I put up a WTB link to see if anyone answered for my desire to buy a Lionel 6-12052 Fastrack Grade Crossing with Flashers and no Gates, and surprising to this forum (where replies are typically within seconds, never mind minutes), I've got nothing.
So, discarding the "Fastrack" concept in lew of what I'm trying to accomplish, I'd appreciate input from those more experienced than me (i.e. "everyone"), on how to solve this problem:
1. Despite my reservations, my 4-year-old grandson loves the "ding-ding" (crossing gate with lights and sound). {Note to future grandparents: They grandchildren almost always get their way, so be prepaired.}
2. The gates on the Lionel section I had originally purchased were flukey and, well, defective. So, I returned them. I've since given up on the necessity of "gates".
3. I absoulutly want sound and lights, but there's no requirement that it has to be FasTrack, as I'm technical enough to wire an isolated track (outside rail cut on either side of the crossing) to trigger.
4. It would seem easy to me to add another manufacturer's item to do this, but use the standard Lionel grade crossing (without lights or sound, but with isolated track for triggering). Frankly, the only reason to even use Lionel's grade crossing would be to match the other two I already have...not an absoulte requirement.
5. I have 18vdc from the MTH power supply, plus 18-20vac from the Lionel power supply I've held on to. Would prefer DC operation (because that's all I'm using now), but AC is certainly fine. Isloated grounds between one supply or section of track if OK.
Any advice on a replacement manufacturer, as Lionel no longer has this item available?
