There are a few operable PE examples left in my area, but it's been years since i've seen one in operation, as I recall they had a slow, steady deep bell tone to them, movement was steady. I'm in the same situation with my S scale Citrus Belt, no one makes these and i'm in need of several, lucky, I have one in my collection, courtesy of an abandoned PE line to use for motivation!!
Dave
Sounds like it will work to me.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
Along the main lines wig-wag signals were common, maybe even in Tucson, Ariz in '65 but there were lots of underpasses, not operating is okay if the sound is right/works. Have drawing of real thing, but the mass and rate has been a puzzle to me, has to swing right, light flash, have thought of a weight below, mass, wire, or some scheme, Ideas, thoughts, lighted cross buck types are a 2nd choice, sound still important. - Puma