Inexpensive RR Crossing Signals

I have some of those. Got mine at Michael's years ago. They were the same price as yours, and with the Lemax junk.

Thank You guys, I'll look for them at Sears and Michael's. I'm sure my wife will have me at both in the next week or two.

I use similar ones on both my Christmas "O", as well as a "S" layout. They are always on, but the loops are small...so, no problem.

Hi Alex,

I've seen these before, but never bought any. Thanks for the info, I'll try them out.

Thanks,Alex

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Judy

Our local Lowe's carries Lemax stuff too.

.....

Dennis

so you can wire this to the transformer and they will work fine?

Thanks for the tip.  I'll look them up.

". . . so you can wire this to the transformer and they will work fine?"

No. They actually work with 4.5 VDC, and the tranformer is AC. They will work with 3 batteries, though.

Alex

i know you can buy a connection to plug them in and of course batteries, can you run them from track and therefore, either trip them with the track or some sort of ir device?  i'm pretty sure i tried to light up some old ones i had with a transformer and they went "POOF"

The Lemax ones I have need batteries or the electrical 3 volt connectors that Lemax has (that plug into a outlet). The purpose of these is low-cost SIMPLICITY.

You are correct. The transformer output is alternating current (AC) and usually the lowest setting is around 6 volts, so it wil definitley make the lights go "POOF" .

You would have to rectify the AC to make it DC. You can use a full-wave bridge or even a single diode for half-wave may work just fine. But you have to make sure the voltage does not exceed the 3v or 4.5v. (The Electrical Forum has threads on these topics.)

The Lemax lights with which I am familiar come in two power requirement styles: 3-VDC amd 4.5 VDC. The lights come with just the small battery boxes: two batteries for the 3 volts, and three batteries for the 4.5 volts. The battery boxes also have a jack that matches the Lemax 3-VDC and 4.5-VDC power supplies or wall-warts. Notice that they have different connectors for the 3 and 4.5 VDC.

(Lemax Lights - Click on picture to enlarge)

Hope this helps.

Alex