11-23-2010, 03:22 PM
Gary S Wrote:Gotta agreewith everyone else, you're off to a great start. Very well thought out. Look forward to seeing more photos.
Do the MTH crossing signals come with sensors that are installed under the track? Approximately what was the cost?
Hi Gary,
I hope that with the holiday recess coming the free time will allow me to oblige your request for additional photos!
The MTH crossing signals do come with photo sensors that trigger the gates. They claim to be "plug and play," and are very easy to install (had I used a more traditional benchwork method they truly would have been plug and play).
The apparatus consists of two control units that mount beneath the crossing signals- one master that has power inputs (both DC and AC), the speaker input, sensor inputs, and an output to the slave unit. The sensor inputs are linked to a pair of photo sensors (one to indicate that the train is approaching the grade crossing, the other installed on the opposite side that detects when the train as completely passed through the crossing). The photo sensors mount beneath the track (I did cut away a single tie to allow for them to be flush with the tops of the ties, but I suspect if you are skilled enough when applying ballast that you could allow them to remain below the ties).
Four pair of sensors are provided, as are signs to allow you to denote the proper number of tracks at the crossing (a very nice touch). The only complaint I have with the system is the length of cord attached to the photo sensors is too short (they only allow for the sensor to be placed about 2 feet in each direction from the grade crossing). A train approaching at track speed would reach the crossing before the gates have completely lowered. Given that my layout will feature industrial switching moves, it shouldn't be a concern for me from an operational standpoint though.
The MSRP for the set is $179.99, although they can be found online (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.modeltrainsyard.com">http://www.modeltrainsyard.com</a><!-- m -->) for $149.00. I was able to purchase them for significantly less on eBay. I found the cost to be very reasonable, given what I would have paid for a pair of tortoise switch machines, a set of crossing gates, and the speaker with housing (let alone the time it would have taken me to wire them).