Crossing Gate Malfunction

Use a couple wires with track power and jumper the gate. That will either eliminate or indicate the contactor.

Thanks for the info.  Yes, I was aware that the "red" lights are made red by the color of the lens only.  The contactor is definitely OK so it must be the crossing gate itself so a new (to me) gate is the next step.   Will a brand new (2020) version work on the old timey 3 rail?   This of course would be the Fastrac version.  At this point I'd rather buy a new one than take my chances with (very) used one from eBay.

I have a 252 on my waiting to list on eBay shelf.  I tested it a few minutes ago.  It has a nice action taking about three seconds to lower - much better than the snap of the old 152 gate.

Looking at current sales on eBay, I think $15 including shipping would be a fair price.  I'd throw an the original box (one end missing) for another $2.

From my experience the old postwar 252 gates are very reliable and I personally wouldn’t hesitate to buy another. The modern version of the 252 should work fine with 3 rail track just like the old version and other type gates can be used as well. Keep in mind I believe the new version of the 252 has red stripes instead of the old style black stripes. 

There are quite a few 252 gates for sale on EBay right now at good prices. I have bought most of mine there with good results.

Thanks for the offer to buy the one on your shelf (I might take you up on that) or I will try another one from eBay assuming the consensus is that mine is a goner.  Yes, 15 to 20 dollars will buy another one but I'm also looking at the 154 too.  One guy has both for sale but they're "untested" so I'm not sure if I will buy them or not.

The postwar 154 takes a different type of contactor to make it work. In regard to the 154 I personally prefer the modern MTH remake of the 154 because it uses led lights and can be used with the old school contractors or any activation device to make the lights blink alternately instead of the old primitive special contactor (154C contactor) that Lionel used with the old 154.

Thanks for the insight on the MTH.  Do you have a part number for it?

windhund42 posted:

Thanks for the insight on the MTH.  Do you have a part number for it?

Yes, the part number is 30-1074.

Well, lo and behold, the gate is working now. This morning I took it apart and sprayed it with contact cleaner so maybe that did the trick.  Thanks to all who tried to help me.  It's appreciated.

That doesn't surprise me.  The one that I need to sell was a bit sluggish.  a short squirt of WD-40 and it's working just right.