I thought it would be neat to remove the static sign attached to the base and add an operating crossing signal to work in conjunction with the gateman coming out of the shack. FWIW, I am using Fastrack. First, I considered a #154 crossing signal, but the base is too large to place on the gateman building. Then, I decided to try an American flyer post-war (don't have the part # at my fingertips) flasher that has a much smaller base and fits quite well. However, I'm rather thin on electrical innovations and could only get the flasher lights to come on solid. Anyone done something like this? If so, would like to know the wiring solution. Also, perhaps there are other brand flashers that might work.
I thought about that same thing with my Gateman but I thought I would put a Lionel 140 banjo siginal where the static sign is. I will fit there well and just wire it to come on when the gateman comes out. Should be easy to just pick up the commom and run a jumpper to the banjo from the lug that powers the gateman movement.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
Why would a Gateman be used if there was an automatic Crossing signal there? I added a simple plasticville manual gate in front of my gate man. I figured that was more prototypical as the gate man back then would have come out and lowered the gate by hand. Not that my layout is it all prototypical. It's basically a toy train layout. LOL
Prototypical is overated. The reason I was going to do it was for more action for the grandson. He don't know what prototypical is.
See the tread Push Button Opperation from last week and I think you will understand why I was thinking the way I was.
What would be cool for play action would be turn the gate man 90 so he comes out towards the roadway and have a gate come down to block traffic there and on the other side of the track have another drop gate come down about same time also.
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
Thats how i have mine.... facing the road.
I picked up a Marx Crossing Shanty at a show that was missing the crossing gate, so I added a Marx operating gate on the Shanty, and a second one across the tracks.
Dave
It's a TOY, A child's PLAYTHING!!! (Woody from Toy Story)
Michael6268 Why would a Gateman be used if there was an automatic Crossing signal there? Featherbedding, maybe? This is for my Christmas layout which has a number of unprototypical tin plate accessories, engines, and rolling stock. Not concerned with realism, but more of a nostalgic toy layout with as much play action as I can fit into a 7.5X5.5ft space. I do pay attention to scale details on my permanent layout.
Why would a Gateman be used if there was an automatic Crossing signal there?
Featherbedding, maybe? This is for my Christmas layout which has a number of unprototypical tin plate accessories, engines, and rolling stock. Not concerned with realism, but more of a nostalgic toy layout with as much play action as I can fit into a 7.5X5.5ft space. I do pay attention to scale details on my permanent layout.
Chilly Billy would be better!
KRM I thought about that same thing with my Gateman but I thought I would put a Lionel 140 banjo siginal where the static sign is. I will fit there well and just wire it to come on when the gateman comes out. Should be easy to just pick up the commom and run a jumpper to the banjo from the lug that powers the gateman movement.
I also want to add a flasher bulb unit to the back of the #154 so as to make it bi-directional. Just ordered on the Bay a bulb unit and a cross sign for much cheaper than buying a complete 154 for parts. However, I will be challenged to attach the bulb unit to the post. Sign will be no problem as there is a hole on the back in just the right position.
Talk about unprototypical! I can't see the gateman driving these cars. Or O sacle cars for that matter considering he is 10' tall to scale.
I have found my grandson just don't care.
LL675
M. Mitchell MarmelEctually, I'm planning to modify a 45 so that the gateman looks like Svengoolie... ;-)
Don't forget the rubber chickens!
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
Here is a repurposing of a rusty gateman shack by METCA President Kevin Quinn
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pennsyelectrics Here is a repurposing of a rusty gateman shack by METCA President Kevin Quinn .
got era message when clicked on your link.
rtraincollector pennsyelectrics Here is a repurposing of a rusty gateman shack by METCA President Kevin Quinn . got era message when clicked on your link.
Me to.
Sorry I fumbled the post, not sure what to put in the dimensions box when inserting a photo.
Penny Trains Don't forget the rubber chickens!
Got it covered!
https://mcphee.com/products/itty-bitty-rubber-chickens
Mitch
Add the bulb holder crossarm from a 154 to the existing post on the 45 or 45N. If you add a flasher module there is enough room in the shack to mount it. The 45/45N is the only one with the light in the base that allows the gateman's lantern to "Light". Alternative cut the base of the crossing gate/flasher combination unit into the 45/45N base
Ed
I added a automotive dashboard switch I happened to have to a little base at the front of the layout so a visitor can push out the gateman and his lantern whenever they want by just flicking the switch. He's popular!
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
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