Crossing Gate Activation

[Anonymous]

I'm new to 3-rail O-gauge. I just set up a simple 4x8 for my grandson using RealTrax. I'm trying to wire a Lionel crossing gate using an insulated section of track to activate it. I can get it to work fine using track power, but the throttle has to be way up in order for the gate to lower. I've tried wiring it via the accessory terminal on my transformer, but the gate seems to still be sensitive to the throttle setting. Any ideas?

[lionelsoni]

It is important that the common return of the transformer be connected to the running rails, not the center rail. Try reversing the wires to the track. When you have it right, the voltage between the running rails and the accessory terminal should not change as you move the handle.