Crossing gates

N

Nicholas

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There are quite a few G scale crossing gates available. Are there any that are more reliable than others? If so what are the better ones to use.
 
That depends on style, and whether you want them to be static, or operate in some way..
Also, for inside, or outside?
 
The Pola crossing gates are beautiful and operate prototypically. I have used them outdoors, but with limited success. If I had not made them permanent, they may have lasted longer. But the winter months took their toll after a couple of years.

Here is my Pola crossing gate from 2007.

 
Is the LGB 5065 crossing gate made to be used outside? Can it stand up to the weather? There is one available but it does not have the 3 planks that sit on the activation area. I was told they are not necessary but it looks like they may be. If there is anyone that has used this gate and knows about its operation, please let me know.
 
Moving the Pola gates would be troublesome if you were doing it more than once each year. That's because they must be wired to LGB 17100 track switches. Those are the little black boxes that fit between the rails and are used to activate various items like switch tracks and signals.

You could use quick connect plugs to make removal of the gates simpler, but I don't recommend it on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis.

The best thing you can do is fabricate a cover for the winter. A simple plastic storage container would serve the purpose well.

I don't know about the LGB crossing gates being left outdoors indefinitely, however, all LGB equipment is meant for the outdoor environment, so my guess is that it would be fine.

I believe the LGB gates work by the weight of the train passing over the boards you mentioned. The only thing about this arrangement would be keeping the mechanism clear of debris, like seeds, twigs, leaves and so forth. I have never owned a set of these gates so I don't know how much maintenance is involved.

You have my interest now. Perhaps this summer I will try a set of the LGB gates myself.
 
The LGB crossing I have works by the weight of the train on the rail before the crossing pressing the rails on the crossing down on the roughly Y-shaped arms on the crossing; the planks just cover this up.

As regards using outside, I think you would need to check regularly that dirt or small stones on garden wildlife had not got into the area under the planks or under the track either side of the crossing which is slightly raised above ground level.
 
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