I have had a Lionel 151 postwar era semaphore for some time, without ever hooking it up. Just using the accessory as a "prop". Then I bought a 159 Semaphore (from 1996). a week or so ago at a show, after buying several I bought several of the latest and current 153IR trackside detectors versions a year or so ago.
I like the concept of the 153IR infra-red detector (appearance of the unit, ability to add after the track is set in place, adjustable sensitivity, and adjustable time),
In setting up the semaphores using the 153IRs I was puzzled as to why, wiring them the same, the 159 worked opposite to the 151- it rests on the flag-down (closed- stop) position and when energized, goes to the flag-up (open-go) position.
I found that the later one (maybe all of the MPC and later versions) work opposite, apparently by design. I also found that both the 151 and 159 versions are considerably quieter and work as well on DC power. So I will use an old HO set power pack, or use some adjustable buck converters set to the minimum effective DC voltage to run these.
BUT - to add to the "play value" appeal of the semaphores to kids- you might WANT them to be loud!! If so run them on AC.
