Any one have this, use it? Wondering if it makes that annoying buzzing sound like so many of the Lionel operating accessories. Is there a quieter Christmas themed auto gateman from another manufacturer?
Thanks
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I have it. Haven't used it in a few years, but I don't think it made the buzz like the original. It flys open with about the same speed, so you do hear a click of it hitting the end of it's path, but no solenoid buzz as I remember
Like so many of Lionel's solenoid-actuated accessories, it's mostly the AC 60~ that causes the buzz...augmented by so much sheet metal/plastic. If you want to eliminate the buzz entirely, power the accessory with a DC source. But what would a Lionel layout under the tree be without 'the buzz'??? My dad's gateman, vintage 1930's, still buzzes. Its repeated noise as Dad's 366W raced around the balsam tree in the mid-to-late 40's put me to sleep. (Of course the warmth of the adjacent fire in the fireplace...and Mom's cooking...had something to do with it, too!!!
)
)Other manufacturers of animated gate-persons/creatures used a different sort of drive mechanism that was quieter, less abrupt in its actuation.
Anyhow, we have the Nutcracker. He's under the Christmas tree every year since. He especially complements the Gingerbread Set that's on one of the tree ovals. Also have a couple small stuffed toy Gingerbread guys to embellish the scene. Gingerbread-scented smoke fluid completes the ambiance!
KD
Thanks. I have one new in box. Will have to break it out and test it, decide whether or not to use it. The buzzing is ok once or twice, but not over and over from a train running in circles
