Lionel 6-14098 Mainline Auto Crossing Gates

For the ones that I have repaired it was not the worm gear that was stripped but instead the spur gear on the gate assembly.  This can happen if the limit switches are out of adjustment or somebody forcibly raises or closes the gate.   The part you need for the Series 1 crossings is not available at Lionel.  I also checked Bill at S&W and he is out of stock.  You can buy the entire assembled gate assembly from him.

I will warn you that this is a tedious job.  Involves de-soldering, re-soldering and fine detail assembly. 

I was lucky: I replaced the $2 worm gear, and now it works fine. No soldering or any electrical work: just many tiny screws to keep track of.

Of course the shipping on the $2 part from Lionel was $10, but well worth it.

HI,  One member said part is form Bill at S & W.  WHo are they and hpw does on contact tham??  I need this part to repair crossing gate too.

Thanks Mike D

Here is a link to their website:

http://sandwparts.com/

The same with me.  I had 5 trains + 1 trolley running simultaneously today. No derailments, no shorts!

I recently picked a pair of these crossing gates at a train show (new), and noticed something different about each unit.  When one of them is activated, the gate lowers and the lights come on and the mechanism stops.  But on the other one, the same thing happens except I can still hear the mechanism running until it is deactivated.  Is this correct?  I'm worried that the constant operation of the mechanism will strip or burn out something.  If the constant running when activated isn't correct, any ideas on how I can correct it?  Thanks in advance for the help!

Dale, Lionel made an earlier Series 1 which used a worm gear inside the crossing stand later to be replaced by Series 2 that used a lever/rod principle.  You can tell a Series 1 because on the crossing arm gearbox it will have 2 adjustment screws for the up and down limit switches (see picture below).  I don't recall which screw is for up and which one for down but you can use trial and error.  Only adjust 1 screw at a time and only it 1/4 turn at a time.   Once you figure it out and get yours adjusted please report back which screw does what.  The screws are hard to get at but use a small flat blade and come in at an angle around the decorative relay house. 

If you have a Series 2 then we will need to regroup.

Based on your picture, I think I have a Series 1.  See photos.  I turned the upper (rear) screw and nothing seemed to happen.  I went to turn the lower (front) screw and found a small lock washer on the end of my screwdriver.  Apparently there is no screw in that position!  Suggestions?  Do you know what size screw that is?  How does the relay box come off, because I don't think I can install a screw with it in place.  Thanks!

Well in fact it is a Series 1.  If you want to remove the shack you will need to pull the bottom off the accessory.  If I recall correctly there are 2 machine screws that hold the shack on from underneath.  Inside that shack is a printed circuit board and a non-conductive sheet to insulate the board.  Here is the Lionel part for the screw you are missing.  Double check the box to see if it is in there or just below on the floor where you pulled them out.     

Thanks again!  I got the relay box off per your direction and am taking the other screw to my local hobby shop, hoping they have it. If I  strike out, do you have a recommendation for where I can order the screw online?I'll let you know when I get the new screw if the constant-running problem is corrected.

You can simply order this part from the Lionel support website.  I think it is 30 cents and shows in stock.   However minimum shipping charge is $10 so maybe you can add other items to your order to make worthwhile.  I will be placing an order with Lionel within a week and can add your screw to my order then send to you.  
 The missing screw is causing your problem.   When the gate is down the motor switch needs to ground to that adjustment screw to signal the motor to stop

I was able to get the screw at my local hobby shop.  I won't be able to try it in the crossing fate for a week or so, but I'll let you know if its working when I do.  Thanks for the help and the offer to send me the screw!

Ok, so I got the replacement screw installed and everything was working fine for several months.  However, I just now noticed that when activated, the gate lowers but the mechanism keeps running and it won't go back up when deactivated.  With the bottom removed, I can see some shafts in the gearbox are still spinning.  I tried moving the two adjustment screws per a previous message and nothing happens.  If I lift the gate manually when deactivated, it will stop.   Any suggestions on how to fix? 

Thanks in advance!

Dale

Glad I stumbled on this. The adjustment screws set the spacing on drive wheel contacts married to gear pins that make the contacts open or closed. Off or on.

Also, on the arm axle, the white nylon gear has the pins and gets off center.

I can get arms up and pins open switch shutting off motor.

How do arms go down ?