Motorising level crossing gates

12085 Views 7 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Ruffnut Thorston, Jun 21, 2009

jimmer

Discussion Starter · Jan 27, 2009

There was a really helpfull article in the Hornby magazine a few months ago about building a level crossing. How about following this up with an article about how to motorise your level crossing? Personally speaking when I go to exhibitions and see layouts which have these, I wish I could do something similar for my layout. I have checked the internet and must admit dont understand most of the methods suggested. I always enjoy the plain english that is used in the Hornby magazine which has inspired me to do a few projects mentioned in your great magazine and I am sure it would make an interesting article.

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Brian Considine

· #2 · Jan 27, 2009

If you mean the UK style hinged gates then you could look at using either the Tortoise, Fulgurex or Lemaco slow action point motors. You will have to make up your own linkages though. Another possibility would be to use R/C servo's.

If you want the barrier type then Viessmann & Busch do some very nice prototypical action ones than can be easily "anglised".

Hope this helps.

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Cardboard

· #3 · Mar 2, 2009

Hi For many years I wanted to electrify a level crossing but never found an easy way to do it. However as a member of MERG (Model Electronic Railway Group) (I'm no electronics engineer either) I purchased a clever device which can control model radio control relays and have assembled 2 of these with some micro switches to control a pair of single track gates. I would be happy to share the information with anyone who might be interested.

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frame69

· #4 · Mar 2, 2009 (Edited by Moderator)

I've done it with a couple of dvd door motors running off lower gears.
Just fitted one to a workshop crane,the video is in "my workbench".

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madon37s

· #5 · Mar 2, 2009

Hi Andy,
I have seen your dapol crane working and I think it looks great mate.
Very well done.

Kind regards

Paul

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Mike Wild

· #6 · Mar 20, 2009

QUOTE (jimmer @ 27 Jan 2009, 22:25) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>There was a really helpfull article in the Hornby magazine a few months ago about building a level crossing. How about following this up with an article about how to motorise your level crossing? Personally speaking when I go to exhibitions and see layouts which have these, I wish I could do something similar for my layout. I have checked the internet and must admit dont understand most of the methods suggested. I always enjoy the plain english that is used in the Hornby magazine which has inspired me to do a few projects mentioned in your great magazine and I am sure it would make an interesting article.

Great idea! It's been added to our ever growing list of feature ideas.

Cheers,

Mike

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Eagle1711

· #7 · Jun 21, 2009

We have fully operating level crossing gates using a meccano set

it also have operating signals so when the gates are open lights/signals are on red and vice versa

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Ruffnut Thorston

· #8 · Jun 21, 2009

Way back in the distant past, Tri-ang had a Double Track Crossing with four gates, that swung open and closed together. (Before 1958!)

The secret was a type of memory wire, that pulled the gates via linkages. The only problem was, that if left "energised", the wire overheated, quite often melting the roadway!

They also had a "Transcontinental" Series crossing, which had vertical booms instead of gates. (Same vintage!)

Probably one of the most realistic movements ever made RTR (Ready To Run..)

(Caution! Tri-ang Railways Enthusiast, please treat with care.....

)

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