Ahhhhhhhh! Help for a newbie - PLEASE!

[Anonymous]

I've been reading the forum for a few months now. I've used a bunch of the methods discussed here to construct my first train platform. Well, my first very own platform. You see, I'm the youngest of 6 so when I was little I had the important jobs (like holding the screwdriver) when my Dad and two brothers worked on the train every Christmas...

I've constructed an 11 x 5.5 foot platform using 2-inch extruded foam. I bought a Lionel Penna Flyer (O gauge) set a couple years ago and lots more track this year to complete a figure 8 inside of an oval (with two switches connecting the two). Yes, I know, mundane stuff - but I'm very excited.

I have what I believe are two pretty simple questions to ask - please take mercy on me...:

1. The platform worked like a dream until I HAD to buy a pair of RailKing crossing gates today... I just can't seem to correctly wire the 5 RailKing wires to the 2 wires on my Lionel accessory pack and the transformer. I guess I should note that I have more than the 1 insulated section of FasTrack between the two isolated sections... I know there is someone out there who can explain this to me in extremely simple terms.

2. My train always loses power at the far end of the platform. I tried to add a second terminal section but whenever I tried to hook up both terminal sections to the transformer the train wouldn't run. Each terminal section on their own will run the train, however, the train slows at the same point with either. Besides loose track connections or need of track cleaning - any suggestions??

I so appreciate this resource and all of your help.

- Doug in VA

[Anonymous]

Doug

To operate the crossing gate you need a relay activated by the insulated rail or a ITAD that has a normally open and normally closed contact. One of the 5 wires is not used unless you use DCS I believe. Two of the leads go to power the gate,one of which goes to the common of the relay contacts. The other 2 wires go to the NC and NO contacts of the relay. The NO contact closes the gate and the NC contact opens the gate.
The best method is to activate a 12 or 24 volt relay with an insulated rail, the coil powered by a seperate properly phased transformer tap or with a another tap from a multi tap transformer that has a common ground.

On the other problem look for dirty track connections.

Dale Hz

[Anonymous]

Dale:

Thanks for your post! I think I'm closer but not there yet. I do see now that I need all insulated track between the isolated track... I've got 2 leads from the track going to the gate. I don't think I need to worry about one lead (as you say). What to do with the other two leads? I've been trying to connect them to the transformer. Connecting both to the transformer doesn't work. Also, as you state, when I connect one the gate goes up; when I connect the other the gate goes down.

So when the train rolls over the isolated track the lights always blink but depending on which lead I have connected the gate only goes up or down...

Again, thanks, and I apologize for being slow on the uptake: I guess my problem is that I haven't a clue what "The other 2 wires go to the NC and NO contacts of the relay." means

[Anonymous]

The ITAD I believe has NC and NO connections I think. I never used one but they are described in the MTH crossing instruction. NC means normally closed,NO means Normally open. When the power is on the common blade it will be directed to either opening or closing the gate. The relay contacts simply function as a switch. With an ITAD I do not believe an insulated rail is required at all as detection is made through a light beam.The only problem with these are that they can be eratic in operation as room lighting can confuse them.

Dale Hz