Lionel O27 question

[traindaddy1]

Good evening: Does anyone know or can they recall when Lionel changed the color on their Auto Crossing Gates from the black stripes to the present red stripes? Thanks.

[Chris F]

According to my Greenberg book, the 2152 (1972-86) had black stripes, while the 12714 (1987- ) had red stripes.

The postwar 252 used a metal stop-rod on the end of the gate. The 2152's stop-rod was black plastic, while the 12714's stop-rod was brown plastic.

[traindaddy1]

Many thanks, Chris.