Lionel 6-12714 crossing gate with track power

[Benjamin Maggi]

I just bought a Lionel 612714 automatic crossing gate. It came with an actuator clip but I want to activate the crossing gate using some insulated track sections. I have tubular track and that shouldn't be too difficult.

Question: is it possible to power (light up the bulb) the accessory with track power too, or must I run a connection to the transformer? Since I only have a temporary Christmas tree set-up, I would prefer not to run more wires than necessary from the gate  to the CW-80 unless I absolutely have to.

Thanks!

[lionelsoni]

To power it from the track, connect one terminal to the center rail and the other terminal to a control rail (an insulated length of outside rail).

[Roger Carp]

Hi,

 

Please contact me at the magazine for some expert advice to solve your problem.

 

Thanks,

 

Roger Carp

Senior editor

Classic Toy Trains

262-796-8776 ext. 253

[sir james I]

Yes you can use track power BUT it may not be enough for the gate and train to run at the same time. Try it then decide.

For Roger: it would be nice if you made your replys online so all could read your answers.

Jim

[lionelsoni]

I agree with Jim.

I get questions occasionally by e-mail.  I try to keep to a policy of asking the questioner, usually someone new to the forum, to post the question on the forum instead, so that others can benefit from the answer(s).

My answer isn't always right or the only solution, so an airing on the forum also often serves to correct errors, expose trade-offs, and resolve misunderstandings.