Lionel #152 Crossing Gate

[pastime]

Just received this crossing gate from someone who knows nothing about trains. I would like to place this on my layout. How is it wired/hooked up. Thank you.

[1688torpedo]

Hello Pastime! You will need a # 153 Contactor Plate which activates Crossing Gates,Block Signals, & Semaphores. Take two wires & connect them to the two post of a Tranformer. If you use a ZW for example connect the two wires to the C-U or D-U post; Then connect one of the wires to a Binding post on the #152. Then connect the second wire from the transformer to the #3 clip of the contactor plate.Then run a wire from #2 of the contactor plate to the second Binding Post of Crossing gate,place the contactor under a Track Tie( Straight Track is preferred for this) & you're all set. Lionel & MTH also Make Infrared Devices that do the same Job as the # 153 Contactor plate. & they should be available where most Trains are sold. Hope this helps you out. Take Care.

[Anonymous]

Hey there Pastime. The best way to run the signal is to use an insulated track section, which would make hookup alot easier and the signal will operate reliably everytime the train passes through it. I've read, and based on personal experience in the past of the Contactor plate being quite unreliable and needing constant adjustments. As torpedo mentioned, an Infrared device will also work well too. I recently got rid of my contactor plates. Hope this helps.

Chris

[jkerklo]

Take a look at www.Three-Rail.com . Lots of info on using insulated track sections to activate trackside accessories. The "TRACKSIDE" section shows connection diagrams for the 152 crossing gate.