11-24-2010, 11:12 AM
Gary S Wrote:Thanks for the info on the crossing signals. Operational gates is something I definitely want on my layout - thought about how to do it in the past, but not lately. Your use of the MTH signals sparked my interest. I've looked at JL Innovative crossing gates, and was looking into building my own operating system using Tortoises and some photo-resistors with transistors to control relays for the logic. The MTH stuff gives me another option.
On another note, you had mentioned that you wished you would have made some of the shelving wider. Is it too late to splice some dimensional lumber on?
For me, with my limited experience with complicated wiring or precisions crafting, the MTH signals were the right choice. I do have another grade crossing to tackle, but I might just protect that with lights and forgo the operational gates.
Presently I am satisfied with the way the track plan is operating, so I don't foresee a need to expand the layout with lumber, although there may be some interest in seeing if some additional room would allow me to correct the track work near the engine house (the final track of that three-track yard seems a bit tight). However, when I begin to scenic the area it may help to add 2-4" near the engine house!