M.T.H. HO Crossing Gate Manual - page 9
M.T.H. HO Operating Crossing Gate
9
Follow these instructions for track that has a molded roadbed,
such as MTH HO RealTrax or Atlas True-Track :
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1. Start by noting the two track sections that will be receiving the sensors.
The sensors are pre-wired and can be separated to a span of about 4 ft.
Please reference the speed to distance chart on page 13 to determine the
spacing that you will need to have the gates come to the lowered position
before the train arrives at the crossing. Keep in mind that you will have
consider the reaction time of the crossing gate when determining where
to place the sensors.
- Once a sensor is covered it takes approximately 9 seconds for the
barricade to lower.
- After the second sensor is cleared 14 seconds will elapse before the
barricades are completely raised. The bell stop ringing 22 seconds after
the second sensor is uncovered.
2. On both sides of the grade crossing mark the locations in the track
where you want the sensors to be located. It is recommended that you
mark as close to the centerline between the rails as possible and locate
the hole in the ballast space two between ties.
3. Drill a small pilot hole using a 1/8” drill bit at the spot you marked in
step 2. Take care to ensure you aren't drilling through any wiring. Drill
completely through the track section and into your benchwork.
4. Repeat the same procedure on the other piece of track you marked
5. Remove both sections of track from your layout. You will notice there
is a small hole in your layout decking from the pilot you drilled in step 3
6. Using a 5/16” drill bit drill a hole through the layout decking at the spot
where your pilot mark is. This is the hole you're going to use to run the
sensor up to your track sections
7. Repeat step 6 on the other track section
8. Using the X-acto knife clean the plastic burrs from the holes in the
track bed.
9. Insert one of the sensors through the hole in the layout and then insert
the sensor in the hole in the track roadbed. Make sure the sensor is
inserted completely so that the step on the sensor enclosure touches the
bottom of the roadbed. At this point the sensor should be even with the
tops of the ties in your track. You may find that you need to run the drill
bit in and out of the hole a little more to make the sensor fit. Do not
make the hole too large.