Which Crossing Gate is best?

[Anonymous]

I have narrowed my crossing gate search down to the Lionel 6-14098 Mainline Auto Crossing Gate and the MTH 30-11012 Operating Crossing Gate Signal. For those of you that currently have or have had either, please identify for me the good and the bad. BTW, I am using MTH Real Trax (if that matters).
Thanks,
Craig

[eZAK]

crahol,

Take a look at these http://z-stuff.net/DZ-1010Set.htm

I think they are the best!

Lionel has no sound!
MTH has an ugly black cable running down the side!
And neither of them comes with sensors!

[Anonymous]

eZAK. I looked at the Z-Stuff web site, and their crossing gate looks good, but it also looks difficult to set up and all, and I'm a real novice when it comes to electronics. Is the Z-Stuff crossing gate really simple to set up? The truth please.
Thanks,
Craig

[fjerome]

it is not really all that difficult. however, these would not be good for a temporary setup (e.g. a carpet railroad). they use infared beams for triggering and need fairly precise and stable placement.

[cnw1995]

Craig, I am a real novice too - if by 'best' you mean easy to use and set-up, you really can't go wrong among your two choices - since you're using MTH's track, it might be logical to go with the MTH accessory.

[eZAK]

Yes,
They fairly easy to set up.
Make a few splices with some wires and some adjustments.
They can be used with or with out the sensors.
They are best suited for permanent or semi-permanent table top layout.

[Anonymous]

I do have a permanent layout. I'm lookin gfor the easiest to set up, and a confirmation that they work well.

Craig