITAD and also like it. I like the adjustable delay. As Brian has pointed out, it is sensitive to overhead light. I also have found that dust collecting on it can sometimes give miss-reading. It just forces me to clean more often.

tom

I am a person with a very active inner child. This is why my wife loves me so. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. OTTS Founder www.spankybird.shutterfly.com 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Beaverton, OR USA
  • 187 posts
Posted by garyseven on Sunday, March 28, 2004 4:08 PM
I hope modern day technology will bring us engines that send a signal to accessory that says "close the crossing gate, HAL, I'm in your proximity" or some such nonsence. I can't imagine it isn't do-able and will bring the inventor a healthy return on investment. TADs, ITADS, and insultated rails all have their downsides.
--Scott Long N 45° 26' 58 W 122° 48' 1

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month