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dadret, The Model Power XG's "flash" just like you state - you manually move the switch back and forth. I imagine that gets old.. For the price, though, they're not bad - the only real flaw being the yellow color of the sign (instead of white) and the fact that they're black, rather than silver. By discarding the switch, they can be wired to just about any commercial system. NJ International makes some nice, but pricey signals, too. The task of automating crossing guards involves 3 interacting processes - the signals themselves, detection, and flashing. Signals can have either 12V bulbs or LEDs and you need to be sure you account for that. The most common type of detection are IR, photocell, and block detection. Each has it's strengths and weaknesses. None are "perfect" and some folks prefer one, some another. Photocell detection works well in some rooms, not so well in others. If the light level is subject to change, you find yourself fiddling with them. Block detection requires careful thought (and usually some compromise) on the length of the block, the use of detecable wheel sets on longer trains, and a voltage drop from adjacent blocks. IR units can be difficult to mount and align and are a single point detector. You need two for a crossing and that drives the price up. The "flasher" may be separate or integrated with the detection. Some folks like to buy one board that does it all, others like the versatility of having each as separate components. I used to carry both a photocell system and a block detection system. I dropped the photocell one (which I made myself) because I just couldn't guarantee a customer it would work on their layout with their lighting without endless fiddling. I've looked at a couple of IR units, but haven't setteld on one to carry. The best methodology of selecting, as always, is to look at different systems and ask questions of the owners. Mike Tennent
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